HB 465 amends Chapter 101 of the Election Code to implement a preferential voting system for mail-in voters participating in runoff elections. The bill allows voters who are eligible for early voting by mail to receive a runoff election ballot along with their general election ballot. Using a preferential voting system, voters can rank candidates in order of preference. If a runoff election occurs, their ballot will be counted for the highest-ranked candidate in the runoff election for whom they have indicated a preference. The Secretary of State is tasked with developing and disseminating detailed procedures and voter instructions to facilitate the preferential voting process. The legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.