Circuit Clerk

Perry County, MS

Christy Mayo

P.O. Box 198
103 Main St
New Augusta
MS 9462

601.964.3398

601.964.8740

Marriage License
Jury Service
Absentee Voting
FAQ

Christy Mayo

Circuit Clerk

601.964.3398

circuitclerk@co.perry.ms.us

The Circuit Clerk is a key official in the judiciary system responsible for managing and maintaining court records for the Circuit Court, which typically handles criminal prosecutions, civil cases, and appeals from lower courts.

What do we do?

Clerk of the Circuit Court
Collect Circuit Court Fines
Maintain Judgement Roll
Voter Registration
Assist with all Elections
Absentee Balloting
Marriage License
Free Notary Services

Marriage License/Certificates

What will I need to apply for a marriage license?

Both parties must be 21 years of age or older, appear before the clerk together, provide proof of age (drivers license), and pay $37.00. If either party has been previously married, we will also need to know the date the last marriage ended. Both parties should also be prepared to provide both parents’ full (including maiden) names, we also ask their occupation status. You will be issued the license on the day you apply. After the ceremony, you will be encouraged to return the license to the clerk for recording within 5 days after the marriage.

Can I get married at the courthouse?

You will receive your marriage license the same day you apply, and you may have the ceremony the same day. However, it is your responsibility to make arrangements with a licensed minister or other official with the authority to perform marriage ceremonies according to state statute. We do not have officials to perform marriage ceremonies.

Can I get married if I’m under the age of 21?

If you are not yet 21 years of age, you must have parental consent to marry in Mississippi. This is commonly handled by the parents signing the marriage license application when the couple applies for the license. If you are over the age of 18 but not yet 21, your parent(s) may submit a sworn statement giving their permission for you to marry in lieu of appearing before the clerk. If the parents submit this sworn statement, the underage parties must present a birth certificate or other legal documents verifying the parentage. Certain restrictions apply to persons under the age of 18 applying for a marriage license. Please contact the clerk’s office for more details.

How far in advance must we apply for a marriage license?

Once a marriage license is issued, there is no time limit on completing the marriage ceremony.

How can I get information regarding old birth, marriage, and death certificates?

Marriage records from 1874-current are held locally in the circuit clerk’s office. Any license prior to that date would have been destroyed by fire. Records can be researched for a fee of $17 per marriage, which includes a certified copy if the record is here. We will need both the complete groom’ name and the bride’s complete name, including her maiden name, and the approximate date of marriage.

Jury Service

How are jurors selected?

All registered voters who are over the age of 21, have not been convicted of a felony crime, and have not been permanently excused from jury service are eligible to be a juror. Juries are pulled four times a year (February, May, August, and November) for each court term.

How can I be excused from jury service?

ONLY A CIRCUIT JUDGE MAY EXCUSE A PERSON FROM JURY SERVICE. Persons over 65 years of age may be excused from jury service by calling our office. Persons needing to be excused for medical reasons should provide the court with a note from his/her physician stating they are unable to serve. Full-time students and people who work out of town (staying away from home overnight, i.e. construction or oilfield workers or truck drivers) may also sign affidavits and request to be excused; however, this excuse is not automatic.There may be other circumstances for jury exemption, but those must be presented to the court for the judge to rule on in open court. Please contact the clerk’s office for more information.

Can I be permanently removed from jury service?

Only persons over the age of 65 or persons of any age with a PERMANENT disability (a physician’s note must be provided) can be permanently excused as jurors upon receipt of a signed affidavit.

How much will I be paid for jury service?

Jurors are paid $40/day for jury service and the state mileage rate for mileage outside the county seat.

What is the number to call for juror instructions?

Jurors must call (601) 964-8663 *ext. 3, on Friday before the Monday report date for further instructions.

I’ve received a jury summons for US District Court. Can I be excused?

Federal jury summons cannot be handled by the local circuit clerk. You must contact the jury clerk listed on your summons. If you need assistance contacting the federal court, give us a call at (601) 964-8663 *ext. 3.

Absentee Voting

Voters who are over 65 years of age, permanently or temporarily disabled, or temporarily residing outside the county are eligible to cast an absentee ballot via mail or in person. Other voters who will be outside the county on election day or meet other certain criteria may cast an absentee ballot in person in the clerk’s office. Absentees are available 45 days prior to an election, and the deadline for casting those ballots will be noon on the Saturday immediately preceding the Election Day.

Should a permanently disabled voter wish to have an absentee ballot mailed to them each and every election without filing a new request each time, they may submit a Permanent Disability Statement signed by their healthcare provider.

Special accommodations are made for US citizens living temporarily abroad and active duty military and their spouses. These voters may vote by several different means, including by email or online. Voters who meet these requirements are encouraged to submit a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) as soon as possible. Each FPCA will be active for all elections in the calendar year in which it is received.

Absentee ballots are now a final vote. Once an absentee ballot has been issued to a voter, they will be unable to vote a regular ballot at the polling place. However, these voters will be allowed to cast an affidavit ballot instead. Should there be a problem with the absentee ballot which causes it to be rejected, the affidavit ballot will be examined by the resolution board to determine if it should be counted.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I register to vote?

Any person who has not been declared mentally incompetent, who is or will be 18 years of age on or before the next general election, and has not been convicted of a disenfranchising felony crime may register to vote in the county in which they reside. All voters must be registered no later than 30 days prior to an election.

Where can I register to vote?

You may stop by the Circuit Clerk’s office during regular business hours and register. You may also register when obtaining a driver’s license or when applying for certain assistance programs. You may also download a registration form and mail to the Circuit Clerk.

What do I need to register to vote?

You will be asked to provide your full (including maiden) name, physical and mailing address, date of birth, social security number and/or Mississippi driver’s license number. You will also be asked if you have ever registered anywhere before.

What will I need when I go vote?

All Mississippi voters must provide current (issued within the past 10 years) and valid government issued photo identification when voting, or they will be required to vote by affidavit ballot. Most voters present their driver’s license. Should you require a voter identification card, you must contact our office at (601) 964-8663 *ext. 3. You may visit the Secretary of State’s website for more information regarding voter identification in Mississippi.

I’ve moved and need to update my voter registration. Can I do that online?

No, you must visit our office to update.

What kinds of cases are handled in Circuit Court?

Circuit Court handles civil matters involving debt collections, products liability, torts, contracts, and any matters not specifically handled by any other court. All felony criminal matters as well as appeals from justice court are handled in Circuit Court.

How can I pay fines owed to the Circuit Court?

Fines owed to the court may be paid in cash or money order ONLY. If mailing, only money orders can be accepted and must include the offender’s name and case number. Payments can be mailed or made in person at the clerk’s office. If you would like a receipt, you MUST send a self-stamped envelope.

How can I have a charge removed from my record?

Persons who have completed a Non-Adjudicated Probation sentence may petition the Court to have their record expunged. Also, certain felony convictions may be expunged if statutory provisions are met. Visit www.expungemississippi.com and answer a few short questions to see if you qualify. For more information, consult an attorney for assistance.