AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 23-15-49, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE QUALIFIED ELECTORS TO SUBMIT VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS THROUGH A SECURE INTERNET WEBSITE ESTABLISHED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE; TO ESTABLISH THE PROCEDURE BY WHICH THE COUNTY REGISTRAR SHALL PROCESS ONLINE APPLICATIONS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 23-15-35, 23-15-37, 23-15-39, 23-15-41 AND 23-15-79, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO AUTHORIZE A QUALIFIED ELECTOR TO VOTE NOT MORE THAN 21 DAYS NOR LESS THAN TWO DAYS BEFORE THE DATE OF AN ELECTION; TO PROVIDE THAT PREELECTION VOTING MAY BE CONDUCTED IN THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE; TO REQUIRE A PERSON WHO DESIRES TO VOTE DURING THE PREELECTION DAY VOTING PERIOD TO APPEAR AT THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE AND TO PROVIDE THAT AFTER SIGNING THE RECEIPT BOOK, SUCH PERSON SHALL BE ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE IN THE SAME MANNER AS HE OR SHE WOULD AT HIS OR HER VOTING PRECINCT ON THE DAY OF THE ELECTION; TO PROVIDE THAT THE ELECTION LAWS THAT GOVERN PROCEDURES FOR A PERSON WHO APPEARS TO VOTE ON THE DAY OF ELECTION SHALL APPLY WHEN A PERSON APPEARS TO VOTE DURING THE PREELECTION DAY VOTING PERIOD; TO PROVIDE THAT ALL VOTES CAST DURING THE PREELECTION DAY VOTING PERIOD SHALL BE FINAL; TO PROVIDE THAT THE VOTES CAST DURING THE PREELECTION DAY VOTING PERIOD SHALL BE ANNOUNCED SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE VOTES CAST ON ELECTION DAY; TO PROVIDE THAT EACH CANDIDATE SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE PRESENT AT THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE AND TO CHALLENGE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF ANY PERSON OFFERING TO PREELECTION VOTE IN THE SAME MANNER AS PROVIDED BY LAW AT THE POLLING PLACE ON THE DAY OF THE ELECTION; TO REQUIRE THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO PROMULGATE RULES AND REGULATIONS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE PREELECTION DAY VOTING; TO AMEND SECTION 23-15-195, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY THERETO; TO AMEND SECTION 23-15-627, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE CATEGORIES OF VOTERS WHO MAY CAST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT; TO AMEND SECTION 23-15-637, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT ALL ABSENTEE BALLOTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE REGISTRAR BY A CERTAIN TIME ON THE DAY BEFORE THE ELECTION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
The bill also introduces a system for pre-election day voting, allowing citizens to vote not more than 21 days and not less than two days before an election. This change is designed to facilitate easier voting access and reduce crowding at polling places on election day. The law mandates that pre-election voting can be conducted at the registrar's office, ensuring that the same voting protocols for election day will apply during this period, which is intended to maintain consistency in the electoral process.
Summary
Senate Bill 2094 proposes significant changes to the voter registration process and pre-election voting procedures in Mississippi. Specifically, it establishes the ability for qualified electors to submit voter registration applications through a secure internet website set up by the Secretary of State. This online registration aims to modernize the voter registration process and make it more accessible to citizens who may not be able to register in person due to various reasons.
Contention
Despite these advancements, there may be concerns around the security and integrity of online voter registration. Opponents could argue that not all citizens have equal access to the internet or the necessary technology to register online, potentially disenfranchising those without sufficient resources. Additionally, implications for the processing of absentee ballots are introduced, stipulating that these ballots must be received by the registrar by a certain time prior to election day, which might raise questions about accessibility for certain voters.