Voters across Mississippi will take to the ballot box on Tuesday, Nov. 5, to cast their votes for the White House, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House. To make the voting process as seamless as possible, we’ve put together this guide on what to know before heading to the polls.
When are the polls open?
Polls across Mississippi will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Secretary of State Michael Watson, whose office manages elections, reminds eligible voters that anyone in line before 7 p.m. is legally entitled to cast a ballot. Polling locations can be verified here.
What should you bring to the polls?
Eligible voters should bring a photo ID to their polling location. Voters without an acceptable form of photo identification are entitled to cast an affidavit ballot. However, Secretary Watson urges people to be prepared to vote when they get to the polls, so they won’t have to go through the affidavit process. A list of acceptable photo IDs can be found here. Voters who end up casting an affidavit ballot must present an acceptable form of photo ID to their circuit clerk’s office by Nov. 13.
What should you not bring to the polls?
While cell phones are allowed inside polling locations, it is not allowed in Mississippi to take a photo of any marked ballot. In the day and age of the fad called “ballot selfies,” Watson reminds people that a social media post is not worth legal repercussions. The secretary of state also reminds people that campaigning within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling location, unless a private property, is unlawful. Thus, don’t bring signs for your candidate of choice and set up outside the door.
Is it too late to vote absentee?
The last day to vote absentee in person is Saturday, Nov. 2. Circuit clerk’s offices across Mississippi are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on business days and will be open on the final Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon. As for mail-in absentee ballots, all must be postmarked by Nov. 5 and received