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Senate narrows and finalizes in‑person excused voting rules, removes five‑day mailed‑ballot window
Summary
The Mississippi Senate adopted a conference report altering in‑person excused voting procedures: it shortens the early in‑person period, allows one alternate registrar location with state approval, requires in‑person excused ballots to be final and counted on election night and ends the five‑day post‑election receipt window for mailed ballots.
The Mississippi Senate adopted a conference report that revises the state’s in‑person excused voting procedures, reduces the allowable early in‑person window, clarifies where registrars may conduct those votes, and eliminates the five‑day post‑election receipt rule for mailed ballots.
Senator England, who led the Elections Committee and explained the conference changes, said the bill no longer titles itself “in‑person early voting” but instead governs “in‑person excused voting.” The conference report shortens the allowable in‑person excused window from 45 days to 22 days and allows registrars to use a single alternate county‑owned or county‑leased location (for example a courtroom or boardroom) adjacent to the registrar’s office, subject to approval by the Secretary of State and a written request from the county board of supervisors.
A key operational change is that ballots cast via in‑person excused voting will be final and counted on election night along with other votes; the registrar is to mark the statewide elections management system (SIMS) with an IPE (in‑person excused) flag and note the voter’s excuse. The conference report also abolishes the prior rule that allowed mailed ballots to arrive and be counted up to five days after election day; instead, all mailed ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on election day, consistent with a recent federal appeals court decision cited by supporters.
Other provisions: The conference report allows boards to appoint elections commissioners to assist with in‑person excused voting and provides for per diem compensation similar to election‑day pay. It permits poll watchers during in‑person excused voting and directs the Secretary of State to promulgate rules to implement the process. Sponsors said the changes respond to county clerks’ concerns about space and administration and aim to make in‑person excused voting efficient and consistent.
Outcome: The conference report passed the Senate after committee explanation and floor questions.
