Just 40 days out from the Nov. 5 general election, Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson is making sure residents know the path to registering and casting their ballot.
While the presidential and congressional elections command much of the public’s attention, statewide races like three open Mississippi supreme court seats, multiple court of appeals justice elections, and other local races will dot the ballot. Watson reminded voters of some key information to know if they want to make sure their vote will be counted:
- The window for absentee voting opened Monday, allowing those who can’t make it to the polls on Nov. 5 to cast their ballots early if the ballot is postmarked on or before Election Day.
- Anyone over 18, or who will be 18 by Election Day, has until Oct. 7 to register to vote.
- Even if you miss the Oct. 7 cutoff date, though you won’t be able to vote in the upcoming elections in November, there is never a time when Mississippians cannot register to vote.
- Your local circuit clerk’s office and election commission is the best source of timely, accurate information regarding your registration, polling locations, and answers to any other voting questions.
Significant progress has been made since Watson was elected as secretary of state, with more than 320,000 Mississippians registering as voters for the first time. Additionally, most citizens who qualify to register have done so.
“About 85% of Mississippians who are eligible to vote are registered,” Watson said. “That’s a big number, and we’re really proud of that here in Mississippi.”
About 1.9 million people are registered to vote in Mississippi, though just under 1.3 million voters cast a ballot during the 2020 election cycle. With a significant portion of registered voters not participating in past elections, including under one million voters in the 2023 elections, Watson wants Mississippians to know there are an array of options to have their opinion counted – even if it’s not possible to make it to the polls on Election Day.
“If you can’t get to the polls on election day, you already have an opportunity to do so,” Watson said. “We have people tell us, ‘Look, I work seven to seven and can’t do it.’ Well, that’s a reason for you to absentee vote, so you don’t have an excuse anymore. I’m really proud of the work we’ve done to make it as easy as possible.”
Watson also pointed voters or those wanting to learn how to register to yallvote.ms for registration and absentee ballot information, along with myelectionday.com for detailed information on what options will be on the ballot in your town.
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