Shuwaski Young

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Shuwaski Young completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Young's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-356266-2025-06-30\" id=\"heading-bio-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-356266-2025-06-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-356266-2025-06-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tShuwaski Young is a Christian conservative, veteran, and fifth‑generation Mississippian whose life has been shaped by the values of faith, family, service, and hard work. Born in Meridian and raised in the close‑knit, faith‑filled communities of Noxapater and Stallo, he answered the call to serve at 17 by enlisting in the Mississippi Army National Guard. After earning a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Jackson State University, he launched a distinguished career in public service.\r\n<p>At the state level, Mr. Young began in the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office rising to Director of Marketing and Training where he worked under both Republican and Democratic secretaries to modernize voter outreach, strengthen election integrity and certify election commissioner training. At the federal level, he joined the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as External Engagement Coordinator, leading national public‑safety outreach for the “If You See Something, Say Something®” campaign and forging partnerships across government, law enforcement, and the private sector.\r\n</p>\nHe is a Republican because he believes in faith over fear, freedom over government control, and families over bureaucracy. As a conservative, he knows we can both secure our elections and expand business opportunity. Mr. Young serves as Secretary on the Neshoba County Republican Executive Committee and upholding Mississippi’s values while keeping our communities safe through strong law‑enforcement partnerships.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-356266-2025-06-30\" id=\"heading-key-message-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-356266-2025-06-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-356266-2025-06-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I know firsthand that we can both protect our elections and expand access for working Mississippians. I proudly support Mississippi’s voter ID law, and I also support secure, responsible early voting because our farmers, veterans, and factory workers deserve the flexibility to cast their ballots with dignity.\r\n<p>Every legal vote should be counted, and only American citizens should decide American elections. I support REAL ID requirements and strong citizenship verification laws to keep our elections secure and free from unlawful interference.\r\n</p>\nI believe every legal vote in Mississippi should be counted, and only American citizens should decide American elections. I support clean voter rolls, secure ballots, and REAL ID requirements.</li><li>I’ve released a bold, no-nonsense crime policy because public safety is the foundation for economic success. We must fully fund law enforcement, increase officer presence in all 82 counties, and hold repeat and violent offenders accountable. I will work to:\r\nSupport local and state law enforcement agencies\r\n\r\n\r\nDesignate gang members as public enemy #1\r\n\r\n\r\nExpand officer recruitment and training\r\n\r\n\r\nPrioritize enforcement in high-crime areas like Jackson, Meridian, and the Delta\r\n\r\n\r\nNo business will invest in a community where its employees don’t feel safe. No child can thrive where crime runs rampant. A safe Mississippi is a prosperous Mississippi and I will never compromise on keeping our communities secure.</li><li>This campaign isn’t about politics, it’s about purpose. I’m running for Secretary of State because I believe Mississippi is ready for strong, authentic, conservative leadership leadership that reflects our values and delivers real results.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-356266-2025-06-30\" id=\"heading1-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-356266-2025-06-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-356266-2025-06-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tElection Integrity &amp; Voter Access<br/>\r\nAs a former Director of Marketing and Training at the Secretary of State’s Office, I know firsthand that we can both protect our elections and expand access for working Mississippians. I proudly support Mississippi’s voter ID law, and I also support secure, responsible early voting with my constituents approval because our farmers, veterans, and factory workers deserve the flexibility to cast their ballots with dignity.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-356266-2025-06-30\" id=\"heading2-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-356266-2025-06-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-356266-2025-06-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tLeaders who lead with honesty, with faith, and with conviction.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-356266-2025-06-30\" id=\"heading3-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-356266-2025-06-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-356266-2025-06-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHonesty and transparency are core responsibilities for public office holders.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-356266-2025-06-30\" id=\"heading4-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-356266-2025-06-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-356266-2025-06-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-356266-2025-06-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy first job was at the Neshoba County Fair parking cars.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<p>Shuwaski Young did not complete <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's 2023 Candidate Connection</a> survey.\n</p>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nShuwaski Young completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Young's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Shuwaski Young is a Christian conservative, veteran, and fifth‑generation Mississippian whose life has been shaped by the values of faith, family, service, and hard work. Born in Meridian and raised in the close‑knit, faith‑filled communities of Noxapater and Stallo, he answered the call to serve at 17 by enlisting in the Mississippi Army National Guard. After earning a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Jackson State University, he launched a distinguished career in public service. At the state level, Mr. Young began in the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office rising to Director of Marketing and Training where he worked under both Republican and Democratic secretaries to modernize voter outreach, strengthen election integrity and certify election commissioner training. At the federal level, he joined the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as External Engagement Coordinator, leading national public‑safety outreach for the “If You See Something, Say Something®” campaign and forging partnerships across government, law enforcement, and the private sector. He is a Republican because he believes in faith over fear, freedom over government control, and families over bureaucracy. As a conservative, he knows we can both secure our elections and expand business opportunity. Mr. Young serves as Secretary on the Neshoba County Republican Executive Committee and upholding Mississippi’s values while keeping our communities safe through strong law‑enforcement partnerships. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? I know firsthand that we can both protect our elections and expand access for working Mississippians. I proudly support Mississippi’s voter ID law, and I also support secure, responsible early voting because our farmers, veterans, and factory workers deserve the flexibility to cast their ballots with dignity. Every legal vote should be counted, and only American citizens should decide American elections. I support REAL ID requirements and strong citizenship verification laws to keep our elections secure and free from unlawful interference. I believe every legal vote in Mississippi should be counted, and only American citizens should decide American elections. I support clean voter rolls, secure ballots, and REAL ID requirements. I’ve released a bold, no-nonsense crime policy because public safety is the foundation for economic success. We must fully fund law enforcement, increase officer presence in all 82 counties, and hold repeat and violent offenders accountable. I will work to:\r\nSupport local and state law enforcement agencies\r\n\r\n\r\nDesignate gang members as public enemy #1\r\n\r\n\r\nExpand officer recruitment and training\r\n\r\n\r\nPrioritize enforcement in high-crime areas like Jackson, Meridian, and the Delta\r\n\r\n\r\nNo business will invest in a community where its employees don’t feel safe. No child can thrive where crime runs rampant. A safe Mississippi is a prosperous Mississippi and I will never compromise on keeping our communities secure. This campaign isn’t about politics, it’s about purpose. I’m running for Secretary of State because I believe Mississippi is ready for strong, authentic, conservative leadership leadership that reflects our values and delivers real results. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Election Integrity & Voter Access As a former Director of Marketing and Training at the Secretary of State’s Office, I know firsthand that we can both protect our elections and expand access for working Mississippians. I proudly support Mississippi’s voter ID law, and I also support secure, responsible early voting with my constituents approval because our farmers, veterans, and factory workers deserve the flexibility to cast their ballots with dignity. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Leaders who lead with honesty, with faith, and with conviction. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? Honesty and transparency are core responsibilities for public office holders. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? My first job was at the Neshoba County Fair parking cars.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.\n\nShuwaski Young did not complete Ballotpedia's 2023 Candidate Connection survey."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Young's campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>As Secretary of State, Shuwaski will tackle the immediate challenges in our community:</b>\n</p><p><br/>\n<b>Advancing Business – Protecting Taxpayers and Workers</b>\n</p><p><b>Fighting Back Against Corruption</b>\n</p><p>The days when Mississippi leaders let rich people steal taxpayer dollars intended to aid disadvantaged families are over. Shuwaski will hold wrongdoers accountable, repair our state’s reputation, and recover these stolen funds for Mississippians in need.\n</p>\n<ul><li>Shuwaski will work with federal and state officials to hold accountable the people responsible for the largest public fraud case in Mississippi’s history.</li>\n<li>Shuwaski will work with federal and state officials to ensure taxpayer funds are properly recovered.</li></ul>\n<p><b>Advancing Mississippi’s Economic Prosperity</b>\n</p><p>When people do well, businesses do well. Shuwaski will make Mississippi an environment for economic growth by:\n</p>\n<ul><li>Supporting small business advancement</li>\n<li>Expanding workers rights through strong unions</li>\n<li>Brokering big business partnerships with Colleges and Universities</li>\n<li>Establishing corporate localized investment into Mississippi communities</li>\n<li>Expanding Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office website to ensure easy navigation and user-friendly forms</li></ul>\n<p><br/>\n<b>Social Policy</b>\n</p><p><b>Advancing Education Investment</b>\n</p><p>Shuwaski’s platform focuses on pro-worker community investment, economic development, and expanding voter rights by:\n</p>\n<ul><li>Create STEM school-to-career programs with state and private businesses</li>\n<li>Increase financial support to underserved communities for educational resource access</li>\n<li>Develop private, state, and local government-funded mentoring programs to support residents statewide</li></ul>\n<p><b>Protecting and Advancing Voting Rights</b>\n</p><p>All Mississippians deserve ballot access. Shuwaski will\n</p>\n<ul><li>Support restoring the ballot initiative process</li>\n<li>Support establishing:\n<ul><li>Online and automatic voter registration</li>\n<li>Early Voting</li>\n<li>Mail-in Ballots</li>\n<li>Expanding voting rights for people who are returning to society</li></ul></li>\n<li>Eliminate the absentee ballot poll tax (no more notarization requirement)</li>\n<li>End ramped voter purges from registration rolls</li></ul>\n<p><b>An Open Operating Standard</b>\n</p><p>Shuwaski will reestablish the Secretary of State’s Office reputation of being the most “user-friendly agency” in state government. \n</p>\n<ul><li>The Secretary of State’s Office is answerable to the people, and the people will have simple, easy, timely access to the information, policies, procedures, and help that is rightfully theirs.<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_5-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-5\">[5]</a></sup></li></ul>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Shuwaski Young's campaign website (2023)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-6\"><a href=\"#cite_note-6\">[6]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Shuwaski Young completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Young's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-101536-2022-02-06\" id=\"heading-bio-101536-2022-02-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-101536-2022-02-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-101536-2022-02-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-101536-2022-02-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-101536-2022-02-06\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tShuwaski Young is a 5th-generation Mississippi native and public servant. He began a career of service by joining the Mississippi Army National Guard at age 17. Shuwaski is a proud graduate of East Central Community College and Jackson State University, where he learned under the direction of many of Mississippi’s greatest scholars and leaders. Since then, he has held leadership roles across the public and private sectors – including at the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office, Obama 2012 campaign, Clinton 2016 campaign, California Democratic Party, the federal Department of Homeland Security, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Justice &amp; Diversity Center of the San Francisco Bar Association, and more. In those roles, he’s specialized in nonprofit development, advocacy, and communications. \r\n<p>One of his greatest honors is his appointment by the Obama Administration to serve as External Engagement Coordinator at the federal Department of Homeland Security, where he managed and led the “If You See Something, Say Something®” campaign - a national campaign that raises public awareness of the indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, as well as the importance of reporting suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement.\r\n</p>\nThroughout these exceptional experiences, Shuwaski has always kept family, faith, and Mississippi at heart. He is eager to bring his professional experiences and connections to bear so that Mississippians in the Third Congressional District fi\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-101536-2022-02-06\" id=\"heading-key-message-101536-2022-02-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-101536-2022-02-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-101536-2022-02-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-101536-2022-02-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-101536-2022-02-06\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Help Small Businesses Hurt By COVID-19</li><li>Advance Equal Access to High-Quality Food, Water, and Affordable Health Care</li><li>Democracy For All: Protecting the Ballot Box</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-101536-2022-02-06\" id=\"heading1-101536-2022-02-06\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-101536-2022-02-06\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-101536-2022-02-06\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-101536-2022-02-06\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-101536-2022-02-06\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am passionate about the following areas:<br/><br/>\n<p>- Advanced investment for underserved communities and low-income residents<br/>\r\n- Increased educational support for small business ownership programs and business owners, combined with priority land <br/>\n</p>\n<pre> ownership opportunities<br/>\r\n</pre>\n<p>- Creation of a diversity pipeline for increased investment in STEM and Agricultural growth such as Vertical Farming<br/>\r\n- Advanced growth opportunities for underserved communities and low-income residents, through:<br/>\n</p>\n<pre> Investments in climate opportunities<br/>\r\n</pre>\n<p>- Investment in HBCU and support for legacy African American and low-income residents<br/>\n</p>\n-Additional funding for social advancement programs that focus on racial equity<br/><br/><br/></span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "Young's campaign website stated the following:\n“ As Secretary of State, Shuwaski will tackle the immediate challenges in our community: Advancing Business – Protecting Taxpayers and Workers Fighting Back Against Corruption The days when Mississippi leaders let rich people steal taxpayer dollars intended to aid disadvantaged families are over. Shuwaski will hold wrongdoers accountable, repair our state’s reputation, and recover these stolen funds for Mississippians in need. Shuwaski will work with federal and state officials to hold accountable the people responsible for the largest public fraud case in Mississippi’s history. Shuwaski will work with federal and state officials to ensure taxpayer funds are properly recovered. Advancing Mississippi’s Economic Prosperity When people do well, businesses do well. Shuwaski will make Mississippi an environment for economic growth by: Supporting small business advancement Expanding workers rights through strong unions Brokering big business partnerships with Colleges and Universities Establishing corporate localized investment into Mississippi communities Expanding Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office website to ensure easy navigation and user-friendly forms Social Policy Advancing Education Investment Shuwaski’s platform focuses on pro-worker community investment, economic development, and expanding voter rights by: Create STEM school-to-career programs with state and private businesses Increase financial support to underserved communities for educational resource access Develop private, state, and local government-funded mentoring programs to support residents statewide Protecting and Advancing Voting Rights All Mississippians deserve ballot access. Shuwaski will Support restoring the ballot initiative process Support establishing: Online and automatic voter registration Early Voting Mail-in Ballots Expanding voting rights for people who are returning to society Eliminate the absentee ballot poll tax (no more notarization requirement) End ramped voter purges from registration rolls An Open Operating Standard Shuwaski will reestablish the Secretary of State’s Office reputation of being the most “user-friendly agency” in state government. The Secretary of State’s Office is answerable to the people, and the people will have simple, easy, timely access to the information, policies, procedures, and help that is rightfully theirs. [5] ” —Shuwaski Young's campaign website (2023) [6]\n\n\nShuwaski Young completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Young's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. Shuwaski Young is a 5th-generation Mississippi native and public servant. He began a career of service by joining the Mississippi Army National Guard at age 17. Shuwaski is a proud graduate of East Central Community College and Jackson State University, where he learned under the direction of many of Mississippi’s greatest scholars and leaders. Since then, he has held leadership roles across the public and private sectors – including at the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office, Obama 2012 campaign, Clinton 2016 campaign, California Democratic Party, the federal Department of Homeland Security, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Justice & Diversity Center of the San Francisco Bar Association, and more. In those roles, he’s specialized in nonprofit development, advocacy, and communications. One of his greatest honors is his appointment by the Obama Administration to serve as External Engagement Coordinator at the federal Department of Homeland Security, where he managed and led the “If You See Something, Say Something®” campaign - a national campaign that raises public awareness of the indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, as well as the importance of reporting suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement. Throughout these exceptional experiences, Shuwaski has always kept family, faith, and Mississippi at heart. He is eager to bring his professional experiences and connections to bear so that Mississippians in the Third Congressional District fi Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Help Small Businesses Hurt By COVID-19 Advance Equal Access to High-Quality Food, Water, and Affordable Health Care Democracy For All: Protecting the Ballot Box What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I am passionate about the following areas: - Advanced investment for underserved communities and low-income residents - Increased educational support for small business ownership programs and business owners, combined with priority land ownership opportunities - Creation of a diversity pipeline for increased investment in STEM and Agricultural growth such as Vertical Farming - Advanced growth opportunities for underserved communities and low-income residents, through: Investments in climate opportunities - Investment in HBCU and support for legacy African American and low-income residents -Additional funding for social advancement programs that focus on racial equity\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Young's campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>Social Justice and Community Investments</b>\n</p>\n<ul><li>Advanced investment for underserved communities and low-income residents</li>\n<li>Additional funding for social advancement programs that focus on racial equity</li>\n<li>Support for low-income residents from underrepresented and underserved communities</li>\n<li>Increased educational support for small business ownership programs and business owners, combined with priority land ownership opportunities</li>\n<li>Increased funding for criminal justice reform through restorative justice programs and restorative justice law models</li>\n<li>Investment in HBCU and support for legacy African American and low-income residents</li></ul>\n<p><br/>\n<b>Economic Policy</b>\n</p>\n<ul><li>Creation of a diversity pipeline for increased investment in STEM and Agricultural growth</li>\n<li>Advanced growth opportunities for underserved communities and low-income residents, through:\n<ul><li>Investments in climate opportunities</li></ul></li>\n<li>Investment in conservation, agricultural land restoration, and opportunity expansion programs such as:\n<ul><li>Cannabis Production</li>\n<li>Cotton Production</li>\n<li>Timber Livestock</li>\n<li>Production Investment Programs</li>\n<li>Fish and Wildlife Investment and Replenishment<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_5-1\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-5\">[5]</a></sup></li></ul></li></ul>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Shuwaski Young's campaign website (2022)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-7\"><a href=\"#cite_note-7\">[7]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Young's campaign website stated the following:\n“ Social Justice and Community Investments Advanced investment for underserved communities and low-income residents Additional funding for social advancement programs that focus on racial equity Support for low-income residents from underrepresented and underserved communities Increased educational support for small business ownership programs and business owners, combined with priority land ownership opportunities Increased funding for criminal justice reform through restorative justice programs and restorative justice law models Investment in HBCU and support for legacy African American and low-income residents Economic Policy Creation of a diversity pipeline for increased investment in STEM and Agricultural growth Advanced growth opportunities for underserved communities and low-income residents, through: Investments in climate opportunities Investment in conservation, agricultural land restoration, and opportunity expansion programs such as: Cannabis Production Cotton Production Timber Livestock Production Investment Programs Fish and Wildlife Investment and Replenishment [5] ” —Shuwaski Young's campaign website (2022) [7]"}]