County News
Absentee voting offers a convenient option for those who cannot make it to the polls on Election Day. Whether you’re planning to be out of town, have a disability, or fall into one of the eligible categories, Lafayette County makes it easy to cast your vote. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure your vote counts.
According to Lafayette County Circuit Clerk Jeff Busby, absentee voting is about providing options and flexibility.
“We know that not everyone can make it to the polls on Election Day,” Busby says. “Absentee voting allows residents to exercise their right to vote, even if they have other commitments or circumstances that keep them from being there in person.”
Who Is Eligible to Vote Absentee?
Under Mississippi law, absentee voting is available to a range of eligible voters. This includes students, teachers, and administrators who will be away for studies or work, individuals over the age of 65, and those who are unable to make it to the polls due to physical disabilities.
“Our goal is to ensure that everyone who has the right to vote can do so without barriers,” says Busby. “Absentee voting is a vital part of that.”
Voters can also vote absentee if they are required to work out-of-county, will be on call during polling hours, or are members of the Mississippi congressional delegation who will be absent from the state. For a complete list of eligibility requirements, residents can contact the Circuit Clerk’s Office or check out Mississippi’s absentee guide.
How to Vote Absentee In-Person
If you prefer to vote absentee in person, you can do so by visiting the Circuit Clerk’s Office at the courthouse.
“We’ve made the process as simple as possible,” explains Busby. “Just bring a valid photo ID, complete a quick application, and our staff will walk you through the rest.”
The office, located at 1 Courthouse Square, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voters will need to complete their ballot, sign the elector’s certificate on the envelope, and have their signature witnessed by the Clerk. The final day to vote absentee in person for the general election is November 2, 2024.
Voting Absentee by Mail
Residents who can’t make it to the courthouse can request an absentee ballot by mail. To do so, voters should contact the Circuit Clerk’s Office to check their eligibility and request an application.
“We encourage voters to start the process as early as possible to avoid any last-minute issues,” says Busby. “It’s important that ballots are returned on time, so planning ahead is key.”
After receiving the application, voters must fill it out, have it witnessed, and return it to the Clerk’s Office. All absentee ballot applications have to be signed by an official who is authorized to administer an oath, like a notary public, unless the voter is disabled, in which case the application can be witnessed by someone who is 18 years old or older.
Once approved, an official absentee ballot will be mailed to the voter, along with instructions on how to complete and return it. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day (November 5, 2024) and received by November 12, 2024.
Key Dates to Remember
- November 2, 2024: Last day to vote absentee in person. The office will be open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- November 5, 2024: General Election Day. Mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked on or before this date.
- November 12, 2024: Deadline for the Clerk’s Office to receive mail-in absentee ballots that were postmarked by Election Day.
Your Voting Resource
Busby emphasizes the importance of understanding the process and making sure all requirements are met.
“We’re here to help,” he says. “If you have any questions about eligibility or how to complete your absentee ballot, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We want to make sure every eligible vote is counted, and we’re committed to providing the assistance residents need to make that happen.”
For more information, residents can call the Circuit Clerk’s Office at (662) 234-4951 or visit the Lafayette County Voting Page.