MS SB2340

Abolishes partisan primary elections and replaces them with open preferential elections held three weeks before general elections where all qualified electors may participate regardless of party affiliation.

Establishes candidate qualification procedures requiring filing 60 days before general elections with specified fees ranging from $10 to $300 depending on office sought.

Provides that candidates receiving a majority in preferential elections advance alone to general elections; if no majority is achieved, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election ballot.

Applies open primary system to all elections except judicial offices and special elections, with municipal elections operating under the same preferential election procedures three weeks before municipal general elections.

Repeals numerous sections of law governing partisan primary elections, including provisions for primary election dates, candidate qualification procedures, primary election conduct, and primary election contests.