MS HB229

Abolishes party-based primary elections and replaces them with "preferential elections" open to all qualified voters regardless of party affiliation.

Preferential elections held three weeks before general elections; candidates receiving a majority of votes in preferential elections advance to general election ballot, while top two vote-getters advance if no majority is achieved.

Candidates qualify by paying fees ($10-$300 depending on office) and filing with appropriate executive committee or election commission 60 days before general election; party affiliation shown in parentheses on ballots but not required.

All qualified electors may participate in preferential elections without regard to party affiliation; ballots list candidates alphabetically with party designation if applicable.

Eliminates primary election-related statutes and procedures while maintaining general election framework; includes conforming changes to municipal elections, absentee voting, and campaign finance reporting.