HB 159 Summary

• Abolishes partisan primary elections and replaces them with non-partisan "preferential elections" held three weeks before general elections, where any qualified candidate may run regardless of party affiliation.

• A candidate who receives a majority of votes in the preferential election is the sole candidate on the general election ballot; if no majority winner exists, the two candidates with the highest vote totals advance to the general election.

• Candidates must qualify by paying fees ($15-$300 depending on office) and filing intent no later than 60 days before the general election, with party affiliation noted in parentheses on the ballot but without party-based ballot restrictions.

• Repeals all existing statutes governing partisan primary elections, including rules for party executive committees, primary election procedures, and primary election contests.

• Requires submission to the U.S. Attorney General under the Voting Rights Act and takes effect upon preclearance approval.