MS HC46

Eliminates party primaries for county offices, justice court judges, and district attorneys in favor of open primaries where all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation.

Requires candidates to file intent and pay assessment to the circuit clerk (or Secretary of State for district attorneys) at least 90 days before the general election.

Candidates must receive more than 50% of votes to win; if no candidate achieves this threshold, the top two vote-getters advance to a runoff election held three weeks later.

Ballot names are listed alphabetically without party designation, though candidates may voluntarily include political party, independent, or no designation next to their name (for county offices only).

Proposes amendments to Sections 138, 171, and 174 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890, with the constitutional amendment to be submitted to voters on November 3, 2020.