Official Polling Hours
Across Mississippi, polling places are open for a consistent 12-hour window on Election Day. Polls officially open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. This statewide schedule ensures that all voters, regardless of their county, have the same opportunity to vote in person.
The 'In Line by 7 PM' Rule
One of the most important rules for voters to remember is that you do not have to have already voted by 7:00 p.m. to cast a ballot. As long as you are physically in line at your polling place by the 7:00 p.m. closing time, you have the legal right to vote and will be allowed to do so. Election officials will ensure that everyone who was in line at the cutoff point gets to participate, so don't be discouraged by a long line as the deadline approaches.
What to Bring: Mississippi's Voter ID Law
Mississippi has a strict
photo ID law for in-person voting. Before you can cast your ballot, you will be required to present an acceptable form of photo identification. Fortunately, the state accepts a wide range of documents. Accepted forms include a valid Mississippi driver's license, a U.S. passport, a government-issued employee photo ID card, a military ID, a student ID from an accredited Mississippi college or university, or a Mississippi Voter Identification Card. If you do not have an accepted ID, you can obtain a free Mississippi Voter ID card at any circuit clerk's office. Voters without a valid photo ID on Election Day may cast an affidavit (or provisional) ballot. For that vote to be counted, you must provide a valid ID to the circuit clerk's office within five business days.
How to Find Your Polling Place
Your designated polling place is based on your residential address, and you must vote at your assigned location. Your Voter Registration Card should list your polling place. However, locations can sometimes change, so it's always best to verify before you head out. The Mississippi Secretary of State offers an official online Polling Place Locator tool. By entering your address, you can confirm your voting location, view a sample ballot, and get contact information for your local election officials. If you've moved within the same county but haven't updated your address, you should go to the precinct for your new address; you will be able to vote using an affidavit ballot there.
No Early Voting, But Absentee Is an Option
It's important to note that Mississippi does not offer a period of no-excuse early voting. Voting before Election Day is restricted to absentee voting, and you must have a valid reason to qualify. Reasons include being over 65, being required to be at work during polling hours, or being temporarily or permanently disabled. Qualified voters can cast an absentee ballot in person at their local circuit clerk's office in the weeks leading up to the election. Mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by officials within five business days to be counted.
