MS HB36

Designates the office of election commissioner as a nonpartisan office, prohibiting candidates from campaigning or qualifying based on party affiliation.

Prohibits political parties and affiliated committees from fundraising for, contributing to, or publicly endorsing candidates for election commissioner; candidates cannot accept contributions from political parties or affiliated committees.

Requires election commissioner candidates to be listed alphabetically in a separate, clearly identified nonpartisan section of the ballot with no reference to party affiliation.

Amends Section 23-15-213 to eliminate the requirement that candidates declare party affiliation to the board of supervisors; starting January 1, 2023, all election commissioners serve four-year terms instead of staggered three or four-year terms.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.