The “Forrest Gump” inspired voter ID commercials released by the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office have won two bronze national Telly Awards in the political issues/campaign advertising and public service categories.

Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said the ads needed to be informational and a little light hearted so that people would remember the ad and not change the channel.

Hosemann said he is a runner and always enjoyed “Forrest Gump,” so when the Mississippi advertising company, Cirlot Agency pitched the “Forrest Gump” inspired ad, he knew that was the right idea.

Since its implementation in December with implementing the voter ID program has issued more than 700 voter IDs throughout the state, four of which were issued in Pearl River County, Hosemann said.

He said his office has published more than 1.5 million informational posters, pamphlets and publications on voter ID and what is required to qualify for the identification card.

The education has also focused on the forms of identification that are already acceptable.

“Our goal was to make sure information was disseminated to individuals,” Hosemann said.

The following photo IDs may be used to vote on Election Day; a driver’s license, a photo ID card issued by a branch, department, or entity of the State of Mississippi; United States passport; government employee ID card; firearms license; student photo ID issued by an accredited Mississippi university, college, or community/junior college; United States military ID; tribal photo ID and any other photo ID issued by any branch, department, agency or entity of the United States government or any state government.

Hosemann said based on research conducted before the legislature adopted the voter ID requirement, it showed .8 percent of Mississippi voters didn’t have a proper form of identification to vote.

The Secretary of State has 20 regional coordinators working with voters, churches and public bodies to make sure voters are being educated on the proper forms of identification and voter IDs, Hosemann said.

“We anticipate we will have an increase in participation the closer we get to Election Day,” Hosemann said.

More than 12,000 entries were submitted from across the country for the 35th Annual Telly Awards.

“Great work starts with a client who trusts you enough to step out of their comfort zone. We certainly found that to be the case with Secretary Hosemann,” said Cirlot Agency COO Rick Looser in a Secretary of State’s office press release. “We are ecstatic our collaborative effort with the Secretary of State’s office won two Telly’s, but I am more pleased we created a memorable campaign which educates Mississippi voters on the changes in our election laws.”

Hosemann said the all companies involved in the making of the commercials were from Mississippi.

Free transportation to the Circuit Clerk’s office to get a voter ID card is being offered to eligible Mississippi voters through the Secretary of State’s office. To arrange transportation eligible voters can call 1-855-868-3745.

For more information on voter ID cards, visit http://www.msvoterid.ms.gov/ or call the Pearl River County Circuit Clerk office at 601-749-7700.