SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5054

                    As of January 14, 1997

Title:  An act relating to the presidential preference primary.

Brief Description:  Eliminating the presidential preference primary.

Sponsors:  Senators McCaslin, Sellar, Wojahn, Prentice and Kohl.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  1/23/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Staff:   Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  In 1989, Initiative 99 to the Legislature was approved, establishing a presidential preference primary on the fourth Tuesday in May of each year when a president of the United States is elected.  The Secretary of State must place on a ballot for each major political party the names of any individual whose candidacy is generally advocated, is recognized in the national news media, or is supported by a petition signed by 1,000 registered voters.  Whenever requested by a major political party, a separate ballot containing only the candidates of that party must be provided for a voter who requests a ballot of that party.

A major political party may, under national or state party rules, base the allocation of delegates from this state to the national nominating convention of that party in whole or in part on the participation in precinct caucuses and conventions conducted under the rules of that party.

The costs (or prorated costs) of the presidential preference primary are assumed by the state.  County auditors file claims with the Secretary of State who then submits a request for funds to the next succeeding Legislature.

Summary of Bill:  The presidential preference primary is repealed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 14, 1997.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.