MS HB235

Abolishes partisan primary elections in Mississippi and replaces them with nonpartisan "preferential elections" where all qualified candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation, with party designation shown in parentheses after each candidate's name

Requires a preferential election to be held three weeks before the general election when more than one candidate qualifies for an office; candidates receiving a majority of votes advance directly to the general election, while the top two vote-getters advance if no one receives a majority

Sets candidate filing deadlines at 60 days before the general election, with filing fees ranging from $10 for county surveyor, coroner, justice court judge and constable to $300 for Governor and U.S. Senator

Applies the new election system to all state, county, and municipal offices except judicial offices and special elections, with general elections held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November

Repeals numerous Mississippi Code sections governing partisan primary elections, including provisions for executive committee duties, primary election contests, and party nomination procedures