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HB 1010

Voter rolls; prohibit purging names from Statewide Elections Management System 120 days or less before the date of any election.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Earle Banks

HB 1010 prohibits Mississippi election officials from removing voter names within 120 days before elections, prioritizing ballot access but potentially allowing ineligible voters to remain registered.

Died In Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1010

Legislative bill overview

HB 1010 would prohibit election officials from removing voter names from Mississippi's Statewide Elections Management System within 120 days before any election. The bill creates a protected period during which routine voter roll maintenance activities like address updates, duplicate removals, and ineligibility determinations cannot occur.

Why is this important

Voter roll maintenance is a routine but consequential process—purges can prevent eligible voters from casting ballots if their names are removed in error. Conversely, untimely purges can also compromise election integrity if ineligible voters remain on rolls. This bill represents a direct trade-off between these competing concerns, prioritizing access to voting but potentially allowing ineligible registrations to persist through Election Day.

Potential points of contention

  • Election administration burden: Election officials argue that 120-day freezes limit their ability to maintain accurate rolls and remove deceased voters, felons, or those who moved out of state before ballots are printed
  • Accuracy vs. access: Supporters emphasize preventing wrongful purges close to elections; critics worry this creates windows where ineligible voters can cast ballots, diluting the weight of legitimate votes
  • Implementation complexity: The bill applies to "any election," which could mean federal, state, and local elections have different maintenance schedules, creating administrative confusion

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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