Mississippi § 23-15-551 - Marking and casting ballot; who may be present in polling room.

§ 23-15-551. Marking and casting ballot; who may be present in polling room.

On receiving his or her ballot, the voter shall go without undue delay into one (1) of the voting compartments and shall there prepare his or her ballot by marking with ink or indelible pencil on the appropriate margin or place a cross (X) opposite the name of the candidate of his or her choice for each office or by writing in the name of a candidate in the blank space provided, and marking a cross (X) opposite thereto, and likewise a cross (X) opposite the answer he or she desires to give in case of an election on a constitutional amendment, local option election, referenda or any other question or matter. As an alternative method, a voter may, at his or her option, prepare a ballot by marking with ink or indelible pencil in the appropriate margin or place a check, in the form of and similar to a “V”, opposite the name of the candidate of his or her choice for each office or by writing in the name of a candidate in the blank space provided and marking a check in the form of and similar to a “V”, opposite thereto, and likewise a check, in the form of and similar to a “V”, opposite the answer he or she desires to give in case of an election on a constitutional amendment, local option election, referenda or other question or matter, either of which methods of marking, whether by a cross (X) or by a check in the form of and similar to a “V”, is authorized. Before leaving the voting compartment, the voter shall fold his or her ballot without displaying its markings, but so that the words “OFFICIAL BALLOT,” followed by the designation of the voting precinct and the date of the election, shall be visible to the poll managers, then deposit his or her ballot directly into the ballot box. This shall be done without undue delay, and as soon as the voter has voted he or she shall promptly exit the polling place. A voter shall not be allowed to occupy a voting compartment already occupied by another voter, nor any compartment longer than ten (10) minutes, if other voters are not waiting, nor longer than five (5) minutes if other voters are waiting. A person shall not be allowed in the room in which the ballot boxes, compartments, tables and shelves are, except the officers of the election, and those appointed by them to assist therein, and those authorized by Section 23-15-577.