Senate Bill 2279 - Elections Summary

• Establishes a secure internet website through the Secretary of State to allow qualified electors with valid Mississippi driver's licenses or photo IDs to register to vote online, with applications processed by county registrars within 14 days.

• Authorizes qualified electors to vote during a preelection day voting period beginning 21 days before an election and ending at 5:00 p.m. on the Sunday before election day, with at least one voting location per county open Monday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Requires preelection day votes to be final and announced simultaneously with election day votes, with candidates having the right to be present and challenge voter qualifications at early voting locations.

• Revises absentee ballot eligibility categories to include Mississippi citizens temporarily residing outside their county of residence and trained emergency response providers deployed during voting periods or emergencies.

• Requires all absentee ballots to be received by the registrar by a specified time on the day before the election, effective July 1, 2023.