Statement on the Passage of House Bill 1419 to Provide Stability for Polling Places

"I live in Oxford and I want to say thank you for the work on HB 1419. What an excellent way to destroy one of the more subtle methods of voter suppression in the state of Mississippi. Just wanted to say thank you Representative Summers. You've done a lot of outstanding work this session and I just really, really appreciate it."

I am proud to have sponsored House Bill 1419, which ensures that polling places cannot be moved or altered within 60 days of an election, except in cases of exigent circumstances. This legislation is a direct response to past efforts to shutter or relocate precincts in ways that have disrupted voters, particularly in Hinds County.

For too long, last-minute polling place changes have caused unnecessary confusion, disproportionately impacting voters who rely on familiar precincts to cast their ballots. With this bill, we are establishing clear guidelines that protect the integrity of our elections by ensuring stability in polling locations.

While election officials may still adjust precincts when truly necessary, they must now provide transparency and justification, with public notice requirements to ensure voters are informed. This bill is a crucial safeguard against voter suppression tactics that seek to undermine access to the ballot.

House Bill 1419 is a victory for election fairness in Mississippi, and I will continue fighting to protect the right of every voter to cast their ballot without unnecessary obstacles.

I thank my colleagues and the chairmen of the Elections committee in the House and Senate for their support and I look forward to the Governor signing it into law.

UPDATE: Governor Reeves signed the bill into law on March 12, 2025.