JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Senate passed a bill on Tuesday that allows for “no excuse” early voting 15 days before election day.

Mississippi is one of only three states in the nation that have no form of early voting.

State Senator Jeremy England (R-District 51) said legislation like this modernizes the state and increases election integrity.

With a valid photo ID, voters can show up to their circuit clerk’s office where they will be printed a ballot that they will vote on and submit just like on election day.

England said the bill offers a secure, helpful and more accessible option for Mississippi voters.

“It’s going to add to integrity of our election system, in my opinion, for that reason. Because one thing that hurts our elections a lot of times is when we’re counting ballots after election day, the perception is, you know, where are these ballots coming from? Where these votes coming from? Well, this gets those votes counted on Election Day after the polls close. It’s also going to help our, our hardest working Mississippians out there, the folks that are working shift work and may drive an hour to and from work every day. They might not go to make the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.,” he explained.

The bill passed by a vote of 44-8 on Thursday. The proposal will move to the Mississippi House.