What matters most to voters in the metro area?

BRANDON, Miss. (WLBT) - There are different measures on the ballot this year, including changing the state flag and medical marijuana. Voters in Brandon and Jackson shared what issues matter most.

“One big thing in the election I feel like in the past couple of years America has been increasingly polarized. I feel like we should elect a candidate that will try to unite the country a little better," Richard Smallwood said.

One voter stated the economy and the protection of constitutional rights are the issues that matter most to her.

“The economy matters most to be followed by constitutional rights preserving second amendment rights, first amendment rights," Jennifer Carroll stated.

She went on to say that she’s disappointed about the political climate in Washington, D.C.

"I’m pretty disgusted by the whole thing. I feel like we need to have term limits for our Congressman and our senators. I feel like Democrats are trying to push the issue of COVID when that’s not the concern of the American people. The economy is the concerning. COVID is going to come and go.”

Some voters are more concerned about healthcare and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Healthcare and this COVID thing where we can get it under control. You can’t ignore it that it’s here. That’s two of my concerns the healthcare and the COVID virus," said Stanley Turner. “I’m worried about the economy right now. The way we are going to be able to move forward and not backwards in the economy.”

Turner says because of the pandemic, he’s paying closer attention to this election than previous ones.

"Yes, because of the pandemic and the health care crisis that we have right now. We must pay attention to that because if we don’t we’re going to fall to the side.”

Rose White said, “I would have to say the pandemic and most definitely health care. Tell me why. This pandemic is taking us out. It’s killing people every day. Until we get this under control, it’s sad it’s a sad sad situation.”

Then, there are local issues such as Mississippi’s flag change and the legalization of medical marijuana.

Eric Madere said, “The main issue would be the changing of the flag. With everything going on with race relations, I feel like change needs to be done. I support the new flag and everything.”

“I 100% support changing the state flag. I’m glad they got around to changing it. Personally, I don’t enjoy the new design they chose. I just think it’s a little tacky looking,” said Smallwood.

Kathy Jennings said, “Initiative 65, I feel like that’s going to be a step forward for Mississippi, and it’ll also help people who deal with chronic pain daily and so I think it’s important we pay attention to that. I’m looking at each person that I’m voting for and taking account everything. So moving forward, we want to make sure we have strong leaders at the head. Not just the country, which is the top but also on state levels it’s important that we get a team together that going to represent us fully.”

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