JACKSON, Miss. – Today, January 2, 2026, is the first day for candidates to file petitions and/or qualifying statements for the offices of Court of Appeals, Chancery Court Judge, Circuit Court Judge, County Court Judge, and Mississippi Levee Commission.

Candidates may access the Secretary of State's official 2025/2026 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 candidate qualifying deadline for Court of Appeals, Chancery Court Judge, Circuit Court Judge, and County Court Judge is February 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. These offices will appear on the November 3rd General Election Ballot.

The candidate qualifying deadline for the Mississippi Levee Commission is May 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. These offices will appear on the June 2nd Mississippi Levee Board General Election Ballot.

*NOTE* - This may vary for candidates who qualify at the Circuit Clerk’s Office as counties may choose to be closed this day (January 2, 2026) in accordance with the Governor’s October 16th, 2025, proclamation. Candidates should contact their Circuit Clerk’s Office before appearing to qualify.

To access the full 2026 Elections Calendar, visit the Secretary of State's website or click here.

The Secretary of State's Office is your primary and trusted source for election information. For questions, please contact the Elections Division at 1-800-829-6786, email ElectionsAnswers@sos.ms.gov, or visit YallVote.ms.