Senate Bill 2829

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT THE TERM "BALLOT BOX" INCLUDES ANY "BALLOT BAGS" OR CONTAINERS APPROVED FOR USE IN ELECTIONS BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The following shall be codified as Section 23-15-3, Mississippi Code of 1972:

23-15-3. For purposes of this chapter, the term "ballot box" includes any ballot bag or container of a type that has been approved for use in elections by the Secretary of State. Such ballot bags or containers may be used for any purpose for which a ballot box may be used under the provisions of law regulating elections in Mississippi or any other purpose authorized by the rules and regulations adopted by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State shall approve a ballot bag to be used as provided in this section by December 31, 2007. Any changes to the ballot bag by the Secretary of State after December 31, 2007, shall be approved by the Legislature.

SECTION 2. The Attorney General of the State of Mississippi shall submit this act, immediately upon approval by the Governor, or upon approval by the Legislature subsequent to a veto, to the Attorney General of the United States or to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in accordance with the provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended and extended.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after the date it is effectuated under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended and extended.