Mississippi House Bill HB365

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/26
• Refer: 1/9/26
• Failed: 2/3/26

Caption

AN ACT TO CREATE THE EARLY VOTING ACT; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS; TO PROVIDE THE TIME FOR THE EARLY VOTING PERIOD; 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 AND AT ADDITIONAL EARLY VOTING POLLING PLACES; TO PROVIDE THAT NOTICE OF EARLY VOTING SHALL BE PROVIDED IN THREE PUBLIC PLACES FOURTEEN 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, 9-4-5 AND 23-15-321, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Impact

The introduction of HB 365 is poised to significantly alter Mississippi's voting framework by extending access to voting through an early voting period. This could benefit voters who may face difficulties voting on the designated election days due to work commitments, health issues, or other reasons. The act also amends various sections of the Mississippi Code to revise the voter eligibility requirements for absentee ballots, thereby making the electoral process more inclusive and accessible, particularly for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Summary

House Bill 365, known as the Early Voting Act, seeks to establish the framework for early voting across Mississippi for various types of elections including primaries, general elections, runoffs, specials, and municipal elections. The bill outlines definitions pertinent to early voting, the timeline for its implementation, and the operating hours for voting both at the registrar's office and designated early voting polling places. To ensure voters are informed, it mandates that early voting notices be posted in three public locations at least fourteen days before the voting period commences.

Contention

However, the bill does face potential contention among lawmakers and the public. Critics may articulate concerns regarding the administrative burden of implementing early voting, including the logistics of staffing additional polling locations and ensuring the security and integrity of the ballots cast during this period. Furthermore, the amendment to absentee ballot eligibility, particularly the prohibition of casting absentee ballots in person at the county registrar's office, may raise questions about voter access for those needing immediate assistance or clarification on the voting process.