Internet Explorer 11 is not supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Viral Video of Voting Machine Issues Cast Shadow on Mississippi Governor's Race

A viral cellphone video of a defective voting machine cast some doubt on a Republican primary for governor in Mississippi on Tuesday, sparking broader concerns about U.S. voting infrastructure ahead of 2020.

A viral cellphone video of a defective voting machine cast some doubt on a Republican primary for governor in Mississippi on Tuesday, sparking broader concerns about U.S. voting infrastructure ahead of 2020.

In the video, one voter, Ethan Peterson of Oxford, Mississippi, tried numerous times to press the touchscreen checkbox for Republican Bill Waller Jr., but the machine instead registered a vote for Walker's GOP primary rival, Tate Reeves. Eventually Peterson said he was able to fix the issue and vote as intended.

It was one of two instances Tuesday, confirmed by the Mississippi secretary of state, in which older touchscreen machines indicated votes for the wrong candidate.

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
Special Projects