MS HB1543

Increases the per diem payment for election commissioners from $84.00 to $150.00 per day for conducting elections and revising registration books and pollbooks.

Per diem applies to days when commissioners work at least 5 hours accumulated over two or more days, with annual day limits varying by county population size (ranging from 50 to 240 days per year).

Allows county boards of supervisors discretion to authorize up to 5 additional days of per diem pay beyond the annual limits, and permits up to 10 days for special election preparation and 14 days for runoff elections.

Requires election commissioners to submit signed certification forms detailing hours worked and compensation claimed, filed with the county board of supervisors clerk before payment, with provisions allowing public contest of accuracy and appeal rights.

Requires submission to the U.S. Attorney General or U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, with effectiveness contingent upon approval under that act.