MS HC18

Proposes constitutional amendment to abolish partisan primaries and replace them with nonpartisan preferential elections for all state and local offices.

Establishes preferential elections to be held on the second Tuesday after the first Monday of September, with general elections on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November, beginning in 2019 and every fourth year thereafter.

Requires candidates receiving a majority of preferential election votes to advance alone to general election ballot; if no candidate achieves majority, the top two vote-getters advance to general election.

Repeals existing constitutional sections governing gubernatorial elections (Sections 140, 141, 143) and party primary election regulations (Section 247).

Directs legislature to enact implementing laws for nonpartisan preferential municipal elections; amendment subject to voter approval on November 6, 2018.