House Bill 367 Summary

• Abolishes partisan primary elections and replaces them with "preferential elections" open to all candidates regardless of party affiliation, with candidates listed alphabetically on ballots showing any party affiliation in parentheses.

• Establishes a two-election system where preferential elections are held three weeks before general elections; candidates receiving a majority in the preferential election advance alone to the general election, and the top two vote-getters advance if no candidate receives a majority.

• Allows any qualified person to run as a candidate by paying filing fees 60 days before the general election (ranging from $10-$300 depending on office) without party nomination requirements.

• Applies the new preferential election system to state, district, county, and municipal elections, but excludes judicial offices and special elections to fill vacancies.

• Repeals numerous sections of Mississippi election law related to partisan primary elections, including rules for primary election dates, procedures, candidate qualification, and ballot contents.