A new law in Mississippi, which took effect on July 1, prohibits election officials from changing polling places within 60 days of an election, except under extraordinary circumstances. The change was introduced by Democratic Rep. Zakiya Summers and aims to prevent voter suppression.
Under the law, if officials determine that “exigent circumstances exist,” they must post notifications in public buildings and run them in local newspapers. However, locations can only be moved more than 60 days before an election to ensure voters have enough time to adjust.
The move comes after reports of hundreds of precinct closures and changes in recent years, including some last-minute moves that left voters confused or unable to vote due to accessibility issues. In 2023, Rep. Summers introduced similar legislation but it died in the Senate.
This year’s version of the bill passed both chambers with no opposition, thanks to strengthened provisions worked out with election officials and lawmakers. Governor Tate Reeves signed H.B. 1419 into law on March 12, bringing this change to Mississippi’s voting laws.
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-limits-polling-place-changes-with-new-law