Falcon, Mississippi Public Records

The Quitman County Chancery Court, also located at 230 Chestnut Street, Marks, MS 38646, phone (662) 326-2841, has jurisdiction over equity matters including property disputes, wills and estates (probate), guardianships, adoptions, divorces, child custody and support, land title disputes, and eminent domain cases. The Quitman County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal offenses, traffic violations, preliminary hearings for felonies, small claims matters up to $3,500, civil cases up to $3,500, evictions, and civil replevin actions. Justice Court is located at 220 Chestnut Street, Marks, MS 38646, phone (662) 326-8004. Mississippi does not operate a comprehensive statewide online court records portal, but some case information may be accessible through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system for attorneys and registered users. Most court record searches for Falcon residents require in-person visits to the Quitman County Courthouse or written requests to the Circuit Clerk or Chancery Clerk offices. The Quitman County Circuit Clerk, phone (662) 326-2661, maintains criminal and civil case files for Circuit Court, while the Chancery Clerk, phone (662) 326-2841, maintains equity and probate records. Certified copies of court documents typically cost $1.50 per page plus a certification fee of approximately $1.00 per document. Fees for case file searches may vary but are generally minimal. Probate records, divorce decrees, and land-related judgments are public records unless sealed by court order.

Property tax assessment records are public information, and residents can search by parcel number, owner name, or property address. While Quitman County does not currently offer a comprehensive online parcel search portal, basic property information may be requested by phone or in person. The Assessor's office can provide property cards showing ownership history, improvements, land acreage, and current assessed values. Tax assessment rolls are updated annually, and property owners receive assessment notices each year. The Quitman County Chancery Clerk's Office, located at 230 Chestnut Street, Marks, MS 38646, phone (662) 326-2841, serves as the official recorder of deeds and land records for Quitman County. This office records and maintains all documents affecting real property titles, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens (mechanic's liens, tax liens, judgment liens), easements, rights-of-way, plats and subdivisions, and other instruments affecting land titles. These records are indexed by grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) and are public records available for inspection and copying. Recording fees vary by document type but generally range from $12 to $25 for the first page and additional fees for subsequent pages. Quitman County land records are not available in a free online searchable database; researchers must visit the Chancery Clerk's office in person or submit written requests with specific information. The Chancery Clerk staff can assist with title searches, though many property buyers hire professional title companies or attorneys for comprehensive title examinations. Quitman County does not currently provide a public GIS (Geographic Information System) parcel viewer online, though such mapping tools may be available for internal government use. For detailed property research, residents should contact the Chancery Clerk's office directly at (662) 326-2841.

Agricultural support businesses, including seed and fertilizer suppliers, equipment dealerships, grain elevators, and crop dusting services, provide additional employment opportunities in the region. The Delta's agricultural economy has faced significant challenges in recent decades, including mechanization reducing labor demand, commodity price volatility, and population decline as younger residents migrate to urban areas for employment. Quitman County, with a population of approximately 6,000 as of the 2020 Census, is one of Mississippi's smallest and poorest counties, with a median household income well below the state and national averages—estimated around $26,000 to $30,000 compared to Mississippi's median of approximately $49,000. The county has experienced decades of population decline, falling from over 21,000 residents in 1930 to its current level, driven by agricultural mechanization, limited economic diversification, and outmigration. Major employers in the county include the Quitman County School District, Quitman County government offices, healthcare facilities such as the Quitman County Hospital in Marks, and a limited number of small manufacturing and retail businesses. The poverty rate in Quitman County consistently ranks among the highest in Mississippi and the nation, with over 35% of residents living below the federal poverty line. Economic development efforts have focused on infrastructure improvements, business recruitment, agricultural diversification, and tourism promotion related to the region's rich blues music heritage and civil rights history. Falcon itself has minimal commercial activity, functioning primarily as a residential community with residents commuting to Marks (approximately 10 miles), Clarksdale (approximately 20 miles), or other regional employment centers. The area's economic challenges are compounded by limited broadband internet access, aging infrastructure, and a declining tax base, though community resilience and strong social networks continue to sustain the population.

Falcon, Mississippi does not have its own municipal police department. Law enforcement services for the community are provided by the Quitman County Sheriff's Office, located at 220 Chestnut Street, Marks, MS 38646. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (662) 326-8011. The department maintains jurisdiction over all unincorporated areas of Quitman County, including Falcon, and handles patrol, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operation of the county detention facility. Residents can request copies of police reports, incident reports, and accident reports by visiting the Sheriff's Office in person or submitting a written request. Mississippi law does not mandate a specific form, but requesters should provide as much detail as possible, including the date, location, and parties involved in the incident. The Sheriff's Office website, accessible through the Quitman County government portal, may provide limited online information, though most records requests require in-person or mail submission.

For arrest and jail booking records, the Quitman County Detention Facility maintains an inmate roster that can be accessed by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly at (662) 326-8011. The roster typically includes current inmate names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. Mugshots may be available upon request but are not typically published online. Mississippi does not maintain a statewide online jail inmate search system, so county-level facilities are the primary source. Public records requests in Mississippi are governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983 (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.), which grants citizens the right to inspect and copy public records held by government agencies. Law enforcement agencies may withhold certain investigative records if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or violate privacy rights, but arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports are generally accessible. Requests should be submitted in writing to the custodian of records at the Quitman County Sheriff's Office, and agencies are required to respond within a reasonable timeframe, typically within seven to fourteen business days. Fees for copies are limited to actual costs of reproduction, usually 50 cents per page for standard documents.

Online ordering is available through the VitalChek service at www.msdh.ms.gov/vitalrecords, with fees of $17 for the first copy of a birth or death certificate and $10 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time, plus VitalChek processing fees for online orders. Walk-in service is available at the Jackson office with same-day issuance for eligible applicants. Birth records in Mississippi are confidential for 100 years from the date of birth; only the registrant (if of legal age), parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or legal representatives can obtain certified copies. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification. Death records are public records in Mississippi and available to any requester. Processing time for mail requests is typically two to three weeks; online orders through VitalChek are processed within 3-5 business days for rush service. Marriage licenses for Falcon residents are issued by the Quitman County Circuit Clerk's Office, located at 230 Chestnut Street, Marks, MS 38646, phone (662) 326-2661. Couples must apply in person, provide valid government-issued photo identification and Social Security numbers, and pay a fee of $21.00 if both parties are Mississippi residents. If either party is from out of state, the fee is higher. There is no waiting period or blood test required in Mississippi. Marriage records (certificates and licenses) are maintained by the Circuit Clerk and are public records. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost approximately $10 each. Divorce records are court records maintained by the Quitman County Chancery Clerk's Office at 230 Chestnut Street, Marks, MS 38646, phone (662) 326-2841. Divorce decrees and related filings are part of the Chancery Court case files and are public records unless sealed by court order. Certified copies of divorce decrees can be obtained from the Chancery Clerk for approximately $1.50 per page plus a certification fee. Mississippi vital records have been maintained since November 1912, though county-level marriage and probate records often date back much earlier. The Mississippi State Department of Health maintains a searchable index of births and deaths on its website, though certified copies must be ordered through official channels with proper identification and fees.

Businesses should contact the Quitman County Board of Supervisors, located at 220 Chestnut Street, Marks, MS 38646, phone (662) 326-8011, to inquire about any county-specific permit or license requirements. Fictitious business name filings (also known as "doing business as" or DBA filings) in Mississippi are registered with the Quitman County Chancery Clerk's Office, 230 Chestnut Street, Marks, MS 38646, phone (662) 326-2841. If a business operates under a name other than the owner's legal name, Mississippi law requires registration of that trade name with the county Chancery Clerk in the county where the business primarily operates. The filing fee is approximately $25, and the registration must be renewed periodically. The Chancery Clerk maintains an index of registered trade names that is available for public inspection. For formal business entity formation and registration, the Mississippi Secretary of State, Business Services Division, is the primary agency. Business entities including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships must register with the Secretary of State. The online business entity search is available at www.sos.ms.gov under the "Business Services" section. The database allows searches by business name, registered agent, or business ID number, and provides information on entity status (active, dissolved, revoked), formation date, registered agent name and address, principal office address, and officers or managers (for some entity types). Formation fees vary: LLCs cost $50 to file Articles of Organization, and corporations cost $50 to file Articles of Incorporation. Annual reports are required and cost $25 for most entities. The Secretary of State's office is located at 125 South Congress Street, Jackson, MS 39201, phone (601) 359-1633. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements, which are used to perfect security interests in personal property and business assets, are filed with the Mississippi Secretary of State. UCC searches can be conducted online through the Secretary of State's website or by submitting a written request with the appropriate fee. These searches are commonly used by lenders and buyers to identify existing liens on business equipment, inventory, and other collateral. Commercial property owners in Falcon are subject to property taxation by Quitman County. The Quitman County Tax Assessor, 220 Chestnut Street, Marks, MS 38646, phone (662) 326-8009, assesses the value of commercial real estate and business personal property (equipment, fixtures, inventory). Business owners can search property tax assessments by contacting the Assessor's office with the property address or parcel number. Property tax bills are issued annually and are payable to the Quitman County Tax Collector.

Falcon, Mississippi voters are served by the Quitman County Circuit Clerk's Office, which administers elections for the county. The office is located at 230 Chestnut Street, Marks, MS 38646, and can be reached at (662) 326-2661. The Circuit Clerk serves as the voter registrar and elections administrator for all of Quitman County, including unincorporated communities like Falcon. Residents can register to vote in person at the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours, weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Mississippi also offers online voter registration through the Mississippi Secretary of State's website at www.sos.ms.gov/elections. To register online, applicants must provide their Mississippi driver's license or state ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security number. The online system verifies information with the Department of Public Safety. The voter registration deadline in Mississippi is 30 days before any election. First-time voters who register by mail and have not previously voted in Mississippi must vote in person for their first election, unless they qualify for absentee voting. Valid forms of photo identification are required to vote in Mississippi, including Mississippi driver's license, photo ID issued by any branch or agency of Mississippi government, U.S. passport, government employee ID, firearms license, student ID from accredited Mississippi university, tribal photo ID, or U.S. military ID.

Falcon does not have its own municipal government and therefore does not hold city elections for mayor or city council. Residents vote in Quitman County elections for county supervisors (five districts), sheriff, circuit clerk, chancery clerk, tax assessor, tax collector, coroner, and other county offices. County elections in Mississippi are held in conjunction with state and federal elections. Quitman County is divided into five supervisor districts, each electing one member to the Board of Supervisors. Falcon voters should verify their supervisor district by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office. Mississippi holds statewide elections for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and other constitutional officers in odd-numbered years (most recently 2023, next in 2027). State legislative elections for Mississippi House of Representatives and Mississippi Senate are held every four years. Falcon is located within a specific state House and Senate district; voters can find their legislative districts using the district lookup tool at www.sos.ms.gov.

Polling place assignments for Falcon voters are determined by precinct. Quitman County has several voting precincts, and Falcon residents are assigned to a precinct based on their residential address. Voters can find their assigned polling place by contacting the Quitman County Circuit Clerk at (662) 326-2661 or by using the polling place lookup tool on the Mississippi Secretary of State website. Polling places are typically located at community centers, fire stations, schools, or government buildings and are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on election day.

Mississippi provides public access to several types of election records. Voter registration rolls are public records, though they contain some protected information; qualified requesters can obtain voter lists for lawful purposes. Campaign finance reports for candidates and political committees are filed with the Mississippi Secretary of State and are available for public inspection on the Secretary of State's website. Precinct-level election results are published by the Secretary of State after each election, showing vote totals by candidate and by county and precinct. Candidate qualifying information, including filings for office and petition signatures, is available through the Circuit Clerk's office for county races and the Secretary of State for state and federal races.

In the November 2024 presidential election, Quitman County reported voter turnout of approximately 2,200 voters out of roughly 4,500 registered voters, representing a turnout rate near 49%. The county voted heavily Democratic, consistent with its historical voting patterns, with over 70% supporting the Democratic presidential candidate. Turnout in Quitman County and similar Delta counties typically lags behind state averages due to economic challenges, population decline, and logistical barriers to voting.

The November 3, 2026 general election will feature several significant races for Falcon and Quitman County voters. At the federal level, Mississippi will hold elections for one U.S. Senate seat (regular six-year term) and all four U.S. House of Representatives seats; Quitman County is part of Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District. Mississippi does not hold gubernatorial elections in 2026; the next Governor's race is in 2027. The Mississippi Legislature does not have elections in 2026, as state legislative races were last held in 2023 and occur every four years. The 2026 ballot will include Quitman County offices that are up for election on a four-year cycle, potentially including county supervisors, sheriff, and other county officials depending on the election cycle. Voters should check with the Quitman County Circuit Clerk or the Mississippi Secretary of State for a complete list of races and candidates as the election approaches. School board elections for the Quitman County School District may also appear on the ballot.

Mississippi allows absentee voting for voters who meet specific criteria: voters who will be away from their county of residence on election day, voters with a temporary or permanent physical disability, voters who are 65 years of age or older by election day, parents with a minor child in their care on election day, required to work on election day during polling hours, a member of Congress residing in the Washington D.C. area, a spouse or dependent of a member of Congress residing in the Washington D.C. area, or an active duty military member or spouse/dependent. Absentee ballot applications are available from the Quitman County Circuit Clerk's office and on the Secretary of State's website. Completed applications must be submitted to the Circuit Clerk's office by mail or in person. The deadline for absentee ballot applications is seven days before the election (by 5:00 PM). Absentee ballots must be returned by mail and postmarked by election day, or hand-delivered to the Circuit Clerk's office by 7:00 PM on election day. Mississippi does not offer universal no-excuse absentee voting or widespread mail-in voting; voters must qualify under one of the enumerated categories.