MS HB968

Authorizes counties and municipalities to hold elections allowing voters to decide between nonpartisan preferential elections or partisan primary elections for local offices, with elections triggered by petition of at least 10% of qualified voters and held no more than once every two years.

Makes county and municipal offices nonpartisan if approved by majority vote, prohibiting candidates from campaigning based on party affiliation and barring political parties from fundraising, contributing to, or endorsing nonpartisan candidates.

Establishes filing requirements for nonpartisan county candidates 60 days before elections with fees ranging from $100-$250 depending on office, with candidates listed alphabetically on ballots without party designation.

Implements runoff procedures requiring a second election three weeks later if no candidate receives a majority of votes in the general election, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the runoff.

Amends multiple election code sections to conform to nonpartisan preferential election procedures and repeals Section 23-15-171 governing municipal primary elections; changes take effect October 1 following voter approval in each county or municipality.