There has been some confusion and misinformation circulating about the correct procedure for absentee voting.

There are two ways to vote by absentee ballot in Mississippi. 1. By appearing in person at the circuit clerk’s office and completing the application and ballot in the office. 2. Requesting an appliation and ballot by mail and mailing the same back to the circuit clerk’s office.

How ever you request the ballot controls how you return it.

For example, if you request it in person at the circuit clerk’s office, you  must vote in the circuit clerk’s office and leave it in the office before you walk out the door.

If you request a ballot by mail, you  must return it by mail.

In addition, the Mississippi Legislature changed the law this year to make votes cast by absentee final.

A person can no longer vote absentee, then go vote on the voting machine on election day voiding the absentee ballot.

A voter can no longer drop off a voted absentee ballot in the circuit clerk’s office.

While some states permit this practice, Mississippi is not one of them.

Absentee voting will begin Sept. 21.

The last day to register to vote will be Oct. 3.

For more information, call the Jefferson Davis County Circuit Clerk’s Office at 601-792-4231.