Senate honors longtime poll workers and presents Olympic torch to Sen. Jordan

The Mississippi Senate used floor time to honor several longtime poll workers and to present an Olympic torch to Sen. Jordan in a ceremonial presentation that included private-sector partners and local officials.

Poll workers honored: During a resolution recognizing poll workers, the sponsor praised the role of local election officials and named eight individuals representing counties across Mississippi. The resolution singled out Colleen Kane (61 years), Freddie Bird Farmer (60 years), Rosie Howells (57 years), Lelia Peters (55 years), Sarah Ratliff (55 years), Stella Rose Gilmore (53 years), Jaron Kinneil (52 years) and Jean Sturgis (51.5 years). The sponsor said these eight symbolize the work of poll workers statewide.

Presentation to Sen. Jordan: The Senate also received a presentation recognizing Sen. Jordan with an Olympic torch won by a Greenwood store as part of a Coca-Cola promotional event. Derek Simpson, president of the Greenwood Marketplace team, and Morgan Clark Schnoor of Clark Beverage Group spoke on behalf of corporate partners; Mayor Carolyn McAdams of Greenwood also offered remarks. The presenters described the award as recognizing Greenwood Marketplace’s display and community partnership; the store and its partners provided commemorative gift bags distributed in the chamber.

Final action and ceremony: The poll worker resolution and the presentation were ceremonial; the floor took photographs and a short musical selection was played. The transcript records the presentations, remarks from corporate and local leaders, and expressions of thanks from Sen. Jordan; no formal policy action accompanied the ceremonies.

Context: Secretary of State Michael Watson and staff were acknowledged for assistance in assembling the honorees; the sponsor noted these voluntary poll workers help ensure Mississippi’s elections run from the “bottom up.”