Bay St Louis, Mississippi Public Records

When major crimes and investigations demand broader resources, the Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments work together, sharing information and coordinating efforts to enhance public safety across the county.

The registration deadline is 30 days before any election. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by the date of the election, residents of Mississippi and Hancock County, and not disqualified by felony conviction unless rights have been restored. The city conducts municipal elections for Mayor and Board of Aldermen (City Council) on a four-year cycle during Mississippi's regular municipal election years. The most recent municipal general election was held in June 2021, with the next regularly scheduled municipal elections in June 2025 for all municipal offices. Candidates for local office file qualifying papers with the City Clerk at Bay St. Louis City Hall. Polling place assignments for residents can be found using the Mississippi Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at www.sos.ms.gov or by contacting the Hancock County Circuit Clerk. Under Mississippi law, voter registration lists are public records available for inspection, and precinct-level election results are published by the Circuit Clerk after certification. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are filed with and available from the Mississippi Secretary of State's office and can be searched online. In the November 2024 presidential election, Hancock County reported approximately 64% voter turnout with over 15,000 ballots cast out of approximately 23,500 registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement in this coastal community. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, voters in the area will decide several important contests. While Mississippi does not have U.S. Senate seats up for election in 2026, voters will elect all four of Mississippi's U.S. House of Representatives seats; Bay St. Louis is located in Mississippi's 4th Congressional District. The 2026 ballot will not include the Governor's race, as Mississippi holds gubernatorial elections in odd-numbered years, most recently 2023. State legislative races will be on the ballot, with all 52 Mississippi State Senate seats and all 122 Mississippi House of Representatives seats elected in 2026. Local voters participate in State Senate District 46 and House District 121 elections. County-level offices including some Hancock County Supervisor districts, depending on the district cycle, may also appear on the 2026 ballot. Mississippi offers absentee voting for voters who will be away from their county on election day, have a temporary or permanent physical disability, are 65 or older, are required to work on election day during polling hours, are a parent or caregiver of a dependent hospitalized or disabled person, or are a member of the military or their spouse or dependent. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Hancock County Circuit Clerk's office. Applications are available online at www.sos.ms.gov and must be received by the Saturday before the election for mail ballots or can be requested up to the day before election day for in-person absentee voting at the Circuit Clerk's office.