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MississippiHB 8592026 Regular SessionHouse

In-person absentee voting; require use of OMR equipment and establish security measures and procedure to challenge.

Sponsored By: Noah Sanford (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Apportionment and ElectionsElectionsAccountability, Efficiency, Transparency

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Election officials count ballots election night

Election officials process ballots on election day and count them after the polls close. They must finish counting ballots other than affidavit ballots that night, except for a primary with a different tabulating authority. Officials report the results before returning and sealing the ballot box. The equipment must be able to seal ballots during absentee voting and after polls close.

Candidates and watchers can challenge voters

Beginning July 1, 2026, candidates can attend election locations or send authorized watchers. Watchers need written permission, and officials must provide a viewing and listening spot when possible. Candidates and watchers can challenge voters but cannot interfere with voting. Challenges can lead to a ballot being rejected or counted separately; the registrar decides whether a challenge is valid or frivolous only by unanimous opinion.

Daily safeguards for absentee ballots

Registrars seal in-person absentee voting equipment at the end of each business day and keep a seal log and ballot count. They must store ballots securely, following rules from the Secretary of State. Registrars also post the names of people who voted in person each day.

In-person absentee voting uses scanners

Beginning July 1, 2026, in-person absentee voters use paper ballots that work with optical scanning equipment. Voters complete an application and certificate before voting, and anyone helping mark a ballot completes an assistance certificate. Registrars must repair or replace failed equipment, or direct voters to working machines or paper ballots. In-person forms must be available when voting begins and printed at least 45 days before the election; mail applications are generally available at least 60 days before.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Noah Sanford

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 170 • No: 2

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Passed

Yes: 51 • No: 1

House vote • 2/10/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 119 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    3/19/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/12/2026Senate

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/12/2026House

  4. Returned For Enrolling

    3/11/2026Senate

  5. Passed

    3/10/2026Senate

  6. Title Suff Do Pass

    3/3/2026Senate

  7. DR - TSDP: EL To AC

    2/26/2026Senate

  8. Referred To Elections;Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency

    2/17/2026Senate

  9. Transmitted To Senate

    2/12/2026House

  10. Passed As Amended

    2/10/2026House

  11. Amended

    2/10/2026House

  12. Title Suff Do Pass

    1/29/2026House

  13. Referred To Apportionment and Elections

    1/16/2026House

Bill Text

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