Important Dates and Election Information
- Last day to register to vote: Monday, Oct. 7
- Absentee mail ballot return deadline: Wednesday, Nov. 13 (postmarked by Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5)
- In-person absentee voting: Monday, Sept. 23, through Saturday, Nov. 2, at noon
- Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Voting at a Glance
- Voter registration: The deadline to register is Monday, Oct. 7. Visit the state’s registration verification page to check your status.
- Absentee voting: Mail-in absentee ballots are available to voters 65 or older, those with disabilities, or those on call for work.
- Early voting: Only certain voters may vote early in person, such as those working or out of their county on Election Day, or those 65 or older.
- Voting at the polls: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT. Bring a valid photo ID like a driver’s license or U.S. passport.
Recent Voting Changes in Mississippi
In 2024, Mississippi passed legislation expanding absentee voting eligibility. Voters working on call, like healthcare workers, or individuals incarcerated in their county (but not convicted of a disqualifying crime) can now vote absentee. The law also prohibits hand-delivering absentee ballots or using drop boxes—ballots must be returned by mail or via common carriers like UPS or FedEx.
Voters can now track their absentee ballots and find polling locations using the state’s My Election Day tool. Redistricting in 2022 may have affected legislative and U.S. congressional districts, so check to see if it impacts your ballot.
How to Register to Vote
The deadline to register to vote for the Nov. 5 election is Monday, Oct. 7. Your application must be postmarked by this date if registering by mail.
- By mail: Download the voter registration form from the secretary of state’s website and mail it to your county circuit clerk’s office. You can also pick up a form at the circuit clerk’s office, municipal clerk’s office, or public library, or request one be mailed to you.
- In person: Register at your county circuit clerk’s office, municipal clerk’s office, or when renewing your driver’s license at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Registering to Vote on Election Day
Mississippi does not allow voter registration on Election Day.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot
Not all voters are eligible to vote absentee by mail. You may qualify if you are:
- 65 or older
- Temporarily living outside your county of residence
- Temporarily or permanently physically disabled and unable to vote in person
- The parent, spouse, or dependent of someone hospitalized more than 50 miles from home on Election Day
Contact your county circuit clerk’s office to confirm eligibility and request an application. You’ll need to indicate your reason for voting absentee on the application, which must be notarized unless you have a disability. Return the application by mail to your county circuit clerk’s office. Absentee voting begins Monday, Sept. 23.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
Completed absentee ballots must be mailed back to your county circuit clerk’s office and postmarked by Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5). They must arrive by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, to be counted. Postage is required, and a witness signature is needed for your ballot to be valid. Track your absentee ballot using the state’s My Election Day tool.
Voting in Person Before Election Day
In-person absentee voting is available only to eligible voters, such as those 65 or older, physically disabled, or who need to work on Election Day. In-person absentee voting ends at noon on Saturday, Nov. 2, at your county circuit clerk’s office.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can find your polling place using the secretary of state’s My Election Day tool. If you’re in line before 7 p.m., you’ll be allowed to vote. For questions, contact your county circuit clerk’s office, email [email protected], or call the elections hotline at 800-829-6786.
Voter ID Requirements on Election Day
Voters must show a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or U.S. passport. You can use an expired ID as long as it’s no more than 10 years old. If you don’t have an ID, you can get a free voter ID card from any circuit clerk’s office. If you don’t bring an ID on Election Day, you can still vote by affidavit ballot, but you must provide an ID to your circuit clerk’s office by Wednesday, Nov. 13, for your vote to count.
For questions about voter IDs, email [email protected] or call 844-678-6837.
Voting with a Disability
If you have a disability, you are eligible to vote absentee and can sign up to receive absentee ballots automatically by being placed on the permanently disabled voter list. You’ll need to include a doctor’s statement with your application. If you need assistance voting, you can choose someone to help you, as long as that person isn’t your employer, union official, or a candidate.
Voting from a Nursing Home or Long-Term Care Facility
Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities can vote by absentee ballot and may also qualify for the permanently disabled voter list. Contact your county circuit clerk’s office for more information.
