Mississippi Senate Bill SB2593

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

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

Caption

Elections; Secretary of State shall conduct study on the feasibility of allowing students to vote via the internet.

Impact

If passed, SB2593 could potentially transform the voting process for students across Mississippi, allowing for greater accessibility in casting their votes. The integration of internet voting may increase voter turnout among college students who often face logistical challenges in returning to their registered voting locations, especially during election seasons. The Secretary of State's report would provide valuable insights that could inform future legislative actions related to electoral processes and student engagement.

Summary

Senate Bill 2593 mandates the Secretary of State to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility of enabling students who are registered voters to vote via the internet while attending school outside their registered county. This bill aims to enhance electoral participation among students, particularly those attending educational institutions in different regions from where they are registered to vote. The study will evaluate various aspects including voter identification and ballot security, which are critical components when considering the implementation of internet voting solutions.

Contention

There may arise notable points of contention regarding the bill, particularly concerning the security and integrity of internet voting. Concerns from various stakeholders about the potential risks associated with online voting, including hacking and unauthorized access, could lead to debates around the effectiveness of voter identification measures. Additionally, traditionalists may argue against the shift to digital voting methods, favoring in-person voting as a more secure and reliable way to ensure democratic processes.