Mississippi House Bill HB355

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/26
• Refer: 1/8/26
• Failed: 2/3/26

Caption

AN ACT TO CREATE THE DONALD J. TRUMP EARLY VOTING ACT; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE EARLY VOTING PERIOD SHALL BEGIN FOURTEEN DAYS BEFORE THE ELECTION AND CONTINUE UNTIL THE LAST REGULAR BUSINESS DAY PRECEDING THE ELECTION; TO PROVIDE THAT EARLY VOTING SHALL BE FOR EACH PRIMARY, GENERAL, RUNOFF, SPECIAL AND MUNICIPAL ELECTION FOR PUBLIC OFFICE; TO PROVIDE THE HOURS FOR EARLY VOTING IN THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS; TO PROVIDE THAT NOTICE OF EARLY VOTING SHALL BE PROVIDED IN THREE PUBLIC PLACES EIGHT DAYS BEFORE THE VOTING BEGINS; TO PROVIDE THE PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW WHEN CASTING A BALLOT DURING THE EARLY VOTING PERIOD; TO PROVIDE THE MANNER FOR CHALLENGING THE QUALIFICATIONS OF A VOTER DURING THE EARLY VOTING PERIOD; TO AMEND SECTIONS 23-15-625, 23-15-627, 23-15-629, 23-15-631, 23-15-635, 23-15-637, 23-15-639, 23-15-641, 23-15-647, 23-15-649, 23-15-657, 23-15-713, 23-15-715, 23-15-719 AND 23-15-735, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE VOTERS WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE BY ABSENTEE BALLOT; TO PROHIBIT A VOTER FROM CASTING AN ABSENTEE BALLOT IN PERSON AT THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY REGISTRAR; TO CONFORM TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 23-15-31, 23-15-37, 23-15-43, 23-15-47, 23-15-65, 23-15-127, 23-15-153, 23-15-171, 23-15-173, 23-15-191, 23-15-195, 23-15-197, 23-15-231, 23-15-233, 23-15-239, 23-15-241, 23-15-245, 23-15-247, 23-15-251, 23-15-255, 23-15-263, 23-15-265, 23-15-267, 23-15-309, 23-15-331, 23-15-333, 23-15-335, 23-15-353, 23-15-357, 23-15-359, 23-15-363, 23-15-367, 7-3-39, 23-15-511, 23-15-515, 23-15-545, 23-15-573, 23-15-781, 23-15-785, 23-15-807, 23-15-833, 23-15-843, 23-15-851, 23-15-853, 23-15-855, 23-15-857, 23-15-859, 23-15-895, 23-15-913, 23-15-963, 23-15-977, 23-15-1031, 23-15-1081, 23-15-1083, 23-15-1085, 23-15-1091, 21-3-3, 21-9-17, 37-5-9, 21-8-7 AND 9-4-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Impact

If enacted, HB355 would amend various sections of the Mississippi Code to expand the scope and procedures surrounding early voting. By formally introducing an early voting system, the bill would provide voters with more flexibility and opportunities to participate in elections, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with scheduling conflicts on election day. Additionally, the bill sets out regulations regarding the duties of registrars to ensure early voting is smoothly executed and monitored. This could lead to increased voter turnout and engagement, particularly among demographics that may struggle to cast their votes on a single day.

Summary

House Bill 355, also known as the Donald J. Trump Early Voting Act, aims to establish a structured early voting period in Mississippi, beginning fourteen days prior to the election and concluding on the last regular business day before the election. This bill seeks to enhance voter accessibility for all primary, general, runoff, special, and municipal elections. Key provisions include requirements for public notice about early voting locations and hours, as well as measures to facilitate the voting process by ensuring that registrars provide adequate resources and information concerning early voting practices.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the proposed bill has sparked debate among legislators and advocacy groups. Some supporters argue that the early voting provisions will modernize and streamline voting processes, making it easier for citizens to engage in the democratic process. However, opponents have expressed concerns focused on voter identification requirements and the potential for disenfranchisement. Critics argue that strict rules surrounding absentee ballots and early voting could limit access for some groups, particularly the elderly or those without convenient access to transportation. As such, discussions surrounding HB355 may lead to significant amendments or alternative measures aimed at safeguarding voting rights while improving access.