SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   HJR 4200

                             AS OF MARCH 27, 1991

Brief Description:  Amending the Constitution to remove the special procedures for nonpartisan elections.

SPONSORS:Representatives Locke, Ballard, Appelwick, Peery, Ludwig, Belcher, Prince, H. Myers, Tate, Vance, D. Sommers, Morton, Wineberry, McLean, Edmondson, Chandler, P. Johnson, Moyer, Hochstatter, Lisk, Wood, Paris, Casada, Nealey, Brekke, Silver, May and Anderson.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Dick Armstrong (786‑7460)

Hearing Dates:April 2, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Article IV, Section 29 of the state's Constitution establishes procedures which apply only to the election of judges of the superior court.  In a county with a population of 100,000 or more, if only one person has filed for a superior court position, no primary or election may be held for the position.  The unopposed candidate is issued a certificate of election.

If, following a contested primary in any county, only one candidate is entitled to have his or her name printed on the general election ballot for a superior court position, no election may be held for the position and a certificate of election is issued to that candidate.  However, such a certificate is not issued if, within 10 days after the primary, a write-in candidacy is filed for the position.  The write-in candidacy must be accompanied by a petition signed by at least 100 registered voters of the county.

SUMMARY:

Article IV, Section 29 of the state's Constitution is repealed.  The section provides special procedures which apply to the election of superior court judges.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested

Effective Date:  Takes effect if ratified by the voters at the November general election.