MS HB1521

Absentee ballots received by mail must be postmarked on or before election day and received by the registrar no more than five (5) business days after the election to be counted.

Absentee ballots cast in person at the registrar's office must be deposited into a sealed ballot box by the voter, with the box sealed at the close of each business day and remaining sealed until the next business day opens.

Voters who cast absentee ballots (by mail or in person) are prohibited from voting in person on election day; the Secretary of State shall promulgate rules to ensure absentee votes are final and ballots remain in the registrar's office for counting.

Absentee ballots received before 7:00 p.m. the day before the election shall be counted and announced on election day, while those received after that time but within the five-business-day deadline shall be processed and announced after the deadline period closes.

Extends absentee voting eligibility to qualified electors under physician-imposed quarantine due to COVID-19 during 2020 or those caring for dependents under such quarantine; registrar shall mail absentee ballot applications and ballots together to voters.