Mississippi election officials count late affidavits as results wait for final stamp

Harrison County Election Commission members began reviewing affidavit ballots on Tuesday at the Gulfport Election Commission office. These papers allow voters who lacked proper identification or registered too late to cast a vote, provided they meet specific criteria. The review determines whether each ballot meets state requirements before it is counted in the final total.

The room reached full capacity during the session, with 82 spectators present to observe the proceedings. Approximately 35 people remained in the room as the work continued. For several days, commission staff have matched local ballot data against the statewide election management system. They verify voter registration status, registration timing, and whether individuals voted at their correct precinct.

Secretary of State Michael Watson reported that 76 of the state's 82 counties had uploaded uncertified results by Tuesday. Only four counties had completed the certification process at that time. Watson noted that 2,323 absentee ballots mailed to voters had not yet arrived. Statewide, 18,178 affidavit ballots had been processed by the 5 p.m. Tuesday deadline. Many of these submissions came from voters who forgot identification when they went to the polls.

Earlier in the day, Watson stated that 75 counties had submitted partial, unofficial results. At that point, 15,547 affidavit ballots had been processed statewide, with 76% of them accepted. Harrison County has not yet released its own breakdown of accepted versus rejected affidavit ballots.

Pete Wilson, chairman of the Harrison County Republican Executive Committee, arrived at the office before the 10 a.m. start time. Wilson indicated that the affidavit ballots could influence the outcome of a close Senate race, although the final impact remains unknown. He noted that some voters may not have realized they were at the wrong polling location or had registration issues. Wilson described the situation as a distinct experience compared to the 36 years he has lived in the area.

Election officials in Harrison County must certify their results by Friday, November 13. The deadline applies to all counties in Mississippi as they finalize the count for the upcoming term.