Last year, Mississippi saw an overwhelming number of new voters go to the polls to cast their vote in the presidential election. Many — if not most — of those voters were energized by the campaign of President Obama.

Tomorrow, the polls open again, this time for primary elections in cities across the state. These elections are vital to Mississippi, so I felt it was important that I reach our to and ask you to go to the polls.

Why are these races so vital? Because our municipal leaders are the first line of decision-making on meat-and-potato issues like zoning, taxes, infrastructure, water, sewer and public safety. If you live in a municipality, the decisions these elected officials make directly affect you.

I encourage you to go vote tomorrow. Take a look at the candidates, and cast your vote for the best qualified Democrat on the ballot.

You can also help out by forwarding this message to your friends and family, asking them to go to the polls to support their Democratic candidate in the primary as well.

Then on Wednesday, the Mississippi Democratic Party will join with you in supporting our nominees as we head toward the general election in June.

Your vote is important, and I hope you will make it count.

Democratically yours,

Chairman Jamie Franks