Mississippi voters are preparing to elect a new governor, fill all 174 legislative seats and decide three ballot initiatives, including one that could provoke a national legal battle over abortion. Polls are open until 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Initiative 26 would amend the Mississippi Constitution to
declare life begins at fertilization. The ballot question reads, "Should the term 'person' be defined to include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or
the equivalent thereof?"

If it's approved, supporters say it could prompt a court challenge seeking to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that established a legal right to abortion.

Initiative 27 would require voters to show government-issued
identification at the polls. The question reads, "Should the Mississippi Constitution be amended to require a person to submit government issued photo identification in order to vote?"

Initiative 31 would restrict the government's taking of private
land. The question reads, "Should government be prohibited from taking private property by eminent
domain and then transferring it to other persons?"

Officials are reporting brisk voter turnout as of midday.
Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann called the turnout
'major'.