Nearly 30 municipalities across Mississippi are holding municipal primary runoff elections on Tuesday, April 22.
From mayor to city council to board of aldermen and more, lots will be on the ballot for some voters. Secretary of State Michael Watson is encouraging everyone eligible to carve out some time to vote in what, in his words, are “the elections that really matter.”
“I think it’s important to remind Mississippians that just because it’s local, it’s no less important than a federal election or a state election, because these are the races that can impact your life much more quickly,” Watson said. “Please do your homework and make sure you know what these candidates stand for and what they’re going to bring to your cities in the future. Get prepared and get to the polls.”
To make navigating the process easier, here’s everything you need to know before heading to the polls.
Which municipalities are holding primary runoffs?
According to Watson’s office, the following municipalities are holding primary runoffs: Baldwyn, Bay St. Louis, Belzoni, Biloxi, Clarksdale, Columbus, Diamondhead, Durant, Ecru, Farmington, Greenwood, Gulfport, Hernando, Holly Springs, Horn Lake, Houston, Jackson, Magnolia, Meridian, Morton, Moss Point, Newton, Okolona, Pascagoula, Philadelphia, Senatobia, Tupelo, and Woodville.
For questions on which runoff elections are happening, municipal clerks can be contacted directly here.
Who can vote?
Any registered voter may participate in the primary runoffs being held in their municipality. Voters who cast a ballot during the primaries on April 1 must stick to the party they voted for. Those who did not vote in the initial election will be able to choose whether to cast a ballot on the Democratic or Republican side.
When are the polls open?
Polls in municipalities where runoffs are taking place will open Tuesday, April 22, at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Watson, whose office manages elections, reminds eligible voters that anyone in line before 7 p.m. is legally entitled to cast a ballot. Polling locations can be verified here.
What should you bring to the polls?
Eligible voters should bring a photo ID to their polling location. Voters without an acceptable form of photo identification are entitled to cast an affidavit ballot. However, Watson urges people to be prepared when they get to the polls, so they won’t have to go through the affidavit process. A list of acceptable photo IDs can be found here. Voters who end up casting an affidavit ballot will be required to present an acceptable form of photo ID to their municipal clerk’s office in the days after the election for their ballots to be counted.
What should you not bring to the polls?
While cell phones are allowed inside polling locations, Mississippi law does not allow people to take a photo of any marked ballot. In the day and age of the fad called “ballot selfies,” Watson reminds people that a social media post is not worth legal repercussions. The secretary of state also reminds people that campaigning within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling location, unless a private property, is unlawful. Thus, don’t bring signs for your candidates of choice and set up outside the door.
Is it too late to vote absentee?
The final day to vote absentee in person for primary runoffs was Saturday, April 19. However, those who are eligible absentee voters and plan to use the mail-in process must have their ballots postmarked and sent to their municipal clerk’s office on or before the election date of April 22 and received by municipal clerk offices by 5 p.m. on April 30.
How to track results?
To keep up with live results after the polls close, tune in to one of the 48 stations across the state that carry SuperTalk Mississippi News. Written recaps will also be provided on supertalk.fm upon elections being called.
