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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

JACKSON, Miss – As a reminder, pre-election campaign finance reports for the Primary Election are due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 1, 2023.

Pre-Election Reports are mandatory if a candidate is opposed. If running unopposed, Pre-Election Reports are not required. For candidates who are unopposed in both the Primary and General Election, the Secretary of State's Office does encourage filing a termination report if candidates have no further expenditures or contributions. 

JACKSON — Circuit clerk offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. to noon for in-person absentee voting this Saturday, July 29.

The last day to vote in-person absentee is Saturday, August 5. Circuit clerk offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by August 8 and received by county circuit clerk offices within five business days of August 8 in order to count.

JACKSON, Miss – As of Monday, July 31, 2023, the Statewide Election Management System (SEMS) reported a total of 26,946 absentee ballots requested, 26,314 absentee ballots sent, and 20,476 absentee ballots received in the state of Mississippi for the 2023 Primary Election.