Mississippi Voting Guide

It’s surprising how many people in America don’t understand their state’s voting laws. Many aren’t aware of their voting rights or know how absentee voting works.

If this is the first time you’re voting, or if you recently moved to Mississippi, you may not be aware of the specific voting laws in your state. Regardless of your party affiliation – Democrat, Republican, or a third party – you should familiarize yourself with Mississippi’s rules before election day.

Some of the questions voters in Mississippi may have include the following:

• How do I request an absentee ballot?
• How does early voting work in Mississippi?
• Who can vote in a primary election?
• Does the Mississippi legislature provide in-person absentee voting?

This Mississippi Voter Guide will help answer these questions and explain how Mississippi handles voting for people with a physical disability. This article will be helpful if you want to learn about Mississippi elections and voting in your state. It will also provide specific election information, such as voter eligibility, mail-in voting, and other vital data.

Who is eligible to vote in Mississippi?

To be eligible to vote in Mississippi, you must be:

• A citizen of the United States
• A resident of the state and precinct for at least 30 days before the general election
• At least 18 years of age on election day

You are not eligible to vote in Mississippi if:

• The state has declared you mentally incompetent 
• The State has convicted you of a disenfranchising crime

When is Mississippi’s voter registration deadline?

You must submit your voter registration application forms at least 30 days before election day. If this day falls on a Sunday or legal holiday, the state will extend the deadline to the next business day.

How do I request an absentee ballot in Mississippi?

If you would like an absentee ballot, you can request one by contacting your local County Circuit Clerk’s office. You must meet specific criteria to be eligible to vote via absentee ballot in Mississippi.

Some of the legal requirements for absentee voting in Mississippi include:

• You must be away from your county of residence on Election Day
• You must be unable to vote in person at a polling place without significant hardship due to a temporary or permanent disability
• You must be at least 65 years old
• Your employer must require you to work when the polls are open

If you are a member of the Uniformed Services, are serving away from your home county, or are a citizen traveling abroad, you can vote using the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP), as per the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

If you need help completing these applications, contact your local election officials. They can help you submit an affidavit ballot if you don’t have the necessary acceptable form of photo ID for an absentee ballot.

What do I need to bring to the polls on Election Day?

All voters must show a valid photo ID card when they visit the polls in Mississippi.

Some examples of acceptable photo identification include:

• Current driver’s license
• Mississippi state ID
• Student photo ID
• Tribal photo ID
• U.S. passport
• Government employee photo ID
• State firearms license
• U.S. military ID
• Mississippi Voter Identification Card

There are exceptions to the photo ID requirement. Poll workers won’t require photo ID if:

• You have a religious objection to having someone take your photograph
• You are voting by absentee ballot
• You live in a state-licensed care facility and are voting at a polling place inside the facility

You must submit an affidavit ballot if you are exempt from presenting a photo ID.

What special accommodations are available?

Mississippi has special accommodations for voters with disabilities. If you are permanently disabled, you can register for the disabled voter’s list, and the State will automatically send you an absentee ballot for every election.

If you are disabled but can travel to the polls, special voting machines help accommodate voters with disabilities. You can also ask an election worker for help.

How do I report suspicious or illegal activity?

If you witness illegal activity at a polling place, notify an election worker and your local Circuit Clerk. If you believe someone has infringed on your voting rights, contact an experienced attorney who handles voting law cases.

Get a Lawyer’s Help

If you believe someone has violated your voting rights, contact an experienced civil rights lawyer. An attorney can help determine your voting rights and help you with voter registration.

Consider contacting a civil rights attorney for help with your voting issues.