Diamondhead, Mississippi Public Records

When major crimes or complex investigations arise, the Sheriff's Office and municipal departments often coordinate their efforts, sharing resources and information to strengthen public safety throughout the county.

A typical arrest record in Hancock County includes the arrested individual's personal information, the nature of the charges brought against them, and both the date and location where the arrest occurred.

Questions about voter registration status, polling place assignments, absentee ballot requests, and election information all flow through this office. County election information and results are posted at www.co.hancock.ms.us. Mississippi residents can register to vote online through the Secretary of State's website at www.sos.ms.gov/elections/voter-registration, or submit paper applications directly to the Circuit Clerk. To register, applicants must be U.S. Citizens and Mississippi residents, at least 18 years old by the next general election, and not disenfranchised by felony conviction unless rights have been restored. Registration closes 30 days before any election - the state doesn't offer Election Day registration. When voting in person, registered voters must present acceptable photo identification such as a Mississippi driver's license, U.S. Passport, government employee ID card, firearms license, student ID from a Mississippi college, tribal photo ID, or Mississippi Voter Identification card, which the Circuit Clerk provides free of charge. Because Diamondhead is an unincorporated census-designated place governed by a Property Owners Association rather than a municipal government, residents don't vote for mayors or city council members. Instead, they participate in Hancock County elections for county supervisors across five districts, along with sheriff, tax assessor, tax collector, circuit clerk, chancery clerk, and other county offices. County supervisor elections happen in non-presidential election years - most recently in 2023, with the next scheduled for 2027. Local voters also cast ballots in Mississippi state elections for Governor (four-year terms, last elected 2023, next in 2027), Lieutenant Governor, other statewide offices, and Mississippi Legislature seats. Federal elections bring races for U.S. President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives, with the area falling in Mississippi's 4th Congressional District. Residents can find their assigned polling place using the lookup tool on the Secretary of State website at www.sos.ms.gov/PollingPlace, or by contacting the Circuit Clerk directly. Polling places are assigned based on registered address and precinct boundaries. Multiple voting precincts serve the community, with polling locations typically at community facilities, schools, or public buildings within or near the area. Mississippi public records law opens certain election records to public access. Voter registration lists are available from the Circuit Clerk's office for lawful purposes related to elections, political activities, or government functions, though fees apply for computerized lists. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates go to the Secretary of State and appear in the Campaign Finance Database at www.sos.ms.gov/elections/campaign-finance. Candidate qualifying documents, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics are public records available through the Circuit Clerk and Secretary of State. Actual voted ballots remain sealed and are not public records. Like most Mississippi Gulf Coast counties, the county showed strong Republican preference in the 2024 presidential race. For the November 3, 2026 general election, voters here and across Hancock County will decide several important races. At the federal level, Mississippi's U.S. Senate seat currently held by Roger Wicker is not up for election in 2026 (next election 2024), and Cindy Hyde-Smith's seat is not up until 2026. Mississippi doesn't have gubernatorial elections in 2026 since the Governor was elected in 2023 for a four-year term ending 2027. However, all four Mississippi U.S. House seats, including the 4th Congressional District representing the area, will appear on the ballot. Portions of the Mississippi State Senate (52 seats) and entire Mississippi House of Representatives (122 seats) may be on the ballot depending on the election cycle. Hancock County won't have county-wide elections in 2026, as most county offices were elected in 2023. Voters should verify specific races with the Circuit Clerk as the election approaches. Mississippi voters can request absentee ballots if they meet specific criteria: being away from their county of residence on election day, having a temporary or permanent physical disability, being 65 years or older, being a parent/guardian/caregiver of a dependent person with a disability, working as an election poll worker, being required to be at work during all hours polls are open, or being a member of the military or spouse/dependent living with them. Absentee ballot applications must reach the Circuit Clerk no later than 14 days before the election, or until noon the Saturday before for medical emergency situations. Applications are available at www.sos.ms.gov/elections/absentee-voting or from the Circuit Clerk's office at 854 Highway 90, Suite B, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520. Completed absentee ballots must be postmarked by election day and received within five business days after the election to be counted. Mississippi doesn't offer universal mail-in voting or no-excuse absentee voting.