Mississippi at Center of National Battle Over Ballot Harvesting

Mississippi Ballot Harvesting Ban Challenged in Court

Several civil rights organizations are taking legal action against newly passed legislation in Mississippi that aims to ban ballot harvesting. They argue that the law would disproportionately affect minority voters and individuals with disabilities.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Mississippi Center for Justice, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ACLU-MS, and Disability Rights Mississippi (DRMS) have filed a federal lawsuit challenging S.B. 2358. This legislation would prohibit third parties from collecting and delivering absentee ballots to polling places, and it is set to take effect on July 1.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves expressed his support for the ban, stating, “Here, we will make it easy to vote and hard to cheat.” However, opponents argue that the law would disenfranchise minority communities and individuals with disabilities.

According to Ahmed Soussi, a staff attorney for voting rights with the SPLC, the law would punish volunteers who assist historically discriminated against communities in delivering absentee ballots. He believes it would diminish American democracy.

Political Battle Over Ballot Harvesting

The Democratic Governors Association (DGA) has also voiced concerns about the ban, using it as a political tool in their efforts to turn Mississippi blue. They aim to elect Democrat Brandon Presley to the governor’s office instead of Tate Reeves.

DGA Communications Director Sam Newton accused Reeves of attempting to consolidate power and avoid accountability. He highlighted a recent poll showing that over 20 percent of Mississippi GOP voters are crossing party lines to support Presley, who promises to tackle corruption and prioritize the needs of working people.

Governor Reeves has denied any allegations of corruption or misconduct.

Ballot Harvesting Bans in Other States

Mississippi is not alone in implementing a ban on ballot harvesting. Over 30 other states have also restricted or prohibited the practice, with some even making it a criminal offense.

For example, Arizona passed a law in 2016 that made it a felony to collect another voter’s ballot unless the collector was a relative, caregiver, or household member. Texas also has a ban on ballot harvesting, punishable by a felony and prison time.

These bans have resulted in prosecutions and convictions. In Arizona, individuals have been charged and sentenced for unlawfully collecting and depositing ballots. Similar cases have occurred in Texas.