Mississippi Municipal Elections Qualifying Period Begins

The Gazebo Gazette

MISSISSIPPI (GG) —

The state of Mississippi will hold important municipal (city) elections in 2025, including races for Mayor and the Board of Aldermen. These elections are critical in shaping the future of the community, as elected officials will make decisions on key issues like infrastructure, education, public safety, and economic development for the next four years.

Candidate Qualification Period: January 2nd – January 31st, 2025

Those interested in running for office in the 2025 municipal elections must submit their qualifications between January 2nd and January 31st, 2025. During this period, potential candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria to qualify for the race.

Eligibility Requirements for Candidates:

To be eligible to run for office in the 2025 elections, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Voter Registration:

Candidates must be registered voters in the municipality (city) they live in.
For candidates running for a ward-specific seat, they must be registered to vote in the respective ward.

2. Residency:

Candidates must have been residents in the city they are running for at least two years immediately preceding the election day. This requirement ensures that candidates have a deep understanding of the community they intend to serve.

Why These Elections Matter:

The upcoming elections present an essential opportunity for municipality residents to select leaders who will make decisions that will shape the future of the city. Whether running for Mayor or the Board of Aldermen, candidates will play a pivotal role in addressing issues like local infrastructure, public education, economic growth, and public safety. The leadership chosen will set the course for the city for the next four years.

Prospective candidates should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and are prepared to engage with the community. Engaging with voters and understanding their concerns is key to running an effective campaign and making a difference in the future of their city.

In Harrison County, each municipality (Biloxi, D’Iberville, Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian) city clerk’s office should have a candidate application along with further information about the position.

Candidates may access the Secretary of State’s official 2025 Candidate Qualifying Guide which provides essential information for those seeking elected office. Candidates should familiarize themselves with the legal qualifications required to seek and hold office, as well as the qualifying procedures. The qualifying deadline for all candidates for municipal offices is January 31, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

2025 Municipal Election Day Dates: