In-person absentee voting begins for March primary

Key Points

• In-person absentee voting for the March 10 primary election is currently open at the DeSoto County Courthouse in Hernando.
• The ballot features competitive races for the U.S. Senate and the 1st Congressional District in both the Republican and Democratic primaries.
• Eligible voters must cast their absentee ballots by the 12:00 p.m. deadline on Saturday, March 7.

HERNANDO, Miss. — The gears of democracy are turning in DeSoto County as in-person absentee voting officially commenced this week for the upcoming March 10 primary election. With high-stakes federal seats on the line, local election officials are urging eligible residents to take advantage of the early voting window at the DeSoto County Courthouse.

Voters will find a ballot headlined by critical congressional races. In the Republican primary, incumbent U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith faces a challenge from Sarah Adlakha, while U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly runs for the 1st Congressional District seat.

The Democratic primary features a crowded field for the U.S. Senate, with Scott Colom, Albert R. Littell, and Priscilla W. Till all vying for the nomination. Meanwhile, Kelvin Buck and Cliff Johnson are competing for the Democratic nod in the 1st Congressional District.

Under Mississippi law, in-person absentee voting is not universal. It is reserved for registered voters who meet specific criteria, including those with demanding work schedules, health concerns, or temporary relocations for education. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and voters of a certain age are also among those qualified to cast their ballots ahead of the Tuesday primary.

The Circuit Clerk’s office is maintaining standard operating hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. To accommodate those unable to visit during the week, the courthouse will open for two specific Saturday windows: Feb. 28 and March 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Officials noted one significant interruption to the schedule: the office will be closed on Feb. 16 in observance of Washington’s Birthday, and no voting will be conducted on that day.

For residents who cannot make it to the courthouse, separate regulations govern mail-in absentee ballots. These provisions apply to residents living outside the county, individuals with disabilities, or those aged 65 or older. Approximately 100 percent of voters are encouraged to verify their specific eligibility and polling locations via the county’s digital portal at desotocountyms.gov.

The window for in-person absentee participation closes strictly at 12:00 p.m. on March 7.