HB 1375 Summary

• Abolishes partisan primary elections and replaces them with open "preferential elections" held three weeks before general elections, allowing any qualified voter to participate regardless of party affiliation.

• When only one candidate qualifies for an office, that candidate goes directly to the general election ballot; when multiple candidates qualify, the top vote-getter in the preferential election appears alone on the general ballot, or the top two candidates face each other if no candidate achieves a majority.

• Candidates must file intent to run and pay filing fees 60 days before the general election with state or county election commissions (fees range from $10 to $300 depending on office level), with party affiliation listed parenthetically on ballots.

• Repeals numerous sections of Mississippi election law governing partisan primary elections, primary election dates, executive committee duties, and primary election procedures and contests.

• Takes effect July 1, 2014.