Election Q & A

League of Women Voters^®
of Mississippi, Inc.

Answers to frequently asked questions related to elections in Mississippi

CAST AN INFORMED VOTE!
The League of Women Voters is pleased to help answer voters' questions about election day. This non-partisan organization encourages active participation of citizens in government and never supports or opposes parties or candidates. League members are men and women who are passionate about the right to vote and in bettering our communities.
If an answer is not found here, you may call the League of Women Voters Hotline ON ELECTION DAY at 601-355-7495. You may also call your county's Circuit Clerk or a county Election Commissioner.

Questions and Answers

Q: When is the election? A: The Democratic and Republican primary election is on on Tuesday, March 13. The general election is on Tuesday, November 6. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone who is in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote. Run-off elections will be held if needed.
Q: What races are on the ballot? A: Races in this election include President/Vice-President, U.S. Representatives, U.S. Senators, Mississippi Supreme Court Justice, Mississippi Court of Appeals, Levee Commissioners, Election Commissioners, and School Board Members.
Q: Can I vote for candidates of different political parties? A: In the primary election on March 13, you may not vote for candidates of different political parties. You must choose to vote either in the Republican or the Democratic primary. In the general election on November 6, you may vote for candidates of different political parties. Your ballot will include candidates for several political parties and independents.
Q: How do I find out who my representatives are? A: You may go to Project Vote Smart and enter your address. Note: You may need to have your complete five digit + four digit zip code. You may find that information on the U.S. Post Office website Zip Code Look Up page.
Q: Do I need identification in order to vote? A: You may IF you registered to vote by mail and this is the first time you are casting a vote. Examples of acceptable ID are valid photo ID, current utility bill or bank statement, paycheck or stub.
Q: May I carry sample ballot information into the polling place? A: Yes, however, it should not be visible or appear to be campaign literature being carried illegally into the polling location.
Q: Where do I go to vote? A: Refer to your voter registration card for your precinct number and address or ask your neighbor where they vote. You can also find your polling place on on the Secretary of State's website. Enter your street address, city, and zip code. Note: You may need to have your complete five digit + four digit zip code. You may find that information on the U.S. Post Office website Zip Code Look up page. You may also contact your Circuit Clerk's office (contact information found on your County Election Information page). On Election Day, you may call the League Election Hotline at 601-355-7495 or the Secretary of State's Election Answerline 1-800-829-6786.
Q: If I have moved since the last election, where do I vote? A: If you moved within the same county, go to the poll for your new address; ask the poll manager for an affidavit ballot. The election commissioner will update your address on the voter rolls. If you moved to a different county, you must re-register at least 30 days prior to the election.
Q: What if I registered but I am told I am not on the books? A: The poll workers are there to help you. If you are at the wrong polling location, poll workers should help you find the right one. If this is your correct polling place, you may need to vote by affidavit ballot. DO NOT LEAVE UNTIL YOU HAVE VOTED! Call your circuit clerk's office in a couple days to see if your ballot was counted. If not, ask why and be sure you are correctly registered for the next election. Also, call the League of Women Voters' Election Day Hotline at 601-355-7495 so we can identify voters' problems and help make sure they are not repeated.
Q: Must I vote for a candidate in each office for my ballot to count? A: No.
Q: Is transportation available? A: The political parties may offer rides. You may also contact the campaign headquarters of the candidate of your choice.
Q: What if I have difficulty getting into the poll location? A: There should be a sign directing handicapped voters; voters in wheelchairs have access to the Touch Screen voting stations. You also have the right to ask to vote curbside with the assistance of the election manager.
Q: What if I have a question about the machine or need assistance? A: The poll workers are there to help you. Voters who are physically disabled or cannot read or write can choose to have assistance, by request to the poll manager (from anyone except his/her employer, or a representative of the employer or from a representative of a union in which he/she is a member).
Q: Any further tips? A: Avoid the crowds. Go to polls during off-hours, usually 10:00 + 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 + 3:30 p.m. Be informed. Read our Voter's Guide to get information about each candidate. Look at election news in local, state, and national papers. Check out additional election and voting information on the League of Women Voters of Mississippi Elections webpage. Many candidates also have websites with information on their qualifications and priorities. Most importantly, be an informed voter and take a friend to vote!

-By Gene Everitt and Kay Brodbeck, Co-presidents, League of Women Voters of Mississippi

Remember, cast your vote! Your future is impacted by the results of these elections!

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: April 12, 2012 23:29 PDT.