How you can register to vote in future elections
Every citizen has the right to vote in federal, state and local elections as long as he or she is:
- A resident of Mississippi and the county, city or town for 30 days.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Not declared mentally incompetent by a court.
- Not convicted in a Mississippi court of offenses including: arson, armed robbery, bigamy, bribery, carjacking, embezzlement, extortion, felony bad check, felony shoplifting, forgery, larceny, murder, obtaining money or goods under false pretense, perjury, rape, receiving stolen property, robbery, statutory rape, theft, timber larceny, larceny under lease or rental agreement, or unlawful taking of motor vehicle (unless having been pardoned, had rights of citizenship restored by the Governor or had suffrage restored by the Legislature.)
You can register to vote at the Wayne County Circuit Clerk’s office (in the Wayne County Courthouse), the Municipal Clerk’s office (in Waynesboro or State Line), when you get your driver license through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, through the mail by downloading a voter registration form by clicking HERE and mailing it to the Wayne County Circuit Clerk.
Registration must be accomplished at least 30 days prior to the first election in which a citizen wishes to vote.
Mail-in voter registration forms are available from the Secretary of State’s office in Jackson, in public libraries, driver license examination stations, Circuit Clerk’s offices, Municipal Clerk’s offices, public schools or by clicking HERE. Voters may also register at certain state and federal agencies.
To learn more about registering to vote, contact the Wayne County Circuit Clerk’s office by calling 601-735-1171.
You must present a valid photo identification to cast an in-person or absentee ballot
Those individuals voting at the polls are required by state law to show a valid photo ID. Individuals voting in person by absentee ballot inside the Circuit Clerk’s office are also required to show a photo ID.
Getting a photo ID for voting is easy and free.
The Wayne Circuit Clerk is authorized to issue a Mississippi Voter Identification Cards to all registered voters who do not have any of the other acceptable forms of photo ID. Follow these steps to get your photo ID:
You must first be a registered voter in Mississippi. Download a voter registration form.
Go to the Wayne County Circuit Clerk’s office during regular business hours. (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday). If you need a ride, call 1-844-MSVOTER (1-844-678-6837).
Present ONE form of acceptable identification. Check the list of acceptable documents.
If you do not have any of the identification documents listed, the clerk may verify birth information free of charge if you provide your date of birth, the state where you were born and your mother’s maiden name.
Complete and sign a Voter ID application. Assistance will be provided, if requested. View a sample application form.
Have your picture taken at the Circuit Clerk’s office.
Your Voter ID card will be mailed to you. If the next election is within 45 days, you will receive a receipt for your Mississippi Voter Identification Card from the Circuit Clerk. The receipt may be used as your photo ID when voting at the polls.
For more information on elections, contact the Wayne County Circuit Clerk’s office at 601-735-1171.