Mississippi's Senate Race Comes Down to Tuesday's Ballot Deadline — and There Is No Recount Law

Democrat Scott Colom leads Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith by 2,574 votes with about 97% of the expected vote counted. Absentee and affidavit ballots must be in and verified by Nov. 10, and the state must certify by Nov. 13. Here is how the count works and what could still change it.

By Clara Hughes

Six days after polls closed, one of the most surprising Senate races in the country is still undecided — in Mississippi. Democrat Scott Colom leads Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith 467,930 to 465,356, a margin of 2,574 votes, according to Associated Press results. Independent Ty Pinkins has 20,028 votes. The AP estimates about 96.9% of the expected vote has been counted. The race has not been called. Tuesday, Nov. 10, is the next critical date. Certification follows by Nov. 13. Keep reading with Altas Premium. Below: the ballots still outstanding, why Mississippi has no automatic recount, what the secretary of state and both campaigns