STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA)—House Representatives are still encouraging people to vote in what they call "one of the most important elections of our lifetime."

Cheikh Taylor, District 38, and Kabir Karriem, District 41, pounded the pavement over the weekend by holding events to increase voter participation.

They also held social media campaigns and passed out sample ballots to voters.

Taylor said a local circuit court clerk told him that only 1,600 people voted absentee in the 2016 election. This year over 4,000 people voted early.

He also said voters are focusing on key issues during this election.

“This election is the fight over healthcare, affordable healthcare. It’s about keeping our rural hospitals open and making sure preconditions such as COVID-19 are covered,” he said.

Taylor said one thing Mississippians want is to close the wealth gap.

Karriem said he believes there will be a high turnout at the polls.

He encourages everyone to stay safe by wearing a mask, bringing sanitizer and social distancing.

“We have to continue to pay homage to our ancestors and go to the polls and vote. I think we’re going to see that in this election,” he said.