MS HB796

Creates Pre-Election Day Voting Act enabling qualified electors to vote 14 days before an election through noon on the Saturday immediately preceding election day at county registrar offices during regular business hours, with extended hours available during the final week before an election.

Expands absentee voting eligibility by removing student/teacher residence requirements and work-related restrictions, replacing them with broader categories including citizens temporarily residing outside their county and emergency response providers deployed due to state emergencies.

Prohibits in-person delivery of absentee ballots to voters except through registrar offices and requires absentee ballots be mailed rather than hand-delivered, except when voters appear in person at registrar offices.

Amends numerous election code sections (approximately 60+ sections) to conform existing election procedures, timelines, and notifications to accommodate the new 14-day pre-election day voting period throughout all election types (primary, general, runoff, special, and municipal).

Requires registrars to implement new voting procedures including maintaining receipt books during pre-election day voting, allowing party observers and voter challenges during this period, and announcing pre-election day voting hours at least 8 days in advance in three public places.