A Leflore County woman, Bobbie Peoples, was convicted of a misdemeanor under Mississippi’s ballot harvesting law, which she and her attorney claim is unjust and targeted at certain groups. The law prohibits people from collecting and submitting an absentee ballot on behalf of another person, except for family members or caregivers.
The law was passed in 2023 with the intention of preventing ballot harvesting, but it has been challenged by disability advocates who argue that it limits access to voting for those with disabilities. A temporary injunction was issued in 2024, allowing voters to choose someone to help them deliver their ballots.
Peoples was charged after an election challenge was filed by her opponent in a local primary race, alleging numerous irregularities. However, the judge’s ruling found evidence that Peoples had indeed collected and transmitted absentee ballots without proper authorization, including a case where she filled out a ballot for a man who did not give his consent.
The Leflore County Justice Court sentenced Peoples to a six-month suspended sentence and a $2,718 fine. Her attorney argues that the law was “not in effect” at the time of the alleged offense and that the prosecution failed to prove Peoples delivered any ballots.
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-woman-convicted-of-ballot-harvesting-for-submitting-seniors-vote-will-appeal