MS HB494

Repeals the Nonpartisan Judicial Election Act (Sections 23-15-974 through 23-15-985) effective July 1, 2010.

Reenacts provisions allowing judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, circuit courts, and chancery courts to be nominated and elected through party primary elections rather than nonpartisan elections.

Primary elections for judicial candidates shall be held concurrently with primary elections for congressional offices and other state candidates.

Amends campaign finance filing requirements to include Supreme Court judges, Court of Appeals judges, circuit judges, and chancellors as candidates required to file periodic reports during election years.

Requires submission to the U.S. Attorney General under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 before implementation, with effectiveness contingent on federal preclearance approval.