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How to vote · 2026

Mississippi

Mail voting requires an excuse

Every date below comes from the Mississippi election office and links to the page that states it. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Deadlines move. Courts and legislatures were still changing 2026 rules as this page was compiled (last reviewed September 1, 2026). Confirm anything that affects your vote with the Mississippi election office ↗.
Dates and rules

Registration, mail ballots, and early voting

Registration deadlineOctober 5, 2026Register in person or by mail (postmarked) by Oct. 5, 2026 (30 days before). No online registration and no same-day registration.
Mail ballots first sentAbout September 19, 2026Mail absentee voting requires a qualifying excuse (65+, disability, temporarily absent, etc.). CEIR lists the mail-voting period starting Sept. 19, 2026 (45 days out); NCSL cites a 40-day statutory mailing rule, and clerks send ballots as applications are processed. There is no fixed application deadline; apply early enough to return the ballot by mail.
Return rulePostmarked by Election Day and received within 5 business days (by Nov. 10, 2026)
In-person absentee (excuse required)September 21, 2026through October 31, 2026 · No traditional early voting; excuse-required in-person absentee voting at circuit clerk offices from about Sept. 21 through Oct. 31, 2026 (including final Saturdays).
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The full table of mail-ballot send dates, registration deadlines, and early-voting windows for all fifty states and DC, plus the documented record of government actions on mail voting this cycle.

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