Gulfport sets Ward 2 special election for June 9 after debate over polling locations; machine-rental vote postponed

The Gulfport City Council on April 27 amended an order calling a special election to fill a vacancy in Ward 2 and set the election date for Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Council members also established a qualifying window and clarified candidate requirements, but a separate vote to authorize coordination with Harrison County for voting machines was postponed after extended debate about precinct locations and voter access.

The amendment to move the election from June 2 to June 9 was offered on the floor and adopted unanimously. Councilwoman Corbett and others said they wanted the maximum allowable time for candidates to qualify; counsel and staff confirmed the governing statute requires a date between 30 and 45 days after the seat is declared vacant. The council discussed whether the date of vacancy is the mayor’s earlier notification or the council’s formal…