With Election Day just days away, Newton County residents are preparing to cast ballots in the 2026 Primary Election on Tuesday, March 10. The contest will determine the Republican and Democratic nominees for U.S. Senate and Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the 17 designated precinct locations across Newton County. One important note for voters of Decatur precincts #2 and #3: your polling locations have been moved to different addresses in 2026. Decatur Precinct #2, which was formerly located at the Masonic Lodge, is now located at the Jessie Mae Everett Library (15305 Hwy 15 South). And Decatur Precinct #3, formerly located at the Alternative School, is now located at Crossroads Baptist Church (518 Crossroads Road).
Key Races on the Ballot
U.S. Senate
•Republican Primary: Incumbent Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith faces a challenge from physician Sarah Adlakha.
•Democratic Primary: Candidates include District Attorney Scott Colom, Priscilla W. Till, and Albert R. Littell.
If a runoff is needed, it is scheduled for April 7. The winner of each party’s primary will advance to the November 3 general election, where they will face Independent candidate Ty Pinkins.
U.S. House
Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District
•Republican Primary: Incumbent Rep. Michael Guest is unopposed.
•Democratic Primary: Michael A. Chiaradio is unopposed.
Absentee Voting Opportunities
Qualified voters may cast in-person absentee ballots at the Newton County Circuit Clerk’s Office, 92 West Broad Street, Decatur during the regular weekday hours of Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
The final deadline to vote in-person absentee is noon on Saturday, March 7, and the Circuit Clerk’s office will be open on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to noon, for those last-minute absentee voters.
Mail-in absentee ballots are available for voters who qualify under state law (e.g., out-of-county students, those with disabilities, or temporary absence). Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day (March 10) and received by the Circuit Clerk’s Office no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17.
Voters unsure of their eligibility or needing an absentee ballot application should contact the Newton County Circuit Clerk’s Office at (601) 635-3368 or visit newtoncountymscircuitclerk.com. Circuit Clerk Mike Butler and staff are available to assist.
Voter Registration Deadline Has Passed The deadline to register or update voter registration for the March 10 primary has passed, however those who missed it will be eligible for the April 7 runoff, if needed, or the November general election.
Election Reminders
•Bring acceptable photo ID (Mississippi driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID).
•Voters may only participate in one party’s primary (Republican or Democratic), not both.
•A sample ballot and precinct information will be posted on the Newton County website and at the Circuit Clerk’s Office in the coming days.
