Senate Bill 2833 - Fair Access to Elections Act

• Prohibits government and election officials from soliciting or accepting contributions, donations, or anything of value from any person for conducting state or local elections; requires all election costs to be paid with public funds.

• Allows absentee ballots and application forms to be distributed only to persons who request them; prohibits non-governmental persons from distributing absentee ballot applications and prohibits establishment of ballot drop boxes.

• Requires absentee ballot envelopes to include a hidden space for voters to enter their Mississippi driver's license number, last four digits of social security number, or a statement if they lack such identification.

• Establishes violation of these provisions as a felony punishable by one to ten years in the Department of Corrections and/or a maximum fine of $5,000.

• Effective July 1, 2023.