MS HB85

Designates the office of election commissioner as a nonpartisan office, prohibiting candidates from campaigning or qualifying based on party affiliation.

Prohibits political parties and affiliated committees from fundraising for, contributing to, or publicly endorsing candidates for election commissioner, and prohibits candidates from accepting such contributions.

Requires election commissioner candidates to be listed separately on ballots in alphabetical order with no party affiliation designation, clearly identified as nonpartisan.

Amends Mississippi Code Sections 23-15-213, 23-15-367, 23-15-409, and 23-15-511 to remove references to party affiliation in election commissioner balloting procedures.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.