Mississippi § 21-5-5 - Election of mayor and councilmen; qualifications.
Full text of Mississippi Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 21-5-5 — Election of mayor and councilmen; qualifications., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 21-5-5. Election of mayor and councilmen; qualifications.
The mayor and councilmen (or commissioners) of all cities operated under the commission form of government shall be elected from the city at large, but the municipal authorities may establish as many wards and as many voting precincts in each ward as may be necessary or desirable. No person shall be eligible to the office of mayor or councilman unless he is a qualified elector of such city and shall have been a bona fide resident thereof for a period of at least one year next preceding the date of the commencement of his term of office. In the event the council should ordain that the councilmen posts shall be separated, as provided in Section 21-5-11, such post shall be so separated for election purposes and persons seeking the office of councilman shall qualify and seek election for a specific post, as designated by ordinance, and each post shall be voted on separately by the qualified electors of the municipality voting in said election. In the event there should be but one candidate for one of such election posts, or only one candidate for each of such posts, then such candidate or candidates shall be declared to be elected.
Source: official Mississippi text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi § 21-5-5
What does Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 21-5-5 cover?
Section 21-5-5 ("Election of mayor and councilmen; qualifications.") is part of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Mississippi. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Mississippi § 21-5-5?
A common citation format is "Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 21-5-5" (Mississippi). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Mississippi law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Mississippi official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.
How does Mississippi § 21-5-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Mississippi can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Mississippi.