MS HB1023

Amends Mississippi Code Section 23-15-839 to require that any person appointed to fill a vacancy in a county or county district office must be a resident and qualified elector of that county or district.

Maintains existing procedures where the board of supervisors fills vacancies by appointment, with elections held within 90 days unless the unexpired term is six months or less.

Allows the board of supervisors to dispense with an election if only one candidate qualifies or if no candidates qualify by the 60-day deadline, with the board appointing the candidate or selecting a replacement.

Requires the Mississippi Attorney General to submit the act to the U.S. Attorney General or U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for preclearance under the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Becomes effective upon approval under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.