This year, the City of Hattiesburg lends its voice in an effort to encourage residents in the Hattiesburg metropolitan area to register to vote or update their voter registration. Registering to vote solidifies your active presence in this community; and hopefully, makes you more engaged in what’s happening at the local, state and national level. Registering to vote is an act of gratitude for the many people who fought for our right to vote. It remembers those who came before us who were at one time denied that right.

Every U.S. citizen who possesses the following qualifications is eligible to register to vote in Mississippi:

• A resident of Mississippi and the county, city, or town for 30 days prior to the election;
• At least 18 years old (or will be 18 by the date of the next General Election);
• Not declared mentally incompetent by a court; and
• Not convicted of a disenfranchising crime as defined by Section 241 of the Mississippi Constitution or by Attorney General Opinion, unless pardoned, rights of citizenship restored by the Governor or suffrage rights restored by the Legislature

1. You may register to vote in person at any of the following locations:
   • Circuit Clerk’s Office;
     • Forrest County Circuit Clerk – Gwen Wilks – P.O. Box 992, Hattiesburg, MS 39403
     • Lamar County Circuit Clerk – Martin Hankins – P.O. Box 369, Purvis, MS 39475
   • Municipal Clerk’s Office;
     • 200 Forrest Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
   • Department of Public Safety; or
   • Any state or federal agency offering government services, such as the Department of Human Services
2. You must register to vote 30 days before the date of the election. If the 30th day falls on a Sunday or legal holiday, then both the postmark and in-person deadline is extended to the next regular business day.

1. Complete a Mail-In Voter Registration Application. Provide the information requested, including your driver’s license number and/ or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not provide your driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number, you must send with your application:
   •  A copy of a current and valid photo ID; or
   • A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or any other government document that shows your name and address.
2. Send your Mail-In Voter Registration Application to the Circuit Clerk’s Office located in the county of your residence.
   • Forrest County Circuit Clerk – Gwen Wilks – P.O. Box 992, Hattiesburg, MS 39403
   • Lamar County Circuit Clerk – Martin Hankins – P.O. Box 369, Purvis, MS 39475
3. Applications must be postmarked 30 days before the date of the election. If the 30th day falls on a Sunday or legal holiday, then both the postmark and in-person deadline is extended to the next regular business day.
4. Mail-In Registration Applications are available at your Circuit Clerk’s Office, Municipal Clerk’s Office, public library, and other participating government offices.