Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1585

Introduced
1/20/25  
Refer
1/20/25  
Engrossed
2/11/25  
Refer
2/14/25  

Caption

Municipal general elections; require a run off election if no candidate receives a majority.

Impact

The passage of HB 1585 is expected to significantly alter the election landscape in Mississippi's municipalities. By instituting a runoff election when no single candidate achieves a majority, the bill aims to prevent situations where candidates win with less than majority support. This change could lead to more representative outcomes in municipal governance. Furthermore, if the bill is enacted, it will necessitate adjustments in how election commissioners manage and certify elections, as they will have to prepare for and conduct runoff elections.

Summary

House Bill 1585 seeks to amend existing sections in the Mississippi Code concerning municipal elections by mandating that a candidate must receive a majority vote to be elected. Should no candidate garner a majority, the bill stipulates that a runoff election will be held three weeks later between the top two candidates. This amendment aims to streamline the election process and ensure that elected officials have a clear majority support among voters, thereby enhancing the legitimacy of election outcomes.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 1585 have been largely positive among its proponents, who assert that the introduction of runoff elections will lead to more comprehensive voter representation and accountability. Critics, however, have raised concerns about potential delays in election outcomes and the additional costs associated with conducting runoff elections. Nonetheless, the overall sentiment appears to favor enhancing voter engagement through this legislative change, as it encourages candidates to aim for a broader base of support.

Contention

Key points of contention include the implications of the runoff requirement on voter turnout, as some worry that additional elections may deter participation. Furthermore, logistical challenges for election officials, including the timely administration of runoff elections and the certification process, have been emphasized. The bill’s effective date of July 1, 2025 also suggests a compressed timeline for officials to implement necessary changes, which could be contentious among municipal election authorities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2423

Elections; require that candidates receive majority of votes in general election to be elected to statewide office.

MS HB613

Elections; revise the votes included to determine total votes needed to receive majority.

MS HB1451

Municipal election commissioners; revise appointments of.

MS HB167

Municipal election commissioners; revise appointments of.

MS SB2503

Elections; candidates for any office must file documentation of United States citizenship.

MS SB2144

Runoff elections; amend to lengthen the timing requirement.

MS HB1386

Municipal general election ballots; provide that only the names of those opposed candidates shall be printed upon.

MS SB2504

Elections; prohibit incumbent candidates from appearing in publicly funded ads leading up to statewide general elections.

MS HB966

Municipal executive committee; prohibit members of from campaigning for candidates on the municipal primary election ballot.

MS SB2424

Municipal executive committee; prohibit members of from campaigning for candidates on the municipal primary election ballot.

Similar Bills

MS SB2423

Elections; require that candidates receive majority of votes in general election to be elected to statewide office.

MS HB1276

State officers; provide for a runoff election for.

MS HB291

County and county district officers; require to have runoff election if no candidate receives majority after general election.

MS HB613

Elections; revise the votes included to determine total votes needed to receive majority.

MS HB1180

Commissioner of Insurance; revise to be appointed instead of elected position.

MS HB1310

Elections; revise provisions related to the integrity of.

MS HB1510

Elections; revise procedures regarding voter roll maintenance.

MS HB1309

Election Integrity Act; create.