summary
Introduced
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
In Committee
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
Crossed Over
02/13/2026
02/13/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Create The "in-person Absentee Voting Act"; To Provide Definitions; To Provide That The In-person Absentee Voting Period Shall Begin 22 Days Before The Election And Continue Until 12:00 P.m. On The Saturday Immediately Preceding The Election; To Provide That In-person Absentee Voting Shall Be For Each Primary, General, Runoff, Special And Municipal Election For Public Office; To Provide The Hours For In-person Absentee Voting In The Registrar's Office During Regular Business Hours; To Provide Extended Hours To Vote During The Last Full Week Preceding An Election; To Provide The Appropriate Locations For In-person Absentee Voting To Take Place; To Provide That Notice Of In-person Absentee 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 In-person Excused Voting Period; To Provide The Manner For Challenging The Qualifications Of A Voter During The In-person Absentee Voting Period; To Amend Section 23-15-639, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Require That Mail-in Ballots Be Announced By The Resolution Board; To Bring Forward Section 23-15-697, Mississippi Code Of 1972, For The Purpose Of Possible Amendment; To Repeal Section 23-15-659 Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Remove The Absentee Ballot Envelope Requirements For In-person Absentee Voters; To Amend Sections 23-15-625, 23-15-627, 23-15-713, 23-15-715, 23-15-651, 23-15-719 And 23-15-633, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "In-Person Absentee Voting Act," establishes a new process for voters to cast absentee ballots in person, expanding the window for early voting. The in-person absentee voting period will now begin 22 days before any primary, general, runoff, special, or municipal election and conclude at noon on the Saturday immediately preceding election day. Voting will occur during regular business hours at the registrar's office, with extended hours offered during the final full week before an election, including the two Saturdays prior. The bill outlines specific locations for this voting, requires public notice of the voting period eight days in advance, and details the procedures for casting a ballot, including the need for photo identification and a valid excuse for absentee voting, which are listed in the bill and range from military service to age and physical disability. It also allows for challenges to voter qualifications during this period and mandates that all votes cast during in-person absentee voting are final and will be counted and announced simultaneously with election day votes after the polls close. The bill also makes several conforming amendments to existing Mississippi election laws, including changes to how mail-in ballots are handled and the repeal of specific requirements for absentee ballot envelopes for in-person voters.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Referred To Apportionment and Elections (on 02/18/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2587.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/SB/2500-2599/SB2587PS.htm |
| Amendment No 1 to Amendment No 1 | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/sam/SB2587_S_Amend_01_to_Amend_01.htm |
| Amendment No 1 | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/sam/SB2587_S_Amend_01.htm |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/SB/2500-2599/SB2587CS.htm |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/SB/2500-2599/SB2587IN.htm |
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