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CLARIFICATION TO SENATE BILL 2077

JACKSON, Miss – Based on an official opinion issued by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office the reference to “and use cash basis measurement only” in the title of Senate Bill 2077 should not be considered when determining the method to prepare the audit. The audit should be prepared using generally accepted accounting principles as indicated in the Mississippi Regulation of Charitable Solicitations Act.

Mississippi Selected to Host 2025 NASS Summer Conference

JACKSON, Miss — Secretary of State Michael Watson is proud to announce Mississippi has been selected as the host site for the 2025 National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Summer Conference. 


The Conference will be held in Biloxi bringing secretaries of state and staff from across the nation to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the four-day event.

Campaign Finance Late-Filer Report

JACKSON, Miss – Pursuant to Mississippi Code Section 23-15-817, the Secretary of State’s Office is required to publish a list of all candidates for the Statewide or Legislative Office who failed to file a campaign disclosure report by the dates specified in Section 23-15-807(b).


Individuals who failed to timely file their campaign finance report by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 10, 2023, and still have not filed their report to date include:

Mississippi Joins Multistate $12.4 Million Securities Settlement with Raymond James

JACKSON, Miss – Secretary of State Michael Watson announced today the Securities Division of the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office has joined a multi-state settlement with Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. (collectively, Raymond James). The firms will pay at least $8.2 million in refunds to clients and $4.2 million in penalties and costs to the states for charging unreasonable commissions on trades that harmed main street investors.

Mississippi Receives 2023 NASS IDEAS Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The members of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) have selected the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office as the 2023 IDEAS (Innovation, Dedication, Excellence and Achievement in Service) Award recipient.

2023 Primary Election Absentee Report (July 17)

JACKSON, Miss – As of Monday, July 17, 2023, the Statewide Election Management System (SEMS) reported a total of 12,030 absentee ballots requested, 11,567 absentee ballots sent, and 6,475 absentee ballots received in the state of Mississippi for the 2023 Primary Election. 

Secretary Michael Watson Selected to Serve on NASS Executive Board

JACKSON, Miss – Secretary of State Michael Watson has been selected to serve as Treasurer on the Executive Board of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS). The one-year term commenced on July 16, when Secretary Watson was sworn in at the conclusion of the NASS 2023 Summer Conference


"I'm honored to have been selected to serve as the NASS Executive Board Treasurer this year and look forward to working with my colleagues across the country to better serve not just Mississippians, but all Americans," said Secretary Michael Watson.

STATE OFFICIALS WAIVE IN-PERSON REQUIREMENT FOR NOTARIZATION OF DOCUMENTS

Jackson, Miss. – After listening to concerns brought forth by the Secretary of State’s Office, Governor Tate Reeves ordered to waive the in-person requirement for notarizing documents in Mississippi for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, subject to guidance provided by Secretary of State Michael Watson. Executive Order 1467, effective April 7, 2020, authorizes remote notarizations and the Secretary of State’s temporary guidance. 

2023 Primary Election Absentee Report (July 24)

JACKSON, Miss – As of Monday, July 24, 2023, the Statewide Election Management System (SEMS) reported a total of 17,218 absentee ballots requested, 16,660 absentee ballots sent, and 11,313 absentee ballots received in the state of Mississippi for the 2023 Primary Election. 

SECRETARY WATSON TO DELIVER VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS FOR CLASS OF 2020

Jackson, Miss. – Secretary of State Michael Watson will honor graduates across Mississippi during a virtual commencement address via Facebook Live on Monday, May 4, at 4 p.m. The commencement address is a part of Salute to Seniors, the Secretary of State’s Office’s digital celebration for 2020 graduates.

Mississippi seniors were scheduled to walk across the stage and receive their cap and gown this month. Unfortunately, coronavirus-related concerns prompted schools to alter, postpone, or cancel in-person commencement ceremonies for the class of 2020.