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Upcoming Primary Elections
The primary elections for federal offices, including President, as well as for state supreme court justices, state appellate court offices, levee commissioners, election commissioners, and school board members, is on March 8, 2016. The primary runoff election, if necessary, is on March 29, 2016.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Mississippi Elections Calendar 2015-16 [link]
Upcoming General Elections
How is a nominee determined (caucus, primary, convention)?
Can voters register by party in the state?
Must voters be registered with a political party if they would like to vote on that party’s candidates in a partisan primary election (i.e., are primaries open or closed)?
Open. A voter who participates in a party's primary election should intend to support that party's nominee in the general election.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code. § 23-15-575 [link]
When can a voter change or switch their party affiliation?
What are the state's residency requirements for voters?
To register to vote in Mississippi, a person must live in the county and city in which the person seeks to vote for at least 30 days.
People experiencing homelessness or otherwise living in a non-traditional home should attach to their voter registration application a drawing or map that shows their address.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Can someone pre-register to vote if they will not be 18 years old by the next election? If so, who?
A person can register to vote if they will 18 years old by the next general election, even if they will not be 18 by the next primary election.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code. § 23-15-11 [link]
Can 17-year-olds who will be 18-year-olds by the general election vote in the primary?
Yes, if they will be 18 by the general election.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code. § 23-15-11 [link]
Does the state take away the right to vote from persons convicted of certain crimes? If so, what crimes?
People convicted of the following crimes in Mississippi lose the right to vote:
If a voter has been convicted of a crime not on this list (including a felony) they can vote while incarcerated, such as by absentee ballot, as long as they are properly registered to vote. A conviction of a federal crime or a conviction in a state other than Mississippi does not affect the right to vote in Mississippi.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)If people lose the right to vote because of a criminal conviction, can they regain the right to vote? How?
A person who lost their right to vote because of a felony conviction may only regain that right by receiving a pardon from the Governor or by a two-thirds vote of both houses of the Mississippi Legislature.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Is fully online voter registration available? (i.e., can voters fill in and submit an online application without printing and signing it?)
Starting July 1, 2016, Mississippi will allow registered voters who have a Mississippi driver's license or state ID card to update their exisiting voter registration information through a website.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Does the state accept the National Mail Registration Form?
Yes. Click here to download the form.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)National Mail Voter Registration Form [link]
Is the state required to register voters at public assistance agencies and driver's license agencies, per the National Voter Registration Act of 1993?
Does the state have specific rules on students registering to vote or voting?
When is the voter registration deadline?
How is the deadline enforced for mailed applications?
Does the state require organizations conducting voter registration drives to register?
No.
Are there restrictions on getting voter registration forms?
Bulk quantities of voter registration applications must be furnished by the Secretary of State to any person or organization. The Secretary of State must charge a fee for the actual costs of providing a bulk quantity.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code § 23-15-47(4)(c) [link]
Does the state require any training in order to conduct voter registration drives?
No.
Does the state have restrictions on who may help others register to vote?
No.
Does the state have restrictions on paying drive workers, or additional rules related to payment?
No.
Are there restrictions on the voter registration drive offering something of value to a person in exchange for completing a voter registration application?
Federal law states that whoever "pays or offers to pay or accepts payment either for registration to vote or for voting shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five years." At least one federal appellate court has interpreted "payment" as "intended to include forms of pecuniary value offered or given directly to an individual voter, and indicated the value should be based on "an assessment of the monetary worth of an item from the perspective of the voter receiving the item." That case held that food vouchers could be "payment."
Another example is California's Secretary of State's interpretation of the federal law to mean that "Any type of incentive is considered 'payment,' even things as seemingly innocent as cookies or admission to an entertainment event."
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Must the registration drive worker sign the completed voter registration application, and must the drive or canvasser place other information on applications?
Mississippi's voter registration application contains the question, “Was any person or group involved in the process of completing this form other than the voter? If yes, the person or group must provide the information below,” and it provides fields for name and address. Further, the application indicates that if the applicant is unable to sign the application, the person who assisted the applicant must sign it.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Mississippi Voter Registration Application [link]
Does the state have a rule requiring a receipt or other tracking information to be provided to the applicant?
No.
Are there restrictions on copying completed voter registration applications prior to submitting them to the election official, or other restrictions on data entry or disclosure?
This is not addressed in Mississippi election law.
Is there a time limit for voter registration groups to submit the voter registration applications they collect?
Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before Election Day for the applicant to vote in that election.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code § 23-15-47(2)(a) [link]
What are the consequences for failing to submit applications on time?
This is not addressed in Mississippi election law.
Can voters register and vote on the same day (i.e., does the state offer same-day registration)?
Can people vote if they moved, but did not update their voter registration with their new address?
A person who moves to a new address within the same voting precinct or ward can update their voter registration address at the polls on Election Day. A person who moves to a new address that is within the same county but outside of their former voting precinct or ward within 30 days before Election Day can update their voter registration address at the polls on Election Day and vote an affidavit ballot (also known as a provisional ballot).
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code. § 23-15-13 [link]
Can people vote if they have changed their name, but did not update their voter registration with their new name?
Yes, if the voter’s name on their photo ID is substantially similar to their name as it appear in the pollbook. If the voter’s name is not substantially similar, then the voter may cast an affidavit (provisional) ballot, and the voter has five (5) business days after the election to provide an acceptable form of photo identification to the registrar which shows the voter's name as substantially similar to the name as it appears in the pollbook.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Does the state have any places that must provide election materials in languages other than English, per Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965?
Yes, the following counties must provide election materials in Choctaw:
Voting Rights Act Amendments of 2006, Determinations Under Section 203, 76 Fed. Reg. 63602 (Oct. 13, 2011) [link]
Does the state have any other rules about providing election materials in languages other than English?
No.
Who can help a voter with reading assistance or translation if they can't vote on their own?
Under Section 208 of the federal Voting Rights Act, any voter who requires assistance to vote due to inability to read or write may be given assistance by a person of the voter's choice, other than the voter's employer, an agent of that employer, or an officer or agent of the voter's union.
Mississippi's state law has the same for people who receive assistance when voting on Election Day. However, for people who receive assistance when voting an absentee ballot, the person assisting the voter also cannot be a candidate.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Who can help a voter with a disability if they can't vote on their own?
Under Section 208 of the federal Voting Rights Act, any voter who requires assistance to vote due to inability to read or write may be given assistance by a person of the voter's choice, other than the voter's employer, an agent of that employer, or an officer or agent of the voter's union.
Mississippi's state law has the same for people who receive assistance when voting on Election Day. However, for people who receive assistance when voting an absentee ballot, the person assisting the voter also cannot be a candidate.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Does the state have other rules related to access for persons with disabilities?
Mississippi offers "curbside voting" to voters with physical disabilities. On Election Day, a voter with a physical disability may remain in their car outside of the polling place, and two or more poll managers may deliever a ballot to a voter, allow the voter to mark it in secret, and then deliever the ballot back to the polling pllace.
Additionally, voters with physical disabilities who cannot vote in person on Election Day without causing substantial hardship or danger to themselves or others may vote by absentee ballot, and they may apply for absentee ballots by mail instead of applying in person. Also, if a voter has a permanent physical disability, the voter can apply to automatically receive absentee ballots for each future election without having to reapply before every election. To do so, the voter must include with their absentee ballot application a signed statement signed by the voter's physician or nurse practitioner that indicates the voter has a permanent physical disability that makes it difficult for them to vote. The statement must also indicate that the person signing the statement is a licensed, practicing medical doctor or nurse practitioner.
Finally, persons adjudicated to be "non compos mentis" (mentally incompetent) cannot vote. However, commitment or admission to a mental health treatment facility, and findings of needs for treatment or authorizations of continuing treatment, ds not generally constitute an adjudication of non compos mentis.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code § 23-15-11 (mental incompetence) [link]
Miss. Code § 41-21-101 (mental incompetence) [link]
Miss. Code. § 23-15-713(d) (absentee voting eligibility) [link]
Miss. Code. § 23-15-541(2) (curbside voting) [link]
Miss. Code § 23-15-629 (absentee voting by voters with permanent physical disabilities) [link]
Miss. Code. § 23-15-715(b) (absentee voting mail application) [link]
Does the state provide mail ballots to all voters without a request?
Does the state have early voting/absentee in-person voting?
In-person absentee voting is allowed. However, only the following voters are allowed to vote an absentee ballot in person:
Where does early voting/absentee in-person voting take place?
The county registrar's office for all elections except for municipal elections, where it occurs in the municipal clerk's office.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code. § 23-15-715(a) [link]
When does early voting/absentee in-person voting take place?
In-person absentee voting starts the 45th day before Election Day and ends at 12:00 p.m. on either (1) the Saturday before an election held on a Tuesday, (2) the Thursday before an election held on a Saturday, or (3) two days before an election held on any other day.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)What official chooses early voting/absentee in-person voting locations?
None. State law requires that in-person absentee voting occur in county registrar offices and, for municipal elections, in municipal clerk offices.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code. § 23-15-715(a) [link]
Are lists of early voters/absentee in-person voters published? How?
Each registrar must maintain a list of people who have requested an absentee ballot and post this list in a place accessible to the public near the entrance of their office. Additionally, poll managers on Election Day must post in polling places lists of all people in the precinct who have voted an absentee ballot.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code. § 23-15-625(4) [link]
Can anyone vote absentee by mail without an excuse? If not, what excuses allow a voter to vote absentee by mail?
No. A person can vote an absentee ballot by mail only for one of the following reasons:
(Note that this is a different list of reasons than the list of reasons why a person can vote an absentee ballot in-person; see the previous section on "Early Voting/Absentee In-Person Voting" for more information on in-person absentee voting.)
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Deadline to apply for absentee ballot by mail
There is no specific absentee ballot application deadline. However, after receiving an application, county registrars have 24 hours to mail the voter an absentee ballot, and the voter must mark and mail back the absentee ballot in time so that it is received by 5:00 p.m. on the day before Election Day. Therefore, voters should apply early enough that the registrar can receive the application, mail the voter a blank absentee ballot, and receive the voter's completed absentee ballot before this deadline.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)How does a voter apply for an absentee mail ballot?
The voter must request, in writing or orally (including over the phone), an absentee ballot application from the county registrar. Alternatively, the voter can designate in writing (witnessed by a Mississippi resident) an assistant who can request and receive an absentee ballot on their behalf. The assistant can be the voter's parent, child, spouse, sibling, or legal guardian; a person with power of attorney over the voter's affairs; or another agent of the voter.
The registrar will then mail the voter an application (or give the voter's assistant an application in the registrar's office). The voter must complete the application and return it to the registrar by mail.
Additional requirements apply to certain voters that wish to vote an absentee ballot by mail:
Additionally, if a voter has a permanent physical disability, the voter can apply to automatically receive absentee ballots for each future election. To do so, the voter must include with their absentee ballot application a signed statement signed by the voter's physician, or nurse practitioner, that indicates the voter has a permanent physical disability that makes it difficult for them to vote. The statement must also indicate that the person signing the statement is a licensed, practicing medical doctor or nurse practitioner.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Can a voter make an online request for an absentee mail ballot?
No, absentee ballot applications must be submitted by mail.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code. § 23-15-715(b) [link]
Does a voter need to submit any supporting documentation or verification with an absentee mail ballot or absentee mail ballot application? If so, what is required?
Yes, in some circumstances. The following verification is required for absentee ballot applications:
For absentee ballots themselves, voters must have the absentee ballot envelope notarized by an "attesting witness," which includes a public notary or a U.S. postmaster, assistant postmaster, postal supervisor, clerk in charge of a contract postal station, or any officer authorized to administer oaths. An exception applies to voters with temporary or permanent disabilities, who do not need their absentee ballot envelope notarized. However, their envelope must be signed by a witness who is at least 18 years old and is not a candidate who appears on the ballot.
Additionally, if a voter receives assistance completing their absentee ballot (or the envelope) due to disability or illiteracy, the person assisting the voter must sign the absentee ballot envelope.
Finally, if a voter has a permanent physical disability, the voter can apply to automatically receive absentee ballots for each future election without having to reapply before every election. To do so, the voter must include with their absentee ballot application a signed statement signed by the voter's physician, or nurse practitioner, that indicates the voter has a permanent physical disability that makes it difficult for them to vote. The statement must also indicate that the person signing the statement is a licensed, practicing medical doctor or nurse practitioner.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Are there restrictions on who may request or turn in an absentee mail ballot application for a voter?
Generally, a voter may designate the following people to request an absentee ballot application on the voter's behalf:
To designate one of these people to request the absentee ballot application, the voter must make the designation in writing, and the writing must be witnessed by another person who lives in Mississppi, who must sign and put their address on the writing. This person may then orally request an application from the county registrar in the registrar's office and deliver it to the voter.
For voters living in skilled nursing homes, the voter's spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, adult child, grandchild or legal guardian can solicit an absentee ballot application or absentee ballot for a voter even if the voter does not designate them in writing. Alternatively, a voter in a skilled nursing home can designate any other person to do so.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Deadline to return absentee ballots
Receipt - the ballot must be received in the mail by 5:00 p.m. on the day before Election Day.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Are there restrictions on who may return a voter's absentee mail ballot for them?
Mississippi law does not address whether the voter can designate someone to put their completed absenteee ballot in the mail for them.
Are there any special emergency rules that allow a voter to vote absentee by mail if they are unable to make it to the polls at the last minute?
No.
Are lists of people who vote absentee by mail published? How?
Each registrar must maintain a list of people who have requested an absentee ballot and post this list in a place accessible to the public near the entrance of their office. Additionally, poll managers on Election Day must post in polling places lists of all people in the precinct who have voted an absentee ballot.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code. § 23-15-625(4) [link]
Presidential-only ballots
Under federal law, any registered voter who moves out of the state after the 30th day before a Presidential election may vote for President and Vice President either in person at the voter’s previous state of residence or using an absentee ballot from the voter’s previous state of residence.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)52 U.S.C. § 10502(e) [link]
Who is eligible for military/overseas absentee voting?
The following Mississippi citizens can vote an absentee ballot under procedures for military and overseas voters if they are outside of their county where they live:
The spouse and dependents of any of the above people also qualifie as a military/overseas voter if they will be outside of the county where they live on Election Day.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code § 23-15-673 [link]
How do voters apply for a military/overseas ballot?
Military and overseas voters can either:
(1) Request a regular absentee ballot application from their county registrar in writing or orally (including over the phone), fill out the application, and mail it to the county regisrar (see above section on Absentee Voting by Mail for further information); or
(2) Submit a Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) to their county registrar by mail, fax, electronically, or e-mail.
After an application is approved, the voter will automatically receive absentee ballots for all federal, state, and county elections through the next federal general election.
An application can be signed by electronic signature.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Deadline to apply for a military/overseas ballot
There is no military/overseas ballot application deadline. However, voters should apply earlier enough that they have time to receive and cast their ballot before deadline to submit the ballot itself.
Deadline to return the military/overseas ballot
The ballot must be received by the county registrar no later than 7:00pm on Election Day. Note that a military/overseas voter can return their ballot by mail, fax, electronically, or e-mail.
Additionally, a military/overseas voter must be registered to vote at least 10 days before Election Day. A voter can use a Federal Postcard Application (FPC)A) to both request a ballot and register to vote at the same time, so long as it is received 10 days before Election Day. Similarly, a voter can use a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB) to both vote and register to vote at the same time, so long as it is recieved 10 days before Election Day.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Who is eligible to use a write-in absentee ballot? How does it work?
All military and overseas voters can use a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB) to vote in federal, state, and county elections. Additionally, a FWAB can be used to both vote and register to vote at the same time so long as it is received no later than 10 days before Election Day.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Where do you vote in person?
What hours are the polls open on Election Day?
Can a voter bring children into the voting booth with them?
Are employers required to give employees time off to vote?
Are there restrictions on campaigning/electioneering during early voting/absentee in-person voting?
People cannot post or distribute cards, posters, or other campaign literature within 150 feet of any entrance to a building in which an election is being conducted.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code § 23-15-895 [link]
Are there restrictions on campaigning/electioneering on Election Day?
People cannot post or distribute cards, posters, or other campaign literature within 150 feet of any entrance to a building in which an election is being conducted.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code § 23-15-895 [link]
Can a voter wear a button or t-shirt with a candidate's name or logo on it into the polling place when they vote?
*NEW 1** Can a voter use a digital or recording device (such as a cell phone or camera) inside the polling place or voting booth?
Yes, but the use of video equipment in a way that would intimidate is prohibited.
Ballot photography is not expressly addressed in state law, but a voter should not allow his ballot to be seen by any person.
Source (confirmed on: 10/14/2016)*NEW 2** Can a voter use a digital or recording device (such as a cell phone or camera) outside the polling place but within the zone around the polling place where campaigning/electioneering is banned?
State law does not explicitly address this issue (see previous answer).
Can persons other than election workers observe inside the polls?
What are observers inside the polls called in the state?
The generic term is "poll watcher." The term "representative" is sometimes used to refer to poll watchers appointed by a candidate. (Sometimes, poll watchers are also called "challengers," but other people can make challenges - see section below on "Voter ID and Challenges".)
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Does the state establish requirements to observe inside the polls?
In general and special elections, each political party can appoint 2 poll watchers to each polling place where the political party has a candidate on the ballot. In all elections, each candidate can appoint 1 poll watcher to each polling place where the candidate appears on the ballot. Poll watchers must show poll managers identification and written documentation that they've been appointed by a candidate or party. Poll watchers appointed by a political party must be people of good conduct and behavior.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)*NEW 3* Can a poll observer use a digital or recording device (such as a cell phone or camera) in the polling place?
State law does not address this issue. Local practices may vary.
Are there other rules on what poll observers can or cannot do?
When should a voter be offered a provisional ballot?
Under Section 203 of the federal Help America Vote Act of 2002, if a person claims to be a registered voter in the jurisdiction in which the person desires to vote and the person claims to be eligible to vote in a federal election, but the person’s name does not appear on the official list of eligible voters for the polling place or an election official asserts that the person is not eligible to vote, then that person must be permitted to cast a provisional ballot at that polling place. The person may cast the provisional ballot after executing, before an election official at the polling place, a written affirmation stating that the person is (1) a registered voter in the jurisdiction, and (2) eligible to vote in that election.
Additionally, any person who votes in a federal election as a result of a federal or state court order, or any other order extending the time established for closing the polls by a state law in effect 10 days before the date of that election, may only vote in that election by casting a provisional ballot. Any such ballot cast must be separated and held apart from other provisional ballots cast for different reasons.
Under state law, a voter should be offered a provisional ballot (also called an "affidavit ballot") if they state that they are qualified to vote in the election but one of the following circumstances applies:
If a voter casts a provisional ballot at the wrong precinct, will the ballot be counted?
No.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Following up on a provisional ballot
A person who does not show acceptable photo ID when voting must go to the registrar's office within 5 days after they cast their ballot and either show acceptable photo ID to the registrar or sign an affidavit affirming they have a religious objection to having their photograph taken.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code. § 23-15-563(3) [link]
Finding out if a provisional ballot was counted
What is the law or procedure on emergency ballots if a polling place runs out of printed ballots? Are handwritten/photocopied ballots allowed?
Only printed ballots can be used in primary elections, and poll managers should attempt to obtain more printed ballots if there is a shortage.
In all other elections, if there is a ballot shortage and there is not enough time for election commissioners to print and deliver additional official ballots to the polling place, then handwritten ballots may be used. Poll managers can create the handwritten ballots, or alternatively, a voter can handwrite their own ballot.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)What is the law or procedure on emergency ballots if a voting machine breaks or malfunctions?
Who must show ID to vote?
People voting at the polls on Election Day or voting an absentee ballot in person must show ID. There are two exceptions:
People voting an absentee ballot by mail do not have to show ID, unless they are first-time voters in Mississippi who registered to vote by mail and did not provide the necessary ID when registering (see question below for further information on first time voters).
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Admin. Code § 1-16-6.2 (care facility residents) [link]
Miss. Code. § 23-15-563 (general requirements and religious objections) [link]
Miss. Admin. Code § 1-16-7.1 (exemption for most absentee by mail voters) [link]
Miss. Admin. Code § 1-16-7.2. (exemption for most absentee by mail voters) [link]
Are there any special requirements for first-time voters?
First-time voters in Mississippi who are voting an absentee ballot by mail must provide a copy of an ID with their ballot if (1) they registered to vote by mail, and (2) did not provide one of the following forms of identification with their voter registration application:
If a first-time voter in Mississippi did not include one of the above forms of ID with their voter registration application, they submitted their application by mail, then they must include a copy of one of the following forms of ID with their absentee ballot:
If the voter does not include this ID with their absentee ballot, then their ballot will be treated as an affidavit ballot (also known as a provisional ballot). If the voter is eligible to vote and filled out their absentee ballot application, absentee ballot, and absentee ballot certification correctly, then their ballot will be still counted even though they never provided ID. The voter will not need to follow up to provide ID to the regisrar to have their ballot counted.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)What ID is acceptable?
If a voter is casting their ballot in person at the polls on Election Day or casting an absentee ballot in person, they must show a current and valid photo ID. Such photo IDs include, but are not limited to, the following:
For an ID to be "current," it must either (1) have no issue date, or (2) have an issue date that is no more than 10 years old.
Additionally, the photo on the ID must fairly depict the voter's appearance, and the name on the ID must be substantially similar to the voter's name as it appears in the poll book.
Different ID requirements apply to certain first-time voters who are voting an absentee ballot by mail (see previous question).
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Is a student ID an acceptable form of identification?
Yes. For voters casting an absentee ballot in person or voting at the polls on Election Day, a student ID is acceptable so long as it is a current and valid student identification card, contains a photo of the voter, and was issued by an accredited college, university, or community or junior college in Mississippi.
For those first-time voters voting an absentee ballot by mail who are required to provide a copy of an ID (see question above about first-time voters), a student ID is acceptable even if it does not have a photo of the student, but it must have been issued a public school or college (not a private one), it must be current, and it must contain the voter's address.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Does the address on the ID have to match the address at which the voter is registered?
No.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)If a voter has no ID, are there alternatives such as an oath or witness?
Voters casting an absentee ballot in person or voting at the polls on Election Day who do not provide an acceptable photo ID can vote an affidavit ballot (also known as a provisional ballot). For the ballot to count, such voters must go to the registrar's office within 5 days of voting and show the registrar an adequate photo ID.
Additionally, voters who have a religious objection to having their photograph taken can vote an affidavit ballot. For the ballot to count, such voters must go to the registrar's office with 5 days of voting and sign an affidavit affirming their religious objection.
Finally, those first-time voters in Mississippi who are voting an absentee ballot by mail and are required to provide a copy of ID with their ballot (see the question above concerning first-time voters for more information) can mail their ballot in without the ID and their ballot will be treated as an affidavit ballot. So long as the voter is eligible to vote and completed the absentee ballot application, absentee ballot, and abstentee ballot certificate correctly, their ballot will count. The voter will not need to follow up or provide ID to the registrar.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Do elections without federal offices on the ballot (such as off-year gubernatorial elections) have different ID requirements?
Who can challenge a voter at the polling place?
Any of the following people may challenge a voter:
Miss. Code § 23-15-571 [link]
What are the allowed reasons on which a voter can be challenged at the polling place?
A person can be challenged on the following grounds:
Is there a requirement for the challenger to provide cause or evidence?
The challenger cannot make a frivolous challenge or make a challenge in bad faith.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code § 23-15-579 [link]
How does a voter defend their eligibility to vote if they are challenged?
To determine whether to accept a challenge, poll managers can accept and consider evidence, including statements made by the voter, official documentary evidence, and indubitable oral evidence. If the poll managers unanimously agree that the evidence is sufficient to accept the challenge, the voter's ballot will not be counted. Otherwise, the voter's ballot will be counted as though no challenge was made.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code § 23-15-579 [link]
What are the restrictions on polling place challenges?
Who/what is the state election authority?
Current official
Delbert Hosemann
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Sec. of State's Website: About Delbert [link]
You can use the online form to e-mail the Elections Division by clicking [here]http://www.sos.ms.gov/Pages/MailForm.aspx?m=A6FB9F9C-763F-4D90-84E2-CC1B7827EEC5).
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Sec. of State's Website: Email Elections [link]
Phone
601-576-2550
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Sec. of State's Website: Elections and Voting [link]
Address
What local election official(s) are in charge of major state-level elections (such as the even-year November general elections)?
Usually the county's Board of Election Commissioners, which also appoints a County Registrar to oversee voter registration. In counties without a Board of Election Commissioners, the county's Board of Supervisors oversee elections instead.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)What is the county-level election official?
Usually the county's Board of Election Commissioners, which also appoints a County Registrar to oversee voter registration. In counties without a Board of Election Commissioners, the county's Board of Supervisors oversee elections instead.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)What is the municipal-level election official?
Municipal Election Commission. Additionally, the municipality's clerk serves as a deputy registrar under the County Registrar.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Contact information for local election authorities
National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) Disclosure Law
Section 8 of the federal NVRA requires that each State maintain for at least 2 years and make available for public inspection and, where available, photocopying at a reasonable cost, all records concerning the implementation of programs and activities conducted for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and currency of official lists of eligible voters, except to the extent that such records contain information about a person declining to register to vote or information about the identity of a voter registration agency through which a particular voter might have chosen to register.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)52 U.S.C. § 20507 [link]
Under state procedure, who may acquire a voter file?
Who is the state-level contact for acquiring a voter file?
How much does the state charge for the file?
No more than the actual cost of reproduction.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Code. § 23-15-165 [link]
What format is the file available in?
Does the state have restrictions on commercial use of the voter file?
Yes. Voter registration data cannot be used for the purpose of mailing or delivering any solicitation for money, services, or anything of value.
Source (confirmed on: 2016-05-05)Miss. Admin. Code § 1-10-7.2 [link]
Does the state have restrictions on non-commercial use of the voter file?
The information contained in this document is not intended to be comprehensive of all rules and regulations and is for general guidance only. It should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional legal or other competent advisers. Project Vote is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information.