MS SB2563

Requires absentee ballots to be placed in an unmarked envelope inside the outer envelope containing required affidavits and certificates to ensure ballot secrecy.

Updates absentee ballot handling procedures for both mail-in ballots and in-person absentee voting to accommodate the new unmarked envelope requirement.

Modifies election manager procedures for opening and counting absentee ballots, requiring them to open the unmarked envelopes only during the counting process rather than immediately upon receipt.

Changes ballot examination process so election managers inspect ballots for regularity after removing them from the unmarked envelope during counting, not before.

Becomes effective July 1, 2019, and applies to Mississippi Code sections 23-15-631, 23-15-635, 23-15-639, 23-15-719, and 23-15-721.