Mississippi’s municipal primary election is here with local races for mayor, city council, and more taking place across the state on Tuesday, April 1.
To make navigating the voting process easier, here’s everything you need to know before heading to the polls.
Who can vote?
Any registered voter may participate in either the Democratic or Republican primary, as Mississippi voters do not register by party affiliation. In the event of a primary runoff, which would take place on Tuesday, April 22, voters must stick to the party they voted for on April 1. Those who did not vote in the primary election will still be able to cast a ballot in the event of a runoff or during the general election on Tuesday, June 3.
When are the polls open?
Polls statewide open Tuesday, April 1, 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 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 casing an affidavit ballot will be required to present an acceptable form of photo ID to their municipal clerk’s office in the days after the election for their ballots to be counted.
What should you not bring to the polls?
While cell phones are allowed inside polling locations, Mississippi law does not allow people 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 candidates of choice and set up outside the door.
Is it too late to vote absentee?
The final day to vote absentee in person was Saturday, March 29. However, those who are eligible absentee voters and plan to use the mail-in process must have their ballots postmarked and sent to their municipal clerk’s office on or by Tuesday, April 1. Mail-in absentee ballots must be received by the clerk’s office by Tuesday, April 8, to be counted.
How to track results?
To keep up with live results after the polls close, tune in to one of the 48 stations across the state that carry SuperTalk Mississippi News. Written recaps will also be provided on supertalk.fm upon elections being called.
