House Bill 55 Summary

• Abolishes partisan primary elections and replaces them with a "preferential election" system open to all qualified voters regardless of party affiliation, held three weeks before the general election.

• When one candidate qualifies for an office, their name goes directly on the general election ballot; when multiple candidates qualify, a preferential election determines which candidates advance to the general election ballot (one if receiving a majority, or the top two if no majority).

• Establishes candidate qualification deadlines of 60 days before the general election with filing fees ranging from $10 to $300 depending on office level, filed with appropriate state or county election commissions rather than party committees.

• Modifies ballot structure to list candidates alphabetically with party affiliation (if any) in parentheses, and eliminates all provisions governing partisan primary elections, party executive committee duties, and primary election contests.

• Effective July 1, 2014; applies to all elections except judicial offices and special elections, with extensive amendments to Mississippi Code sections governing election procedures, ballot printing, absentee voting, and campaign finance disclosure.