Primaries for U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives are on June 5, 2018. You can begin voting by absentee starting April 21, but only if you swear to one of six valid excuses. Those excuses include:
- You will be outside of your county on Election Day.
- You will be at school on Election Day.
- You are disabled and unable to vote in-person on Election Day.
- You take care of someone who is disabled or hospitalized and will be with that person at least 50 miles away from your county on Election Day.
- You are 65 years or older.
- You are required to work on Election Day.
Many Mississippians are unable to make it to the polls for reasons other than the six approved excuses above. Expanding access with no-excuse early voting ensures that all voters in Mississippi have the opportunity to vote.
Mississippi is one of thirteen states that does not have early voting, which allows citizens to cast their ballot several weeks prior to Election Day without an excuse or notarization. No-excuse early voting already takes place in 37 states plus Washington D.C. Studies have shown that it leads to shorter lines on Election Day, increases poll worker performance, and results in greater access to voting and increased voter satisfaction.
We advocated for early voting and online voter registration during the 2018 legislative session. We need your help to ensure our democracy continues to thrive.
It’s time to modernize Mississippi’s voting system. It’s time to let people vote. Sign the petition now.
As you prepare to vote this year, visit our Voting Rights Resource Center for tools and information!
