The Jackson County Baptist Association is planning a voter registration drive as part of its opposition to an off-reservation casino sought by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

The tribe wants to build a $375 million resort in the county, more than 200 miles from the reservation. The county is holding a non-binding referendum on the proposal in November.

"We are going to get as many people registered as we can," Rev. Dennis Ray Smith told The Mississippi Press. "We have to get people ready to vote. We feel like it is the duty of every Christian to vote."

In related news, Chuck Miller resigned as president/CEO of Choctaw Resort Development Enterprise, which manages the tribe's Pearl River Resort casino. A replacement search is underway.

Get the Story:
Baptist Association opposed to Choctaw casino (The Mississippi Press 8/17)
Press Release: CRDE CEO resigns (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians 8/16)