MS HB1802

Establishes Pre-election Day Voting Act authorizing early voting for all elections in calendar year 2020 to reduce COVID-19 exposure at polling places.

Pre-election day voting period begins 20 days before election day and continues until noon on the Saturday immediately preceding the election.

Voting conducted at registrar offices or designated precincts during regular business hours, with extended hours until 7:00 p.m. during the last full week before election; registrar offices open 8:00 a.m. to noon on the two Saturdays preceding each election.

Qualified electors must present acceptable photo identification and vote using the same procedures as election day voting; all votes cast during pre-election period are final and counted simultaneously with election day votes.

Secretary of State required to promulgate rules and regulations for pre-election voting in 2020, supplementing existing absentee ballot laws.