29 October 2026
WAYNESBORO, MS – Wayne County voters go to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, in a federal and judicial election. The ballot is short, and most of the judges on it have no opponent. But one new circuit judge race is contested, and it comes with a change in which court district Wayne County belongs to.
The short answer: Wayne County voters will see the U.S. Senate race, the 4th Congressional District race and several judge races, according to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s statewide sample ballot. The most local contest is for the 18th Circuit Court District, Place 1, between Brad R. Thompson and Eric Tiebauer. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In-person absentee voting ends at noon Saturday, Oct. 31.
Pine Belt Guide could not find a Wayne County sample ballot posted online. This guide is built from the state’s sample ballot, which lists races by district, and from official district maps. Your own ballot depends on where you live. Pine Belt Guide is seeking a copy of the county sample ballot from the Circuit Clerk’s office.
Who is running for U.S. Senate?
Three candidates are on the ballot, according to the Secretary of State:
- Cindy Hyde-Smith, Republican, the incumbent
- Scott Colom, Democrat
- Ty Pinkins, independent
The same three names appear statewide, WTVA reported.
Who is running for Congress in Wayne County?
Wayne County is in the 4th Congressional District, the seat held by Rep. Mike Ezell. That is different from neighboring Marion County, which is in the 3rd District, as Pine Belt Guide explained in its Marion County ballot guide.
The 4th District candidates on the state sample ballot are:
- Mike Ezell, Republican, the incumbent
- Jeffrey Hulum III, Democrat
- Carl Boyanton, independent
Why is Wayne County voting in the 18th Circuit?
For years, Wayne County has shared the 10th Circuit Court District with Clarke, Kemper and Lauderdale counties. A 2025 state law, House Bill 1544, moves Wayne County into the 18th Circuit with Jones, Greene and George counties on Jan. 1, 2027. The 18th Circuit also gains a second judge. That is according to the Legislature’s 2025 judicial redistricting summary.
Judges elected Nov. 3 take office in January 2027, after the change. So Wayne voters should see the 18th District races. Pine Belt Guide drew that conclusion from the law and the sample ballot. Neither document says it outright, and Pine Belt Guide is seeking confirmation from the Circuit Clerk’s office.
The 18th Circuit races on the state sample ballot are:
- Place 1: Brad R. Thompson and Eric Tiebauer (contested)
- Place 2, a new seat: Darryl A. Hurt Jr. (unopposed)
Thompson is the Jones County district attorney. He announced his run for the seat in January, WDAM reported. At that time, WDAM said he would face incumbent Judge Dal Williamson. Williamson’s name does not appear on the state sample ballot. Pine Belt Guide is seeking details on why.
Judicial races are nonpartisan, so no party labels appear next to judges’ names.
What other judge races are on the ballot?
Wayne County is in the 19th Chancery Court District with Jones County. Both chancery seats on the state sample ballot are unopposed:
- Place 1: Jerry D. Sharp
- Place 2, a new seat: Kathryn Dickerson Clay
Gov. Tate Reeves appointed Sharp to the bench in 2025 to replace a retiring judge, WDAM reported.
Chancery judges “rule on family matters like custody, divorce, sanity hearings and estates,” WDAM explained in a ballot guide. Circuit courts hear criminal cases and many civil lawsuits.
Most Wayne voters will also see one Court of Appeals race. The county is split between two appeals court districts, according to the state court system. Eight precincts are in District 3: Big Rock, Yellow Creek, Hiwannee, Diamond, Chaparral, Matherville, Coit and Eucutta. The rest of the county is in District 5. The state sample ballot lists District 5, Position 1, with Anthony “Tony” Lawrence unopposed. It lists no District 3 race.
There is no Supreme Court race and no statewide ballot measure on the state sample ballot.
Are there county or school board races?
Mississippi elects county officers such as supervisors and sheriffs in 2027, not this year. School board seats can appear on the November ballot. Pine Belt Guide found no list of Wayne County school board candidates and is seeking details from the Circuit Clerk’s office.
How can I still vote absentee?
Mississippi does not offer early voting for everyone. People who qualify, such as voters 65 and older or those who will be out of the county on Election Day, can vote absentee. In-person absentee voting ends at noon Saturday, Oct. 31, WLOX reported. Pine Belt Guide is seeking Wayne County’s Saturday hours from the Circuit Clerk.
What do I need at the polls?
Mississippi requires a photo ID to vote. A voter without one can cast an affidavit ballot and then has five business days to show ID at the Circuit Clerk’s office. The state’s voter ID help line is 1-800-829-6786.
If no candidate in a judge race gets a majority, a runoff will be held Tuesday, Dec. 1.
Who can answer my questions?
Circuit Clerk Kathryn “K.K.” Revette’s office is in the Wayne County Courthouse, 609 Azalea Drive, Waynesboro. The phone number is 601-735-1171, according to the county website.
Frequently asked questions
When is the election?
Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Which race is contested locally?
The 18th Circuit Court District, Place 1, between Brad R. Thompson and Eric Tiebauer.
Is Wayne County in Mike Ezell’s district?
Yes. Wayne County is in the 4th Congressional District.
Can I vote absentee on Saturday?
If you qualify, yes, until noon Saturday, Oct. 31. Call the Circuit Clerk at 601-735-1171 to confirm hours.
Do I need a photo ID?
Yes. Without one, you can cast an affidavit ballot and show ID within five business days.
Sources: Mississippi Secretary of State sample ballot; Mississippi Legislature 2025 judicial redistricting summary; Administrative Office of Courts; WDAM, Jan. 9 and Oct. 20, 2026, and June 3, 2025; WTVA, Oct. 27; WLOX, Sept. 15; Wayne County Circuit Clerk website.