Senate Bill 2073 Summary

• Abolishes partisan primary elections and replaces them with "preferential elections" open to all candidates and voters regardless of party affiliation.

• Establishes a two-stage election system: a preferential election held three weeks before the general election, with candidates receiving a majority advancing to the general ballot, or the top two candidates advancing if no majority is achieved.

• Requires candidates to file intent to run and pay filing fees 60 days before the general election (ranging from $10 for municipal offices to $1,000 for Governor and U.S. Senator).

• Applies the new system to all elections except judicial offices and special elections, with municipal elections following the same procedures as state and county elections.

• Repeals all existing statutes governing partisan primary elections, party executive committee duties, and primary election procedures.