Jackson Free Press

Whether you're a first-time voter or you've voted in every election since 1940, you might have a question about voting in the primaries. With a little help from the League of Women Voters of Mississippi Web site, we've put together info to help.

Where do I register to vote?
You can register by mail, by visiting your county Circuit Court (usually the county courthouse) or Municipal Court (usually in City Hall) or when applying for or renewing your driver's license. In Hinds County, go to the County Courthouse on Pascagoula St. If you were not registered to vote by July 7 you cannot vote in the primaries, but register now for future elections. Once registered, you remain registered indefinitely unless you are convicted of certain felonies. If you move, contact your county Circuit Court.

Am I eligible to vote?
Voters in Mississippi must be 18 years old on or before Election Day, U.S. citizens and registered to vote in their county of residence at least 30 days before the election. If you have been convicted of certain felonies—murder, arson, armed robbery, rape, etc.—or have been declared mentally incompetent by a court, you may be ineligible.

When is Election Day, and what time should I vote?
Primary Election Day is Tues., Aug. 7, with polls open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. If you are inside the polling place at 7 p.m., you must be allowed to vote. To avoid lines, go during off hours, 10-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.

Where do I vote?
Your voter registration card shows your precinct number and an address for voting. If you've misplaced your card, ask a neighbor, or go to the Vote 411 Web site and click on Polling Place Locator. You can also call the clerk's office in your city or county: in Jackson, call 601-968-1035; in Hinds County, 601-968-6641; in Madison County, 601-352-2049; in Rankin County, 601-825-1466.

Do I have to vote in the county where I'm registered to vote on Election Day?
Yes, but most people who can't get to their home county can vote by absentee ballot. If you qualify to vote by absentee ballot, the Circuit Courts Office must receive your ballot by Mon., Aug. 6. Absentee ballots can also be completed in the Circuit Clerk's office no later than noon on Aug. 4. The rules for absentee voting are lengthy, so check with your county voter registrar for more information.

Do I need my voter registration card or other I.D. to vote?
If you registered by mail since the last election, be prepared to show identification with your name and address. This could be your Mississippi driver's license, a utility bill, a paycheck, bank statement or other government document with your name and address. Of course, it's never a bad idea to have I.D. of this type on you, regardless.

Do I need to be a registered Democrat (or Republican) to vote in a primary?
No. A voter can only vote in one primary, but party affiliation is not a criterion; registered Democrats can vote in a Republican primary, or vice-versa. Independents can vote in either primary.

Can I vote for candidates of different parties in the primaries?
No. You have to choose either Democrat or Republican for the primaries. If primary run-offs become necessary, you can only vote along the same party line that you chose for the initial primary. In the November general election, you can cross party lines to vote for candidates from any party.

Do I have to vote in every race on the ballot?
No. Your vote for each candidate will be counted independently.

What if I have a problem or question at the polls?
If you need help, ask for the poll manager. If that person can't resolve your issue, call the League of Women Voters hotline at 601-355-7495 or the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office election hotline at 800-829-6786.

Is there any way to preview the new touch-screen voting machines?
Yes. Go to the Touch and Vote Web site for an interactive demonstration.

I'm disabled. Can I get assistance voting?
Yes. Register for the voter-disabled list through the secretary of state's office to automatically receive an absentee ballot. If you can't get into the polling place, you have the right to vote at curbside with the help of the election manager. Some voting machines provide assistance to blind and visually impaired people. You can also ask for assistance if you cannot read or write. See the League of Women Voters Election Web site for more information.

Where can I get a sample ballot?
Go to http://www.lwv-ms.org/elections.html or contact your county circuit clerk. You can take your sample ballot with you, but keep it in your pocket until you enter the voting booth.

Where can I get information about the candidates?
Read the papers, read the candidates' Web sites, read their materials, go to their speeches and ask them questions, and visit jacksonfreepress.com and statedesk.com for full transcripts of interviews of many of the candidates.