Absentee voting opens in Mississippi ahead of November 3 midterm election

Absentee voting opens in Mississippi. Absentee voting opens in Mississippi ahead of November 3 midterm election.

Key points

• Younger, a Republican who has served in the Mississippi Legislature since 2014 representing District 17, is the chairman of the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee.
• The Republican incumbent remarked as the Northern District Commissioner he is "reaching a point of diminishing returns." News Jeremy Pittari September 18, 2026.
• For those needing a Saturday option, in-person absentee voting dates are set for Saturday, October 24 and Saturday, October 31, from 8: 00 a.m.
• From 16-0 down to 41-34 win at South Carolina in SEC opener.
• Absentee voting is now open in Mississippi ahead of the November 3 midterm General Election.

Those casting an absentee ballot this year will now insert their completed ballot into a secure electronic voting machine, ending the envelope process. The change is intended to reduce counting delays and growth election integrity.

As Mississippi does not allow early voting, those wishing to cast an absentee ballot must assert that their reason for voting by absentee ballot ahead of Election Day meets one of the eligible reasons outlined in state law. Those reasons are listed below.

Voters can cast an absentee ballot at their county Circuit Clerk offices throughout the state during regular hours Monday through Friday. Mail-in ballots are additionally available upon request.

For those needing a Saturday option, in-person absentee voting dates are set for Saturday, October 24 and Saturday, October 31, from 8: 00 a.m. Until noon.

In practice, the last day to vote in-person absentee is October 31, and all mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day.

Lawmakers passed a change to the absentee voting process this year, eliminating the need for the traditional envelope system.

Those voting by absentee ballot at the Circuit Clerk office will now be directed to insert their completed ballot into the secure electronic voting machine, making it part of the Election Day vote total and ending the delay caused by the envelope system.

Prior to the change, those casting an absentee ballot would insert the ballot into an envelope and sign throughout the flap. The ballots would then be held until Election Day. The envelopes would then be opened by election authorities in the days after the election and went on to the vote totals.

Advocates for the change pointed to the need to ensure election integrity and maintain security when absentee votes are cast. Who Can Vote by Absentee Ballot?

Mississippi election law sets forth the after eligible reasons a voter is allowed to cast an absentee ballot.

In practice, a qualified elector who is a bona fide student, teacher or administrator at any college, university, junior college, high, junior high, or elementary grade school whose studies or employment at such institution necessitates his or her absence from the municipality of his or her voting residence on the date of any primary, general or special election, or the spouse and dependents of that student, teacher or administrator if such spouse or dependent(s) maintain a common domicile, outside of the county of his or her voting residence, with such student, teacher or administrator.

Meanwhile, a qualified elector who is required to be away from his or her place of residence on any election day due to his or her employment as an employee of a member of the Mississippi congressional delegation and the spouse and dependents of such person if he or she shall be residing with such absentee voter away from the municipality of the spouse's voting residence.

Meanwhile, a qualified elector who is away from his or her residence within the county on election day for any reason.

Since of such disability, is unable to vote in person without substantial hardship to himself, herself or others, or whose attendance at the voting place could reasonably cause danger to himself, herself or others, a person who has a temporary or permanent physical disability and who.

In practice, the parent, spouse or dependent of a person with a temporary or permanent physical disability who is hospitalized outside of his or her residence within the county or more than fifty (50) miles distant from his or her residence, if the parent, spouse or dependent will be with such person on election day. A person who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older.

Meanwhile, a member of the Mississippi congressional delegation absent from Mississippi on election day, and the spouse and dependents of such member of the congressional delegation.

Notably, a qualified elector who will be unable to vote in person since he or she is required to be at work on election day during the times at which the polls will be open or on-call during the times when the polls will be open. What is on the Ballot this November?

For context, the November 3 General Election ballot will include races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Court of Appeals, Chancery and Circuit Judges, and special elections to fill seats in select districts for District Attorney and the Legislature.

For more information on what is on the ballot this midterm cycle, read Magnolia Tribune's continued election coverage, visit the Mississippi Secretary of State's website, or contact your local Circuit Clerk for a sample ballot. Regarding the Author(s).

Frank Corder is a native of Pascagoula. For almost two decades, he has noted and offered analysis on administration, public policy, business and matters of faith. Frank's interviews, articles, and columns have been shared throughout Mississippi as well as in national publications. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, providing insight and commentary on the inner workings of the Magnolia State. Frank has served his community in both elected and appointed public office, hosted his own local radio and television programs, and managed private businesses all while being an engaged husband and father. Email Frank: [email protected].

News Frank Corder September 17, 2026.

State Rep. Mangold wants to be the voice of ag as Mississippi's next Agriculture Commissioner.

Mangold believes his background and experience both in agriculture and as a state lawmakers create him uniquely qualified to the next Commissioner. More From This Author. News Frank Corder September 18, 2026.

Ole Miss has more U.S. Senate staffers working for Republicans than any other school. News Frank Corder September 18, 2026. Public comment sought by TVA on Clay County solar project. News Frank Corder September 17, 2026. American Cruise Lines breaks ground on new cruise dock in Natchez. News Magnolia Tribune September 21, 2026. Magnolia Mornings: September 21, 2026. News Frank Corder September 16, 2026. State Senator Younger announces bid for Northern District Transportation Commissioner.

Younger, a Republican who has served in the Mississippi Legislature since 2014 representing District 17, is the chairman of the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee. Elections Frank Corder September 16, 2026. Caldwell won't seek third term as Northern Transportation Commissioner.

Notably, the Republican incumbent remarked as the Northern District Commissioner he is "reaching a point of diminishing returns." News Jeremy Pittari September 18, 2026. Lawmakers say Ag Commissioner order on excused school absences is non-binding. News Jeremy Pittari September 18, 2026.

House lawmakers exploring ways to cut Mississippi property taxes, car tag fees. News Cass Rutledge September 18, 2026. Industrial Timber expanding its Ripley operations with $2.6 million investment. Business Frank Corder September 15, 2026. Hitachi Energy brings largest U.S. Investment to date to Mississippi. Business Frank Corder September 10, 2026.

General Atomics confirmed second expansion this year, bringing 125 more jobs to Shannon. Business Frank Corder September 10, 2026.

C Spire expanding fiber network with new high-capacity corridor between Jackson and Olive Branch. Culture Pete Iacobelli, Associated Press September 21, 2026.

Taylor's four TDs rally Mississippi St. From 16-0 down to 41-34 win at South Carolina in SEC opener. Culture Chris Burrows, Associated Press September 21, 2026.

Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss notes win over Lane Kiffin and LSU 'meant more than other games'. Culture Robert St. John September 21, 2026. Opinion Sid Salter September 16, 2026.

Despite plenty of statutory protections, there is no clear constitutional right to clean water. Opinion Russ Latino September 15, 2026. Sydney Sweeney Novig Ad: Body positivity's double standard. Opinion Merle Flowers September 10, 2026. Mississippi does not have pharmacies to spare.

Taken together, the developments around absentee voting opens in Mississippi ahead of November 3 midterm election point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.