reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle A - ABSENTEE BALLOTING PROCEDURES LAW (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-657) › Section 23-15-629 - Applications by persons who are permanently physically disabled; listing of qualified electors; distribution of ballots

(1)
The application for an absentee ballot of a person who is permanently physically disabled shall be accompanied by a statement signed by such person's physician, or nurse practitioner, which statement must show that the person signing the statement is a licensed, practicing medical doctor or nurse practitioner and must indicate that the person applying for the absentee ballot is permanently physically disabled to such a degree that it is difficult for him or her to vote in person.
(2)
An application accompanied by the statement provided for in subsection (1) of this section shall entitle such permanently physically disabled person to automatically receive an absentee ballot for all elections on a continuing basis without the necessity for reapplication.
(3)
The registrar of each county shall keep an accurate list of the names and addresses of all persons whose applications for absentee ballot are accompanied by the statement set forth in subsection (1) of this section. Sixty (60) days before each election, the registrar shall deliver such list to the election commissioners who shall examine the list and delete from it the names of all persons listed who are no longer qualified electors of the county. Upon completion of such examination, the election commissioners shall return the list to the registrar by no later than forty-five (45) days before the election.
(4)
The registrar shall mail a ballot to all persons who are determined by the election commissioners to be qualified electors pursuant to subsection (3) of this section by no later than forty (40) days before the election.
Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 202; Laws, 1995, ch. 344, § 1; Laws, 2006, ch. 574, § 17, eff. 6/5/2006 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 472, HB 1521,§ 10, eff. 7/8/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle A - ABSENTEE BALLOTING PROCEDURES LAW (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-657) › Section 23-15-633 - Signatures of elector and attesting witness across flap of envelope

(1)
On any envelope where the elector's signature and the signature of the attesting witness are required, the signature lines and the signatures shall be in the boxes across the flap of the envelope to ensure the integrity of the ballot and the following shall be printed on the flap on the back of the envelope in bold print and in a distinguishing color: "
YOUR VOTE WILL BE REJECTED AND NOT COUNTED IF THIS ENVELOPE IS NOT SIGNED
BY YOU AND AN ATTESTING WITNESS IN THE BOXES ACROSS THE FLAP OF THIS ENVELOPE ."
A portion of the elector's signature extending outside of the box shall not be grounds for rejecting that elector's ballot.
(2)
For in-person absentee ballot envelopes, the form of the envelope shall comply with the provisions of Section 1 of this act.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-411 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-403; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 403; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 341]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 204; Laws, 2008, ch. 528, § 12, eff. 8/7/2008 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965)..
Amended by Laws, 2024, ch. 536, HB 1406,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle A - ABSENTEE BALLOTING PROCEDURES LAW (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-657) › Section 23-15-637 - Timely casting of ballots

(1)
(a)
Absentee ballots and applications received by mail, except for fax or electronically transmitted ballots as otherwise provided by Section
23-15-699
for UOCAVA ballots, or common carrier, such as United Parcel Service or FedEx Corporation, must be postmarked on or before the date of the election and received by the registrar no more than five (5) business days after the election; any received after such time shall be handled as provided in Section
23-15-647
and shall not be counted.
(b)
All ballots cast by the absent elector appearing in person in the office of the registrar shall be cast with an absentee paper ballot and deposited into a sealed ballot box by the voter, not later than 12:00 noon on the Saturday immediately preceding elections held on Tuesday, the Thursday immediately preceding elections held on Saturday, or the second day immediately preceding the date of elections held on other days. At the close of business each day at the office of the registrar, the ballot box used shall be sealed and not unsealed until the beginning of the next business day, and the seal number shall be recorded with the number of ballots cast which shall be stored in a secure location in the registrar's office.
(2)
The registrar shall deposit all absentee ballots which have been timely cast and received by mail in a secured and sealed box in a designated location in the registrar's office upon receipt. The registrar shall not send any absentee ballots to the precinct polling locations.
(3)
The Secretary of State shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to ensure that when a qualified elector who is qualified to vote absentee votes by absentee ballot, either by mail or in person with a regular paper ballot, that person's absentee vote is final and he or she may not vote at the polling place on election day. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary, the Secretary of State shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to ensure that absentee ballots shall remain in the registrar's office for counting and not be taken to the precincts on election day.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-415 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-403; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 403; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 341]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 206; Laws, 2012, ch. 465, § 4, eff. 9/17/2012 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Amended by Laws, 2024, ch. 536, HB 1406,§ 12, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 472, HB 1521,§ 1, eff. 7/8/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle A - ABSENTEE BALLOTING PROCEDURES LAW (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-657) › Section 23-15-641 - Grounds for rejection of ballots; procedure

(1)
For all absentee votes received by mail, if an affidavit or the certificate of the officer before whom the affidavit is taken is required and such affidavit or certificate is found to be insufficient, or if it is found that the signatures do not correspond, or that the applicant is not a duly qualified elector in the precinct, or otherwise qualified to vote, or that the ballot envelope is open or has been opened and resealed, the previously cast vote shall not be allowed. Without opening the voter's envelope the resolution board shall mark across its face "REJECTED", with the reason therefor.
(2)
For all absentee votes received by mail, if the ballot envelope contains more than one (1) ballot of any kind, the ballot shall not be counted but shall be marked "REJECTED", with the reason therefor, and the registrar shall promptly notify the voter of such rejection. The voter's envelopes and affidavits, and the voter's envelope with its contents unopened, when such vote is rejected, shall be retained and preserved in the same manner as other ballots at the election. Such votes may be challenged in the same manner and for the same reasons that any other vote cast in such election may be challenged.
(3)
If an affidavit is required and the officials find that the affidavit is insufficient, or if the officials find that the absentee voter is otherwise disqualified to vote, the envelope shall not be opened and the resolution board shall write across the face of the envelope "REJECTED" giving the reason therefor, and the registrar shall promptly notify the voter of such rejection.
(4)
The ballots marked "REJECTED" shall be placed in a separate envelope in the secure ballot transfer case and delivered to the officials in charge of conducting the election at the central tabulation point of the county.
(5)
All electors voting absentee shall be provided with written information to inform the person how to ascertain whether his or her ballot was counted and, if rejected, the reason therefor.
(6)
A signature mismatch shall not be grounds for rejecting an absentee ballot that was cast in the registrar's office. A portion of the elector's signature extending outside of the box shall not be grounds for rejecting that elector's ballot.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-419 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-403; Laws, 1972, ch. 490. § 403; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 341]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 208; Laws, 1993, ch. 528, § 11; Laws, 2006, ch. 574, § 20, eff. 6/5/2006 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Amended by Laws, 2024, ch. 536, HB 1406,§ 5, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 472, HB 1521,§ 14, eff. 7/8/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle A - ABSENTEE BALLOTING PROCEDURES LAW (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-657) › Section 23-15-643 - Examination of affidavits; challenges

If an affidavit is required, the appropriate election officials shall examine the affidavit of each absentee ballot envelope. If the officials are satisfied that the affidavit is sufficient and that the absentee voter is otherwise qualified to vote, an official shall announce the name of the voter and shall give any person present an opportunity to challenge in like manner and for the same cause as the voter could have been challenged had he presented himself personally in such precinct to vote. The ineligibility of the voter to vote by absentee ballot shall be a ground for a challenge. Also, the officials shall consider any absentee voter challenged when a person has previously filed a written challenge of such voter's right to vote. The election officials shall handle any such challenge in the same manner as other challenged ballots are handled.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-421 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-403; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 403; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 341]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 209, eff. 1/1/1987.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle A - ABSENTEE BALLOTING PROCEDURES LAW (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-657) › Section 23-15-645 - Processing and tallying of absentee ballots cast in registrar's office and received by mail that are deposited into sealed ballot box; preservation of materials relative to absentee voters; return of materials to registrar; disposal of unused ballots

(1)
Absentee ballots cast in the registrar's office and received by mail that are deposited into a sealed ballot box shall be processed on election day but not tallied until after closing of the polls and announced simultaneously with all other votes cast on election day.
(2)
After the votes have been counted, the officials shall preserve all applications, envelopes and the list of absent voters along with the mailed paper and paper ballots and other election materials and return the same to the registrar.
(3)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, for federal and presidential general, special or primary elections, packages of protested, void and wholly blank ballots, voted ballots, open packages of unused ballots, sealed packages of unused ballots, and all absentee and military ballots and ballot envelopes, if any, shall be preserved for twenty-two (22) months after the date of any such general, special or primary election. For all other statewide, county or municipal elections, sealed packages of unused ballots, packages of protested, void and wholly blank ballots, open packages of unused ballots and all absentee and military ballots and ballot envelopes shall be retained for four (4) months, and may then be destroyed, provided a certificate articulating the election district identifying data and numbers of such ballots is filed with the balance of ballots described in this section, for the balance of the twenty-two-month retention period.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-423 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-403; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 403; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 341]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 210, eff. 1/1/1987.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 472, HB 1521,§ 3, eff. 7/8/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle A - ABSENTEE BALLOTING PROCEDURES LAW (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-657) › Section 23-15-647 - Disposition of absentee ballots received after applicable deadlines

The registrar shall keep safely and unopened all official absentee ballots which are received by mail after the applicable cutoff period establishing its validity. Upon receipt of such ballot, the registrar shall write the day and hour of the receipt of the ballot on its envelope. All such absentee ballots returned to the registrar after the cutoff time shall be safely kept unopened by the registrar for the period of time required for the preservation of ballots used in the election, and shall then, without being opened, be destroyed in like manner as the used ballots of the election.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-425 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-404; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 404; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 341]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 211, eff. 1/1/1987.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 472, HB 1521,§ 15, eff. 7/8/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle A - ABSENTEE BALLOTING PROCEDURES LAW (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-657) › Section 23-15-649 - Preparation and printing of absentee voter ballots

For all elections, the election officials shall prepare and print, as soon as the deadline for the qualification of candidates has passed or forty-five (45) days before the election, whichever is later, official ballots for each voting precinct to be known as absentee voter ballots, which ballots shall be prepared and printed in the same form and shall be of the same size and texture as the regular official ballot except that they shall be printed on tinted paper of a tint different from that of the regular official ballot or with a header of different tint.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-427 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-405; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 405; Laws, 1984, ch. 401, § 3; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 341]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 212, eff. 1/1/1987.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 472, HB 1521,§ 4, eff. 7/8/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle A - ABSENTEE BALLOTING PROCEDURES LAW (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-657) › Section 23-15-651 - Announcement of results of vote by absentee balloting

The results of the vote by absentee balloting shall be announced simultaneously with the vote cast on election day; provided that absentee ballots received after 7:00 p.m. the day before the election shall be kept in a secured and sealed ballot box, and shall be announced after the five-business-day period for receiving absentee ballots.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-429 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-406; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 406; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 341]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 213, eff. 1/1/1987.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 472, HB 1521,§ 2, eff. 7/8/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle A - ABSENTEE BALLOTING PROCEDURES LAW (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-657) › Section 23-15-653 - Hours of registrars' offices on two Saturdays prior to each election

All registrars' offices shall remain open until noon on the two (2) Saturdays prior to each election.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-431 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-407; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 407; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 341]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 214, eff. 1/1/1987.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle A - ABSENTEE BALLOTING PROCEDURES LAW (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-657) › Section 23-15-657 - Requests for absentee ballots by telephone

The registrar is authorized to accept requests for absentee ballots by telephone. When a telephone request that an absentee ballot application be mailed by the registrar to an elector is made, the registrar shall ascertain the name and complete address of the person making the telephone request and shall print upon the absentee ballot application the name and complete address of the requestor and the relation of such person to the voter if requested by a person other than the voter and the date such request was made. Such requests shall be processed through the Statewide Election Management System.
Laws, 1993, ch. 528, § 12; Laws, 2012, ch. 471, § 3, eff. 9/6/2012 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle B - ARMED SERVICES ABSENTEE VOTING LAW (§§ 23-15-671 — 23-15-701) › Section 23-15-671 - Short title

The title of Sections
23-15-671
through
23-15-697
shall be the Armed Services Absentee Voting Law.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-501 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-201; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 20; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 342]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 215, eff. 1/1/1987.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle B - ARMED SERVICES ABSENTEE VOTING LAW (§§ 23-15-671 — 23-15-701) › Section 23-15-675 - Right of absentees to vote

Any absent voter, as defined in Section
23-15-673
, who is otherwise qualified, may, upon compliance with the provisions of this subarticle, vote in any elections which are held in his voting precinct when he is absent for the reasons set forth in this subarticle.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-505 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-202; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 202; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 342]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 217, eff. 1/1/1987.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle B - ARMED SERVICES ABSENTEE VOTING LAW (§§ 23-15-671 — 23-15-701) › Section 23-15-677 - Use of federal postcard application or Federal Write-In-Absentee Ballot

(1)
All absent voters as defined in Section
23-15-673(1) and (2)
may use a duly executed federal postcard application (as provided for in the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 42 USCS 1973ff et seq.) to request a ballot or to register to vote, or to do both simultaneously.
(2)
An absent voter who registers to vote utilizing a federal postcard application or a Federal Write-In-Absentee Ballot may vote in an election if the voter was registered to vote ten (10) or more days prior to the date of the election.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-507 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-203; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 203; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 342]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 218; Laws, 2000, ch. 519, § 2; Laws, 2010, ch. 446, § 2, eff. 7/9/2010 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle B - ARMED SERVICES ABSENTEE VOTING LAW (§§ 23-15-671 — 23-15-701) › Section 23-15-679 - Preparation and printing of absentee voter ballots

The official absentee voter ballots shall be prepared and printed in the same form and shall be of the same size and texture as the regular official ballot except that they shall be printed on tinted paper of a tint different from that of the regular official ballot.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-5 [Codes, 1942, § 3196-03; Laws, 1954, ch. 359, § 3; repealed by Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 604] and § 23-9-509 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-201; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 204; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 342]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 219, eff. 1/1/1987.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle B - ARMED SERVICES ABSENTEE VOTING LAW (§§ 23-15-671 — 23-15-701) › Section 23-15-681 - Absentee ballot envelopes

Except as otherwise provided in this subarticle, all official absentee ballots shall be sent out and returned in envelopes on which there is printed across the face two (2) parallel horizontal bars, each one-fourth (1/4) of an inch wide, extending from one side of the envelope to the other side, with an intervening space of one-fourth (1/4) of an inch, the top bar to be one and one-fourth (1-1/4) inches from the top of the envelope, and with the words "OFFICIAL ELECTION BALLOTING MATERIAL-VIA AIR MAIL" between the bars. In the upper right corner of each such envelope there shall be printed in a box the words "FREE OF U.S. POSTAGE, INCLUDING AIR MAIL." All printing on the face of such envelopes shall be in black, and there shall be printed in black in the upper left corner of all such ballot envelopes an appropriate inscription for the return address of the sender.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-511 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-204; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 204; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 342]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 220; Laws, 2000, ch. 592, § 11; Laws, 2010, ch. 446, § 10, eff. 7/9/2010 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle B - ARMED SERVICES ABSENTEE VOTING LAW (§§ 23-15-671 — 23-15-701) › Section 23-15-683 - Preparation and distribution of ballots for first and second elections; ascertainment by absent voters of candidates in second election

In any elections, as soon as the deadline for the qualification of candidates has passed, or forty-five (45) days prior to the election, whichever is later, absentee ballots shall be prepared and printed for the elections, and both of said ballots shall have printed thereon the names of all candidates who originally qualify as candidates. However, such ballots shall be printed on paper of different tints or colors and shall be styled so as to show which ballot is to be used for the first election and which ballot is to be used for the second election.
When the proper application is made as is otherwise provided herein, the registrar shall send to the absent voter the proper absent voter ballots for the elections as is otherwise provided herein, and with such ballots there shall be sent also separate official envelopes for the return thereof. No additional ballot shall be thereafter sent to the absent voter for the second election but the absent voter shall ascertain which of the candidates who originally qualified are candidates in the second election and he or she may vote for his choice between them on the second election ballot previously sent him. If an absentee voter shall vote for any candidate on the second election ballot who is not a candidate in the second election, his vote for that office shall be disregarded.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-513 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-204; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 204; Laws, 1984, ch. 401, § 1; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 342]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 221, eff. 1/1/1987.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle B - ARMED SERVICES ABSENTEE VOTING LAW (§§ 23-15-671 — 23-15-701) › Section 23-15-685 - Distribution of absentee ballot materials upon application

Within forty-five (45) days next prior to any election upon application first made to the registrar of the county by any absent voter as defined in this subarticle, such person shall be sent an absentee voter ballot of the county of which he is a citizen and resident. The registrar shall send to such absent voter a proper absentee voter ballot containing the names of all candidates who qualify or the proposition to be voted upon in such elections, and with such ballot there shall be sent an official envelope containing upon it in printed form the recitals and data hereinafter required.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-515 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-205; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 205; Laws, 1984, ch. 401, § 2; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 342]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 222; Laws, 2000, ch. 519, § 3, eff. 8/7/2000 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle B - ARMED SERVICES ABSENTEE VOTING LAW (§§ 23-15-671 — 23-15-701) › Section 23-15-687 - Applications for absentee ballots; preservation of applications

(1)
The registrar shall keep all applications for absentee ballots and shall, within twenty four (24) hours, if possible, send to the absent voter on whose behalf the application is made, the proper affidavit and the proper ballot or ballots applicable to the elections. Such information shall be processed through the Statewide Election Management System.
(2)
One (1) application for an absentee ballot shall serve as a request by the applicant for an absentee ballot for:
(a)
The next federal general election, including all primary elections associated with the election;
(b)
All state and county primary and general elections that occur after the receipt of the application by the registrar through the date of the next federal general election that occurs after the receipt of the application by the registrar.
(3)
The registrar shall preserve all applications for absentee ballots for one (1) year as a record to be furnished to any court or other duly constituted authority for inspection or evidence if properly requested.
(4)
If the registrar rejects an application for an absentee ballot or denies a request to register to vote from a uniformed services applicant or an overseas voter, the registrar shall provide the person with the reasons for the rejection.
(5)
Any runoff election for a federal election shall be considered a continuation of such federal election.
(6)
An absent voter as defined in Section
23-15-673(1)
may sign an absentee ballot application by electronic signature. The Secretary of State shall adopt rules necessary to implement this subsection.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-517 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-206; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 206; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 342]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 223; Laws, 2000, ch. 519, § 4; Laws, 2004, ch. 305, § 16; Laws, 2010, ch. 446, § 3; Laws, 2012, ch. 465, § 2; Laws, 2012, ch. 471, § 4, eff. 9/6/2012 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965). .
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle B - ARMED SERVICES ABSENTEE VOTING LAW (§§ 23-15-671 — 23-15-701) › Section 23-15-689 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 2000, ch. 519, § 8, effective 8/7/2000 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-519 Codes, 1942, § 3203-207; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 207; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 342; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 224, eff. 1/1/1987.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle B - ARMED SERVICES ABSENTEE VOTING LAW (§§ 23-15-671 — 23-15-701) › Section 23-15-691 - Prompt distribution of absentee ballot materials; separation of envelope and other materials; instructions as to notation on envelope and use of ink or indelible pencil

As soon as possible after the printing of the official absentee ballot for any election, the registrar of the county shall send to any absent voter as defined in this subarticle, who shall, upon proper application, have requested same, the official absentee voter ballot or ballots provided for in this subarticle and the instructions for voting and returning the ballot. If the ballot is sent by mail the registrar shall send a self-addressed envelope or envelopes with the ballot and the instructions.
If the ballot is sent by mail, the gummed flap of the envelope provided for the return of the ballot must be separated by wax paper or other appropriate protective insert from the remaining balloting material. The voting instructions shall require a notation of the facts on the back of the envelope duly signed by the voter.
If applicable, the instructions shall indicate that the ballot shall be marked in ink or indelible pencil.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-521 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-208; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 208; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 342]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 225; Laws, 2010, ch. 446, § 11, eff. 7/9/2010 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle B - ARMED SERVICES ABSENTEE VOTING LAW (§§ 23-15-671 — 23-15-701) › Section 23-15-692 - Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot

(1)
An absent voter who resides outside the United States, who is a member of the United States Armed Forces or who is a family member of a member of the Armed Forces, and who is a registered voter of the State of Mississippi, may use the Federal Write-In-Absentee Ballot as provided for by 42 USCS 1973ff-2 in general, special, primary and runoff elections for local, state and federal offices.
(2)
Upon receipt of a Federal Write-In-Absentee Ballot executed by a person who is a registered voter or whose information on the form is sufficient to register or update the registration of that person, the Federal Write-In-Absentee Ballot shall be considered as an absentee ballot request. Nothing in this subsection shall suspend the voter registration deadlines otherwise provided by law.
Laws, 2000, ch. 519, § 7; Laws, 2010, ch. 446, § 4, eff. 7/9/2010 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle B - ARMED SERVICES ABSENTEE VOTING LAW (§§ 23-15-671 — 23-15-701) › Section 23-15-693 - Completion of declaration specified in federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act

The absent voter, upon receipt of the absentee ballot, shall complete the declaration specified in the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act,
42 USC Section 1973ff
et seq.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-523 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-209; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 209; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 342]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 226; Laws, 2010, ch. 446, § 5, eff. 7/9/2010 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle B - ARMED SERVICES ABSENTEE VOTING LAW (§§ 23-15-671 — 23-15-701) › Section 23-15-695 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 2010, ch. 446, § 12, effective 7/9/2010 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-525 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-210; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 210; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 342]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 227; Laws, 2000, ch. 519, § 5, eff. 8/7/2000 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle B - ARMED SERVICES ABSENTEE VOTING LAW (§§ 23-15-671 — 23-15-701) › Section 23-15-697 - Mailing of envelope to registrar

When the absentee ballot has been voted and the envelope sealed, signed and certified to as provided above, the absentee voter shall mail the envelope containing the ballot to the registrar.
Hand-delivery of ballots to a voter or from a voter shall be prohibited, and the use of drop boxes or other mechanisms to submit a completed absentee ballot other than by mail or common carrier, shall be prohibited.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-527 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-211; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 211; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 342]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 228, eff. 1/1/1987.
Amended by Laws, 2024, ch. 536, HB 1406,§ 14, eff. 7/1/2024.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle B - ARMED SERVICES ABSENTEE VOTING LAW (§§ 23-15-671 — 23-15-701) › Section 23-15-701 - Compliance with Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act; Secretary of State granted emergency powers over conduct of elections during armed conflict

(1)
The Secretary of State shall adopt such rules which are necessary and essential to implement this subarticle and to bring the state into compliance with the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 42 USCS Section 1973ff et seq. The Secretary of State shall furnish the Legislature with a copy of such rules sixty (60) days after adoption by the Secretary of State.
(2)
The Secretary of State may exercise emergency powers concerning absentee voting and registration of military personnel over any election during an armed conflict or other military contingencies involving United States Armed Forces or mobilization of those forces, including state national guard or reserve components. The Secretary of State shall adopt rules describing the emergency powers and the situations in which the powers will be exercised.
Laws, 2000, ch. 519, § 9; Laws, 2010, ch. 446, § 7, eff. 7/9/2010 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle C - ABSENTEE VOTER LAW (§§ 23-15-711 — 23-15-721) › Section 23-15-711 - Short title

The title of Sections
23-15-711
through
23-15-721
shall be the Mississippi Absentee Voter Law.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-601 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-301; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 301; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 343]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 229, eff. 1/1/1987.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle C - ABSENTEE VOTER LAW (§§ 23-15-711 — 23-15-721) › Section 23-15-717 - Completion of application forms

Any elector enumerated in Section
23-15-713
applying for an absentee ballot shall complete an application form as provided in Section
23-15-627
, and said elector shall fill in the application as is appropriate for his particular situation.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-607 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-304; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 304; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 343]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 232, eff. 1/1/1987.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle C - ABSENTEE VOTER LAW (§§ 23-15-711 — 23-15-721) › Section 23-15-721 - Procedures applicable to electors temporarily residing outside county and to electors who are physically disabled; mailing of ballots to registrar

(1)
Absentee ballots requested under the provisions of Section
23-15-715
for electors temporarily residing outside the county of residence shall be mailed to the elector's address outside of the county in which he or she is registered, and such electors shall appear before any official authorized to administer oaths or other official authorized to witness absentee balloting as provided in this article. The elector shall exhibit to such official his or her absentee ballot unmarked and thereupon proceed in secret to fill in the ballot. After the elector has properly marked the ballot and properly folded it, he or she shall deposit it in the envelope furnished to him or her. After the elector has sealed the envelope he or she shall deliver it to the official before whom he or she is appearing and shall subscribe and swear to the elector's certificate provided for in Section
23-15-635
, which affidavit shall be printed on the back of the envelope as provided for in Section
23-15-635
containing the elector's ballot.
(2)
Electors who are temporarily or permanently physically disabled shall sign the elector's certificate and the certificate of attesting witness shall be signed by any person eighteen (18) years of age or older.
(3)
After the completion of the requirements of this section, the elector shall mail the envelope containing the ballot to the registrar in the county wherein the elector is qualified to vote. The ballots must be postmarked by the date of the election and received by the registrar no more than five (5) business days after the election to be counted; any received after such time shall be handled as provided in Section
23-15-647
and shall not be counted.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-613 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-307; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 307; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 343]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 234; Laws, 2012, ch. 465, § 5, eff. 9/17/2012 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Amended by Laws, 2024, ch. 536, HB 1406,§ 13, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 472, HB 1521,§ 17, eff. 7/8/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle D - PROVISION APPLICABLE TO PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION (§§ 23-15-731 — 23-15-735) › Section 23-15-731 - General provisions

Any presidential absentee ballots received in the mail by the registrar after the delivery of ballot boxes to the election managers and before the deadline for receipt of absentee ballots provided for in Section
23-15-637
shall be retained by the registrar and shall be delivered, together with the applications of the qualified absentee elector to an election official designated to receive them. The registrar shall receive a receipt from the designated election official for all such ballots and applications delivered. The designated election officials shall, upon the canvassing of the returns, count such ballots as if delivered to the proper precincts and such ballots shall be considered valid for all purposes as if they had been actually deposited in the proper precinct ballot boxes. The appropriate election officials shall examine the affidavit of each envelope. If the officials are satisfied that the affidavit is sufficient and that the absentee voter is otherwise qualified to vote, an official shall announce the name of the voter and shall give any person present an opportunity to challenge in like manner and for the same cause as the voter could have been challenged had he or she presented himself or herself personally in such precinct to vote. The ineligibility of the voter to vote by absentee ballot shall be a ground for a challenge. The officials shall consider any absentee voter challenged when a person has previously filed a written challenge of such voter's right to vote. The election officials shall handle any such challenge in the same manner as other challenged ballots are handled, and if the challenge is not affirmed, the officials shall then open the envelope. The officials shall then open the envelope in such manner as not to destroy the affidavit printed thereon and shall deposit the ballot marked "OFFICIAL ABSENTEE BALLOT," in a ballot box reserved for absentee ballots. The commissioners shall endorse on their pollbooks a proper notation to indicate that the absentee voter has voted in such election by absentee ballot.
Derived from § 23-11-15 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-105; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 105; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 345]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 235, eff. 1/1/1987.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 472, HB 1521,§ 18, eff. 7/8/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle D - PROVISION APPLICABLE TO PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION (§§ 23-15-731 — 23-15-735) › Section 23-15-733 - Disposition of ballots received after the deadline for receipt of mail absentee ballots

The registrar shall keep safely and unopened all official presidential absentee ballots which are received subsequent to the deadline for receipt of mail absentee ballots provided for in Section
23-15-637
. Upon receipt of such ballot, the registrar shall write the day and hour of the receipt of the ballot on its envelope. All such absentee ballots returned to the registrar shall be safely kept unopened by the registrar for the period of time required for the preservation of ballots used in the election, and shall then, without being opened, be destroyed in like manner as the used ballots of the election. Such information shall be processed through the Statewide Election Management System.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-11-7 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-105 ; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 105; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 345]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 236; Laws, 2012, ch. 471, § 5, eff. 9/6/2012 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 472, HB 1521,§ 19, eff. 7/8/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle D - PROVISION APPLICABLE TO PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION (§§ 23-15-731 — 23-15-735) › Section 23-15-735 - Delivery of absentee ballots to voters in person

Except for ballots voted in person at the office of the registrar, absentee ballots shall not be delivered in person to an absentee voter or to any other person.
Laws, 1993, ch. 528, § 14, eff. 8/16/1993 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection).
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 472, HB 1521,§ 20, eff. 7/8/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 23 - ELECTIONS (§§ 23-NEW-NEW-001 — 23-17-61) › Chapter 15 - MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE (§§ 23-15-NEW — 23-15-1111) › Article 19 - ABSENTEE BALLOTS (§§ 23-15-621 — 23-15-755) › Subarticle E - GENERAL PROVISIONS (§§ 23-15-751 — 23-15-755) › Section 23-15-751 - Penalties for offenses by registrar or commissioner of elections or officers taking affidavits

If any registrar or commissioner of elections shall refuse or neglect to perform any of the duties prescribed by Sections
23-15-621
through
23-15-735
, or shall knowingly permit any person to sign a false affidavit or otherwise knowingly permit any person to violate Sections
23-15-621
through
23-15-735
, or shall violate any of the provisions thereof, or if any officer taking the affidavits as provided in said acts shall make any false statement in his certificate thereto attached, he shall, upon conviction, be deemed guilty of a crime and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment in the Penitentiary not exceeding one (1) year, and shall be removed from office.
Derived from 1972 Code § 23-9-701 [Codes, 1942, § 3203-601; Laws, 1972, ch. 490, § 601; repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 344]; Laws, 1986, ch. 495, § 237; Laws, 1993, ch. 528, § 15, eff. 8/16/1993 (the date the United States Attorney General interposed no objection).