116,452 Early Votes in Mississippi: A State Record

HATTIESBURG, Miss (THN News) - Without question, this is the biggest non-presidential race in Mississippi's recent history as estimates suggest at least 1 million people will go out and vote. Democrats historically vote early.

But counties Republicans typically win big on election day are voting early in huge numbers.

This could either the be downfall of Cindy Hyde Smith as a sign conservatives have jumped shipped or it very well could be a sign of strong support for Republicans.

A plausible reality: Such strong early turnout very well could mean democrats are coming out in numbers so massive for Scott Colom that it will be a margin too big for Cindy Hyde Smith to overcome by the end of the night.

But who's actually voting?

Mississippi election officials have received 116,453 absentee ballots ahead of Tuesday’s election, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. The figure represents completed ballots returned to county circuit clerks.

DeSoto County, home to Southaven, Olive Branch and Hernando, leads with 8,435 ballots received. Harrison County, which includes Gulfport and Biloxi, follows closely with 8,421. Hinds County, including Jackson and Clinton, reported 8,070.

Other leading counties include Rankin, home to Brandon and Pearl, with 7,087; Madison, including Madison, Ridgeland and Canton, with 5,764; and Jackson County, including Pascagoula, Ocean Springs and Moss Point, with 4,232.

In the Hattiesburg area, Forrest County received 2,130 ballots, while Lamar County reported 1,772. Hattiesburg spans both counties; Forrest also includes Petal, and Lamar includes Purvis and Sumrall. Nearby Jones County, home to Laurel and Ellisville, reported 1,603.

Remember, the 8 counites in purple are the counties Cindy Hyde Smith almost lost and are the counties Scott Colom would need to flip in order beat Cindy Hyde Smith. Here's a breakdown of the early votes by county listing:

The figures are countywide totals—not separate counts for the cities listed—and do not reveal which candidates voters supported. The numbers haven't been this high in almost 20 years.

Take a look back of early voters over the past 20 years.

2007 25,048

2010 30,832

2011 47,580

2014 17,761

2023 56,403

2026 116,453

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