MS HB626

Establishes the office of circuit clerk as a nonpartisan office, prohibiting candidates from campaigning or qualifying based on party affiliation.

Prohibits political parties and affiliated committees from fundraising, making contributions to, or publicly endorsing candidates for circuit clerk; candidates cannot accept contributions from political parties or affiliates.

Requires circuit clerk candidates' names to be grouped separately on ballots, clearly identified as nonpartisan, listed in alphabetical order with no party affiliation references.

Amends Mississippi Code sections 23-15-299, 23-15-359, 23-15-367, 23-15-511, and 23-15-531.3 to conform ballot preparation and candidate qualification procedures to nonpartisan requirements.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.