MS HB773

Establishes procedure for reopening candidate filing if only one candidate qualifies for a judicial office and dies, resigns, or is disqualified more than 70 days before the general election; Governor issues proclamation allowing new candidates to file for 7-10 days.

Allows judicial office to be filled by vacancy procedures if the sole candidate dies, resigns, or is disqualified within 70 days before the general election.

Excludes nonpartisan judicial elections from write-in ballot provisions that allow substitution of candidates who die, resign, withdraw, or are removed.

Revises vacancy procedures for circuit judges and chancellors by establishing elections at the next regular special election occurring more than 9 months after the vacancy, with gubernatorial appointment to fill the position until election.

Creates procedure for temporary county executive committees when no party executive committee exists, requiring state party chairman to call mass meeting within 5 days of petition or allowing alternative authorization if chairman is incapacitated or nonresponsive.