Coast counties split on Initiative 42

Two of the three coastal counties -- much like the rest of Mississippi -- were split in their votes on Initiative 42, the ballot referendum designed to force the state legislature to follow a formula for adequate funding of schools.

Results from the Coast counties had been tallied as of press time but only 71 percent of statewide precincts had reported.

All three Coast counties voted in favor of Initiative 42 over Initiative 42A, the alternative placed on the ballot by the state legislature that mandated "effective," rather than "adequate" funding and didn't provide for judicial oversight. In Hancock and Jackson counties the difference was 10 percentage points. In Harrison County, Initiative 42 won out by 63 percent.

Statewide, with 71 percent of precincts reporting, 58 percent were in favor of Initiative 42 and 42 percent were in favor of 42A.

But that might not matter.

Because statewide, a majority of voters (53 percent) also said they didn't want either amendment.

The same held true in the complete results from Jackson and Hancock counties.

The results seemed as confusing as it had been to explain a ballot many Mississippi residents said on election day they still didn't understand.

Voters had to first decide if they wanted a constitutional amendment. Then they could vote for either 42 or 42A. Even if someone voted against both amendments they could still cast a ballot for one of the initiatives.

But simply put, as long as voters voted against either amendment, the answer to the second question didn't matter -- there will be no education-funding amendment added this year.

Harrison County was the only one of the three Coast counties to vote both in favor of a constitutional amendment and in favor of Initiative 42. Almost 29,000 voters cast ballots 53 percent in favor of an amendment and then 63 percent in favor of Initiative 42.

"I think it shows the folks in Harrison County value public education," said Biloxi Public Schools Superintendent Arthur McMillan. "I think they value and appreciate what they have.

"Biloxi schools will continue to work hard to education children in Biloxi and I know everyone else will do the same."

The confusion over the ballot was reflected in the vote totals. Those in favor of Initiative 42 were expected to vote yes, then for 42. Those opposed were told to vote no but then vote in favor of 42A.

The difference in votes statewide, with the 71 percent reporting, between votes for an amendment and votes for 42 was 5,199. The difference in votes between those against adding an amendment and for 42A was 84,366.

In Hancock County, those numbers were 6 votes versus 1,800. In Harrison County, the differences were 682 and 5,242. In Jackson County, it was 333 and 5,014.

This story was originally published November 3, 2015 at 11:03 PM with the headline "Coast counties split on Initiative 42 ."