Illegal ballots prompt special election in Clarksdale’s Ward 1

JACKSON, Miss. (VDN) — A special election for Ward 1 commissioner in Clarksdale has been set for Nov. 18, 2025, after a judge ruled that enough illegal ballots were cast in the Democratic primary to change the outcome.

The Circuit Court of Coahoma County found that 22 people who did not live in Ward 1 were allowed to vote in the Aug. 5 primary between Timothy W. “Bo” Plunk and Ray Sykes. Plunk lost that race by two votes, 413-411.

“In an election that was decided by two votes, 413-411, twenty-two people who did not live in Ward 1 in Clarksdale… were allowed to vote,” SuperTalk Mississippi reporter Caleb Salers said.

Gov. Tate Reeves announced the special election Tuesday, calling the court’s decision a necessary step to protect voters’ rights.

“Election integrity matters,” Reeves said in a statement. “Voters deserve to have their voices heard, and illegally cast ballots circumvent the will of the people. I’m glad the Circuit Court of Coahoma County ruled that a special election was necessary. There’s no place for cheating in our elections.”

Only Plunk and Sykes will appear on the November ballot.