Mississippi Officials Process Ballots to Certify Election Results

Mississippi election officials are processing outstanding ballots and certifying results following the November 3 general election. Secretary of State Michael Watson announced that local officials have until November 13 to submit certified results to his office. As of Wednesday, 70 of the state's 82 counties have uploaded unofficial results via the Statewide Election Management System.

Election commissions are currently reviewing affidavit ballots to verify voter eligibility. These ballots, used by voters missing from registration rolls or lacking photo identification, could impact close contests, including the U.S. Senate race between Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith and Democratic challenger Scott Colom. While voters with inactive status require no further action, those who lacked photo identification must present a valid ID to their county circuit clerk by November 10 for their votes to be counted.

Approximately 3,600 absentee-by-mail ballots remain outstanding and must be received within five business days of Election Day to be valid. Watson noted that unofficial results may shift as these remaining absentee and affidavit ballots are processed during the 10-day certification window.