Mississippi Senate Bill SB2571

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Election contest; revise procedure concerning the date of examination of the ballot box.

Impact

The modification of the law is set to impact how electoral disputes are managed in Mississippi. By enforcing a strict timeline for ballot box examinations, the bill seeks to enhance electoral integrity and reduce potential delays caused by rescheduling conflicts. It provides candidates or their representatives the right to examine ballot boxes within a specified period following the election and outlines the necessary procedures for notifying opposing candidates, thereby fostering a transparent electoral process.

Summary

Senate Bill 2571 aims to amend Section 23-15-911 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, specifically focusing on the procedures surrounding the examination of ballot boxes in the event of an election contest. The bill establishes clear guidelines that prevent the rescheduling of the examination date once it has been communicated to all involved parties, unless the circuit clerk sees a 'good cause' for such a change. This is intended to streamline the examination process, ensuring that both candidates and election officials adhere to a prescribed timeline for reviewing ballots and election outcomes.

Contention

There may be points of contention related to the defined ‘good cause’ required for rescheduling the examination dates. Some stakeholders could argue that this clause could be unevenly applied, potentially disadvantaging candidates aiming to contest results if extenuating circumstances arise. Furthermore, the mandates around notification—particularly on personal delivery methods—could lead to disputes if proper procedures are not followed, thus placing additional burden on candidates to ensure compliance with notification requirements.