Mississippi Redistricting
2026 Voting Rights Scorecard
Access to Polling Places
Mississippi has the highest Black population share of any state, approximately 40%. Currently, lawmakers are considering changes as soon as the 2026 general election to congressional, legislative, and state Supreme Court districts that would significantly dilute the Black vote and potentially remove the state’s only Black congressman, Representative Bennie Thompson.
Vote by Mail Mississippi meets four of the seven criteria. The state requires an excuse to vote by mail, which limits the accessibility of voting in the state. The mailed absentee application must be sworn before an official authorized to administer oaths. Disabled voters are exempt and may use one adult witness instead. It does offer an application process that can be completed without a printer.
In-person Early Voting Mississippi is one of only three states that does not offer traditional in-person early voting. Instead, Mississippi allows what they call “inperson absentee voting” for eligible voters who cannot vote in-person on Election Day. This policy is one of the strictest in the nation and leads to long lines on Election Day that may deter potential voters.
Voter ID Laws Mississippi requires photo ID in order to vote. A variety of IDs are accepted, such as any valid student ID. Voters can also receive a free Mississippi Voter Identification Card if they do not have any listed valid ID. Voters do not need to include a copy of their photo ID to request a mail-in absentee ballot or return a completed mail-in absentee ballot.
Mississippi mandates that curbside voting is available to physically disabled voters during the voting period. Voters who are blind, disabled, or unable to read or write may receive assistance in marking their ballot in the voting booth and/or may receive access to a voting machine that is accessible to individuals with disabilities. For county precincts (federal and state elections) Mississippi requires one polling place in each voting precinct. For municipal precincts (mayor and city council elections) Mississippi delegates the quantity and location of polling places to local authorities and does not require at least one polling place per precinct.
CBCF’s scorecard evaluates voting rights and access to the electoral process across 15 states with large Black populations. This fact sheet highlights key laws, policies, and recent developments affecting voting access in Mississippi.
Disinformation Campaigns In 2024, Mississippi passed a law that prohibits the use of deepfakes in political advertisements within 90 days of an election. This legislation helps protect voters in Mississippi from political disinformation but does not address all forms of deliberately deceptive media. Additionally, the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office states they prioritize maintaining an informed electorate by creating the “My Election Day” portal and “Y’all Vote website to provide voters within accurate voting information, as well as including projects that address open-source analysis of disinformation and misinformation campaigns through the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security Grant Program.
Felon Disenfranchisement Mississippi has a lifetime ban on voting for certain felonies, including rape murder, and “voter fraud.” Voting rights can only be restored through the Governor or state legislature. However, voters convicted of an included felony in another state, retain their right to vote. Outside of those crimes, the state allows people with felony convictions to vote.
Key
Inclusive voting policies: These states implement policies that protect and uphold the right to vote.
Moderate restrictions on voting: These states have policies that impose limitations on voting rights but maintain notable access for most voters.
Highly restrictive voting policies: These states enforce policies that severely limit voting rights and access.
For more information on voting in Mississippi, visit www.vote411.org/mississippi Explore the full 2026 Voting Rights Scorecard