Mississippi § 23-15-561 - Penalties for unlawful lottery.
Full text of Mississippi Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 23-15-561 — Penalties for unlawful lottery., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-15-561. Penalties for unlawful lottery.
It shall be unlawful during any primary or any other election for any candidate for any elective office or any representative of such candidate or any other person to publicly or privately put up or in any way offer any prize, cash award or other item of value to be raffled, drawn for, played for or contested for in order to encourage persons to vote or to refrain from voting in any election. Any person who shall violate the provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine in an amount not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00). Any candidate who shall violate the provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall, upon conviction thereof, in addition to the fine prescribed above, be punished by: Disqualification as a candidate in the race for the elective office; or Removal from the elective office, if the offender has been elected thereto.
Source: official Mississippi text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi § 23-15-561
What does Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 23-15-561 cover?
Section 23-15-561 ("Penalties for unlawful lottery.") 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 § 23-15-561?
A common citation format is "Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 23-15-561" (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 § 23-15-561 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.