Mississippi has recently made changes to the restrictions on absentee voting assistance for people with disabilities or those who cannot read or write. The revised law took effect on Monday, replacing a previous law that was blocked by a federal judge and later altered by lawmakers.
The updated law allows voters to choose any person to provide assistance with absentee ballots, in line with the federal Voting Rights Act. The previous law had limited the individuals who could assist in collecting and transmitting absentee ballots, leading to a lawsuit from Disability Rights Mississippi, the League of Women Voters of Mississippi, and three voters.
The changes to the law have been hailed as a significant step forward for voting rights in Mississippi, ensuring that all citizens’ voices are heard and respected. The new law also defines who can be considered a caregiver, a family member, or a member of a voter’s household.
Republican-led states have tightened voting rules, including absentee voting, since the 2020 presidential election, based on false claims of widespread fraud. Mississippi’s revised law aims to prevent “ballot harvesting” while making it easier for individuals with disabilities to access the voting process.
Residents, including Mamie Cunningham, who sued the state over the previous restrictions, have praised the changes. Cunningham highlighted the importance of assistance for people with disabilities, especially in rural communities where voting by absentee ballot can be overwhelming.
While some states have broad mail-in voting options, Mississippi has strict criteria for who can vote by absentee ballot. The revised law aims to make the process more inclusive and accessible for all voters in the state.
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