MS SB2273

Increases the minimum fine for vote fraud from $500 to $1,000, with maximum fine remaining at $5,000

Eliminates county jail as a sentencing option, making state penitentiary time mandatory (1-5 years) for vote fraud convictions

Applies to offenses including paying for votes, influencing absentee voters with money or items of value, selling one's vote, and falsely swearing on absentee ballot affidavits

Maintains existing penalties for paying ballot assisters based on number of voters helped or ballots cast ($1,000-$5,000 fine and 1-5 years imprisonment)

Effective date of July 1, 2023