MS SB2490

Governor shall issue proclamation allowing new candidates to file if the only qualified candidate for judicial office dies, resigns, or becomes disqualified more than 70 days before the general election, with filing period of 7-10 days.

If the only qualified candidate dies, resigns, or becomes disqualified within 70 days of the general election, the judicial office shall be considered vacant and filled according to existing vacancy procedures.

Section 23-15-365 is amended to clarify that write-in substitution procedures do not apply to elections conducted under the Nonpartisan Judicial Election Act.

Attorney General must submit the act to the U.S. Attorney General or U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for Voting Rights Act compliance.

Act takes effect upon approval under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended.