As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, Mississippi voters are preparing to go to the polls on Tuesday, November 5. This guide outlines polling times, what you need to bring to vote, and other key information to ensure a smooth experience on Election Day itself.

Polling Hours in Mississippi

On election day, polling stations in Mississippi generally open at 7 a.m. and closed at 7 p.m.. If you are in line at 7 p.m., you will be allowed to vote.

What to bring to vote in Mississippi

When voting in person in Mississippi, you must bring one of the following photo IDs with you:

– A Mississippi driver’s license

– An American passport

– A photo identification card issued by a branch, department or entity of the State of Mississippi

– An employee photo identification card issued by a U.S. government branch, department, or entity

– A photo identification issued by any branch, department, agency or entity of the United States Government, the State of Mississippi or any state government, including, but not limited to, a driver’s license from another state.

– A student identification card containing a photograph issued by an accredited institution of higher education in Mississippi

– A US military ID card containing a photograph

– A tribal identity card containing a photograph

– A Mississippi permit to carry a firearm containing a photograph

– A Mississippi voter ID card containing a photograph

You can 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 may vary depending on time of day and location. Here is a general guide:

Early morning (7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.): Many people vote early, so queues may be longer once polling stations open. If you can, avoid the 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. time slot.

Noon (10:00 a.m. – 3:00 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 a surge between 11:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. so if you can avoid that two-hour window.

Late afternoon and evening (3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.): Crowds tend to increase as people leave work, queues may therefore get longer as polling stations approach closing. 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. is usually the busiest time.

To make your voting experience easier:

Other Useful Information for Mississippi Voters

Absentee voting deadlines: The deadline for requesting a postal vote has passed. If you have already received an absentee ballot, it must be postmarked by Election Day, November 5, 2024, and received by your precinct clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on November 13, 2024.

Provisional ballots: If there is a problem with registration or identification at the polling station, you can vote provisionally. These ballots are counted once your eligibility is confirmed.

Voter Helpline: For questions or concerns on Election Day, contact the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office at 1-800-829-6786.

Key Points to Remember for Voting in Mississippi on Election Day

To make sure you’re ready to vote in the 2024 presidential election in Mississippi: