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 was Saturday, Nov. 2. As of the Monday before the election, voters have cast 197,903 advance ballots.
What races are on the ballot?
In Mississippi, nine presidential hopefuls, highlighted by Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, will be available to vote for. While the presidential race remains at the forefront of most people’s minds, there is a bevy of other elections looking to carry weight.
The only U.S. Senate race features incumbent Republican Roger Wicker being challenged by Democrat Ty Pinkins. All four U.S. House seats will be on ballots based on location. In District 1, incumbent Republican Trent Kelly squares off against Democratic challenger Dianne Black. In District 2, incumbent Democrat Bennie Thompson is being challenged by Republican Ron Eller. In District 3, Republican Michael Guest is unopposed. In District 4, incumbent Republican Mike Ezell faces Democratic challenger Craig Raybon.
Four of nine seats on the Mississippi Supreme Court will be on the ballot as well, with two incumbents being challenged. Justice Jim Kitchens is being challenged by four candidates – Jenifer Branning, Byron Carter, Ceola James, and Abby Robinson – for the third position in District 1 which encompasses the central part of the state. In the southern part of the state, Justice Dawn H. Beam is being challenged by David Sullivan for the second position in District 2.
There will also be three races for seats on the Mississippi Court of Appeals. The full sample ballot can be found here.
When will the results be known?
It depends on the race. For U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Mississippi Supreme Court, and Appeals Court races, the races could be called the night of. While the same could be said for the presidential election, it’s worth noting that the 2020 election in which President Joe Biden knocked off incumbent Trump was not called until the Saturday after. Full results for every race can be found here.
How many Mississippians will vote?
While that number is always fluid based on the year, the 2020 presidential election saw 61% of registered voters cast a ballot. As of Oct. 2, 2024, Mississippi had 2,112,669 registered voters eligible to vote in this year’s election.
How many people have already voted?
Nationwide, voters have returned nearly 75 million advance ballots in the 2024 general election. That’s about 48% of the total number of people who voted in 2020. In Mississippi, 197,903 absentee ballots have been completed and returned to circuit clerk’s offices. 209,037 absentee ballots were requested.
What if I have a question about the voting process?
Residents can receive personalized election information through the My Election Day resource provided by the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office. Questions on the voting process can be directed to ElectionsAnswers@sos.ms.gov or by calling 1-800-829-6786.