US ELECTION 2024
What time do polling places open and close in Mississippi? Voting hours in MS in the US Election 2024
Everything Mississippi voters need to know as they cast their ballot in the Presidential Election, with Kamala Harris going head to head with Donald Trump.
With the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election upon us, Mississippi voters are getting ready to head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5. This guide outlines polling hours, what you need to bring to vote, and other key information to help ensure a smooth experience on Election Day itself.
Polling hours in Mississippi
On Election Day, polling places in Mississippi usually open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. If you’re in line by 7 p.m., you’ll be allowed to cast your vote.
What to bring to vote in Mississippi
When voting in person in Mississippi, you must bring one of the following forms of photo ID with you:
- A Mississippi driver’s license
- A US passport
- A photo ID card issued by a branch, department, or entity of the State of Mississippi
- An employee photo ID card issued by a branch, department, or entity of the US government
- A photo ID issued by any branch, department, agency or entity of the US government, the State of Mississippi, or any state government including, but not limited to, a driver’s license of another state
- A student ID card containing a photograph issued by an accredited institution of higher education in Mississippi
- A US military ID card containing a photograph
- A tribal ID card containing a photograph
- A Mississippi license to carry a gun containing a photograph
- A Mississippi voter identification card containing a photograph
You may use an expired photo ID as long as it is an acceptable form of photo ID and is not more than 10 years old.
Expected wait times and tips for a smooth voting experience
Line lengths can vary depending on the time of day and the location. Here’s a general guide:
Early Morning (7:00 - 10:00 a.m.): Many people vote early, so lines can be longer right when polling places open. If you can, avoid the 7 a.m - 8 a.m. slot.
Midday (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.): Lines are often shorter, as this period sees fewer voters. If you have a flexible schedule, this is usually the best time to avoid long waits. That said, there is usually an increase between 11:30 and 1:30 p.m. so if you can avoid that two hour slot.
Late Afternoon and Evening (3 p.m. - 7 p.m.): Crowds tend to increase as people leave work, so lines can grow longer as polling places near closing. 5 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. is usually the busiest.
To make your voting experience easier:
- Bring water, snacks, and any needed medication if you anticipate waiting for a while.
- Check your polling location ahead of time; it may have changed from previous elections.
- Review your sample ballot before you go to save time when filling out your selections.
Other useful information for Mississippi voters
Absentee Voting Deadlines: The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot has passed. If you have already received an absentee ballot, it must be postmarked by Election Day, November 5, 2024, and received by your Circuit Clerk’s Office no later than 5:00 p.m. on November 13, 2024.
Provisional Ballots: If there is an issue with your registration or identification at the polling place, you may cast a provisional ballot. These ballots are counted once your eligibility is confirmed.
Voter Assistance Hotline: For any questions or concerns on Election Day, contact the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office at 1-800-829-6786.
Key takeaways for voting in Mississippi on Election Day
To ensure you’re prepared for voting in the 2024 Presidential Election in Mississippi :
- Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Bring an acceptable photo ID to the polling station if required.
- Choose a voting time based on expected crowd levels.
- Plan for potential wait times and bring any essentials you may need.
- Check the status of your registration and polling location before you head out.