The clock is ticking for Mississippians to vote absentee ahead of next week’s election.
Those voting absentee by mail must ensure their ballots are postmarked on or before the election date of Nov. 3. Those voting absentee in person still have a few days to visit their local circuit clerk’s office and cast their ballots.
Here’s what else to know about voting absentee in Mississippi.
How can I vote absentee?
There are two ways to vote absentee in Mississippi: by mail or in person.
However, the deadline to request a mail-in ballot has passed. As of Monday, more than 56,000 mailed absentee ballots had been received by circuit clerks, according to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office.
Those voting absentee in person have until Saturday, Oct. 31, to cast their ballots. Circuit clerk offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. On the final Saturday for in-person absentee voting, offices will be open from 8 a.m. to noon. A list of circuit clerk offices can be found here.
Voters casting absentee ballots in person must bring an acceptable form of photo identification. For the first time in Mississippi, voters will insert their ballots directly into a voting machine after casting them inside their circuit clerk’s office. State lawmakers recently passed a bill to move away from sealed envelopes.
What makes me eligible to vote absentee?
Eligible reasons for voting absentee include, but are not limited to, being out of town on Election Day, having to work during polling hours, living with a disability, or being older than 65.
A full list of reasons that allow citizens to vote absentee can be found here.
What if I can’t vote absentee?
For those who cannot vote absentee, polls statewide are open on Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Anyone in line by 7 p.m. is legally entitled to cast a ballot. Those voting on Election Day are reminded to bring an acceptable form of photo ID with them. Those who do not have an acceptable ID may cast an affidavit ballot and have an opportunity to provide the required identification after Election Day.
Polling locations can be found here.
Who is on the ballot?
All Mississippi voters will have a chance to decide the U.S. Senate race for the seat currently held by Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith. She is being challenged by Democrat Scott Colom and independent Ty Pinkins.
READ MORE: Who’s backing Hyde-Smith and Colom? A look at key endorsements
All four of the state’s U.S. House seats will be on ballots in their respective districts.
Additionally, judicial races are taking place across the state, while special state House elections will be held in parts of Hinds, Rankin, and Simpson counties. A special election is also being held for district attorney in the 7th Judicial District, where former District Attorney Jody Owens resigned after pleading guilty as part of a broad corruption scandal in Hinds County.
The Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office provides a list of candidates by race and district and sample ballots searchable by ZIP code to help voters prepare for Election Day.
