Mississippi
A dated list of changes to how Americans vote: district maps, polling places and drop boxes, voting laws and rules, and courts and election officials. Each entry says who did what and when, shows what became of it, and links to the page it rests on. Attempts that failed are listed as failed. Entries that rest on a news report name the outlet.
This is the state view: events recorded for Mississippi, then national events that apply here. See the national timeline.
In Mississippi
1978
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Walthall County: Redistricting (supervisors' districts)
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated November 27, 1978, to Walthall County. The list describes the change as "Redistricting (supervisors' districts)." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Walthall County, November 27, 1978 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
1977
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Sidon (Leflore County): Annexation
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated October 28, 1977, to Sidon (Leflore County). The list describes the change as "Annexation." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Sidon (Leflore County), October 28, 1977 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in State (Coahoma, DeSoto, Holmes, Humphreys, Leflore, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tunica and Yazoo Counties)
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated July 8, 1977, to State (Coahoma, DeSoto, Holmes, Humphreys, Leflore, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tunica and Yazoo Counties). The list describes the change as "Section 37-5-15 (1972 Code)--board of education in ten counties elected at-large with residency districts." The list links the objection letter.
Counties: Coahoma County, DeSoto County, Holmes County, Humphreys County, Leflore County, Quitman County, Sunflower County, Tallahatchie County, Tunica County, Yazoo County
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to State (Coahoma, DeSoto, Holmes, Humphreys, Leflore, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tunica and Yazoo Counties), July 8, 1977 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Canton (Madison County): Redistricting
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated April 13, 1977, to Canton (Madison County). The list describes the change as "Redistricting." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Canton (Madison County), April 13, 1977 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Lexington (Holmes County): At-large elections
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated February 25, 1977, to Lexington (Holmes County). The list describes the change as "At-large elections." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Lexington (Holmes County), February 25, 1977 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
1976
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Justice Department objects to Jackson's 1976 annexation as it affects voting
On December 3, 1976 the Justice Department wrote to the Jackson city attorney about the city's annexation, with precinct lines and polling places for the annexed area. The letter said that taken together the three annexations had added whites and blacks at almost a five-to-one ratio (53,765 to 11,481), that Jackson elected its mayor and two commissioners at large with a majority vote and full slate voting, and that no black had ever been elected to the council. It concluded: "Accordingly, I must on behalf of the Attorney General enter an objection to the implementation of the submitted annexation to the extent that it affects voting in the City of Jackson," while stating the objection did not affect the annexation's legality under federal law.
- Justice Department Section 5 letter to the Jackson city attorney, Dec. 3, 1976 (scanned) ↗
- Justice Department, Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi ↗
Source last checked Oct 23, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Vicksburg (Warren County): Annexation
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated October 1, 1976, to Vicksburg (Warren County). The list describes the change as "Annexation." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 4-28-77 upon submission of single-member district plan." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Vicksburg (Warren County), October 1, 1976 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Kosciusko (Attala County): At-large elections
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated September 20, 1976, to Kosciusko (Attala County). The list describes the change as "At-large elections; numbered posts; majority vote requirement." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Kosciusko (Attala County), September 20, 1976 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Grenada County: Redistricting
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated March 30, 1976, to Grenada County. The list describes the change as "Redistricting." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Grenada County, March 30, 1976 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
1975
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in State (Kemper, Warren, Marshall, Benton and Leake Counties): Districts to at-large elections (board of education)
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated December 1, 1975, to State (Kemper, Warren, Marshall, Benton and Leake Counties). The list describes the change as "Section 37-5-13 (1972 Code)--districts to at-large elections (board of education)." The list links the objection letter.
Counties: Kemper County, Warren County, Marshall County, Benton County, Leake County
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to State (Kemper, Warren, Marshall, Benton and Leake Counties), December 1, 1975 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Lowndes County School District: Districts to at-large elections
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated June 23, 1975, to Lowndes County School District. The list describes the change as "Districts to at-large elections." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Lowndes County School District, June 23, 1975 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Bolivar County Board of Education: District to at-large elections
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated April 8, 1975, to Bolivar County Board of Education. The list describes the change as "District to at-large elections." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Bolivar County Board of Education, April 8, 1975 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Grenada (Grenada County): Annexations
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated February 5, 1975, to Grenada (Grenada County). The list describes the change as "Annexations." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 6-25-76 upon annexation of minority area." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Grenada (Grenada County), February 5, 1975 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
1974
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Attala County: Redistricting of board of supervisors
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated September 3, 1974, to Attala County. The list describes the change as "Redistricting of board of supervisors." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Attala County, September 3, 1974 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
1973
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Pearl (Rankin County): Incorporation
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated November 21, 1973, to Pearl (Rankin County). The list describes the change as "Incorporation." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 1-3-74 upon modification of annexation policies." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Pearl (Rankin County), November 21, 1973 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Grenada County: Redistricting
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated August 9, 1973, to Grenada County. The list describes the change as "Redistricting." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Grenada County, August 9, 1973 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in McComb (Pike County): Annexation
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated May 30, 1973, to McComb (Pike County). The list describes the change as "Annexation." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 9-12-73." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to McComb (Pike County), May 30, 1973 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Indianola (Sunflower County): Numbered posts
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated April 20, 1973, to Indianola (Sunflower County). The list describes the change as "Numbered posts." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Indianola (Sunflower County), April 20, 1973 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
1972
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Tate County: Redistricting
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated November 28, 1972, to Tate County. The list describes the change as "Redistricting." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Tate County, November 28, 1972 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Grenada (Grenada County): At-large elections
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated March 20, 1972, to Grenada (Grenada County). The list describes the change as "At-large elections; numbered posts; majority vote requirement." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Grenada (Grenada County), March 20, 1972 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
1971
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Marshall County: Precinct lines
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated December 3, 1971, to Marshall County. The list describes the change as "Precinct lines; polling places." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Marshall County, December 3, 1971 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Tate County: Redistricting
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated December 3, 1971, to Tate County. The list describes the change as "Redistricting; precinct lines; polling place." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Tate County, December 3, 1971 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Yazoo County: Redistricting
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated July 19, 1971, to Yazoo County. The list describes the change as "Redistricting." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Yazoo County, July 19, 1971 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to Hinds County's new supervisors' districts
In a letter of July 14, 1971 the Justice Department wrote: "I must interpose an objection on behalf of the Attorney General to the implementation of the submitted Hinds County supervisors' districts." It did not object to the county's re-registration of voters at that time, but said the proposed districts could not be used.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (index) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 determination letter, Hinds County, July 14, 1971 ↗
Source last checked Oct 23, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Attala County: Numbered posts
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated June 30, 1971, to Attala County. The list describes the change as "Numbered posts; At-large elections with residency districts (Board of Supervisors)." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Attala County, June 30, 1971 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Grenada County: At-large elections
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated June 30, 1971, to Grenada County. The list describes the change as "At-large elections; multi-member plan; numbered posts." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Grenada County, June 30, 1971 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Marion County: Redistricting
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated May 25, 1971, to Marion County. The list describes the change as "Redistricting." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Marion County, May 25, 1971 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Warren County: Redistricting
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated April 4, 1971, to Warren County. The list describes the change as "Redistricting." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Warren County, April 4, 1971 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Leake County: Redistricting
The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Mississippi records an objection letter dated January 8, 1971, to Leake County. The list describes the change as "Redistricting." The list links the objection letter.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (list of Section 5 objections) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 objection letter to Leake County, January 8, 1971 (linked from the state list) ↗
Source last checked Oct 24, 2026
1970
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Justice Department objects under Section 5 to Copiah County's supervisor districts
The Justice Department's letter of March 5, 1970 concerns changes in the county's supervisory district lines. The author wrote that he felt "constrained to object on behalf of the Attorney General" to implementing them, and invited the county to submit an alternative plan.
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division: Voting Determination Letters for Mississippi (index) ↗
- U.S. Department of Justice: Section 5 determination letter, Copiah County, March 5, 1970 ↗
Source last checked Oct 23, 2026
Nationwide
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How this timeline is built
Every entry rests on at least one source that was opened and read, and that source states the date and the fact. Courts, legislatures, election offices, the Justice Department, the Census Bureau, the Federal Register and Congress.gov come first. A news report is used only when no official page states the fact, and it is labeled with the outlet's name. Encyclopedias are not used as sources. History starts in 1965 with the Voting Rights Act. County names come from the Census Bureau's 2024 Gazetteer. Congressional district numbers are those in use for the 2026 election; an event is tagged to a district only when its source names that congressional district.
When a later event changes an earlier one, such as a law later struck down, both entries are listed and point to each other. This page does not predict outcomes or say which party a change helps. U.S. House maps for 2026 · How people voted in past elections, by county · Back to the 2026 voting center.
