HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. SB 5160

Eliminating the presidential primary                      Public Hrg: 4/2/97

Brief Title

Senator McCaslin                                              Staff Contact: B. Mauldin

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7093

BACKGROUND:

Initiative 99 was approved by the voters in 1988 providing for a presidential preference primary.  It declared that the state=s participation in the selection of presidential candidates must be in accordance with the will of the people as expressed in the presidential primary.

In 1995 legislation was enacted revising presidential primary statutes.  A major political party may base its allocation of delegates to the national nominating convention in whole or in part on the participation in precinct caucuses and conventions.  If a major party requests it, voters who subscribe to a specific political party declaration must be given ballots readily distinguishable from those given to other voters.  These votes must be tabulated and reported separately from other votes, and may be used by a major political party to allocate delegates to the national nominating convention.  Separate ballots listing all presidential primary candidates must be printed for voters who do not declare a party affiliation.

A candidate=s name will be printed on presidential primary ballots only if the secretary of state determines that the candidacy is generally advocated or is recognized in national news media, or if a petition for nomination of the candidate including the signatures of at least 1,000 registered voters declaring themselves affiliated with the party is submitted to the secretary of state.  Candidates= names must be printed on the ballot in alphabetical order, with party affiliation indicated.

The state must assume all costs of a presidential primary.  If any other elections are held in conjunction with the presidential primary, the state must pay only a prorated share.

SUMMARY

The presidential primary is eliminated.

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FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.