Write in votes aren’t counted per Mississippi code unless it’s a replacement candidate.
And independent candidates must present by March 1.
Title 23, Chapter 15, Article 13, Part B of the Mississippi Code
And independent candidates must present by March 1.
Title 23, Chapter 15, Article 13, Part B of the Mississippi Code
...
MS Code § 23-15-365 (2013)
(1) There shall be left on each ballot one (1) blank space under the title of each office to be voted for, and in the event of the death, resignation, withdrawal or removal of any candidate whose name shall have been printed on the official ballot, the name of the candidate duly substituted in the place of such candidate may be written in such blank space by the voter.
That provision doesn't exclude writing-in any other eligible person's name. It merely provides an example of a permitted name, IMO.