Mississippi

Recent Changes Affecting Mississippi's Voting Laws

NOTE: Mississippi requires preclearance by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) under Section V of the Voting Rights Act before changes to it's voting laws can take effect. These changes have not been precleared by the DOJ.

Mississippi voters passed a constitutional amendment in November 2011. The language states "government-issued photo identification” to vote unless the voter lives and votes in a state-licensed care facility. The Mississippi legislature passed enabling legislation that will require voters to present a photo ID. Acceptable ID’s include a current and valid (must contain a photo):

  • Mississippi driver's license;
  • identification card issued by a branch, department, agency or entity of the State of Mississippi;
  • United States passport;
  • employee identification card issued by any branch, department, agency or entity of the United States government, Mississippi, or any county, municipality, board, authority or other entity of Mississippi;
  • Mississippi license to carry a pistol or revolver;
  • tribal identification card;
  • United States military identification cards
  • student identification card containing a photo issued by any accredited Mississippi higher education institution; and
  • official Mississippi voter identification card.

Those voters that do not present an ID will be allowed to cast a provisional ballot which will be counted if the voter, within five days, shows an approved ID to the county circuit clerk.

FELN Guides

Mississippi Elections Website

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