HB 3213 - DIGEST

Provides that no record may be created or maintained by a state or local governmental agency or a political organization that identifies a voter with the information marked on the voter's ballot, including the choice that a voter makes on a partisan primary ballot regarding political party affiliation.

Provides that, under no circumstances may an individual be required to affiliate with, join, adhere to, express faith in, or declare a preference for, a political party or organization upon registering to vote.

Declares that minor political party and independent candidates may appear only on the general election ballot.

Provides that minor political party candidates and independent candidates may be nominated through the convention procedures provided in RCW 29A.20.110 through 29A.20.200.

Provides that, in a year that president and vice president appear on the general election ballot, the names of candidates for president and vice president for each political party must be grouped together with a single response position for a voter to indicate his or her choice.

Declares that major political party candidates for all partisan elected offices, except for president and vice president, precinct committee officer, and offices exempted from the primary under RCW 29A.52.010, must be nominated at primaries held under this act.

Declares an intent to create a primary for all partisan elected offices, except for president and vice president, precinct committee officer, and offices exempted from the primary under RCW 29A.52.010, that: (1) Allows each voter to participate;

(2) Preserves the privacy of each voter's party affiliation;

(3) Rejects mandatory voter registration by political party;

(4) Protects ballot access for all candidates, including minor political party and independent candidates;

(5) Maintains a candidate's right to self-identify with any major political party; and

(6) Upholds a political party's First Amendment right of association.

Repeals RCW 29A.36.140, 29A.52.110, 29A.52.120, 29A.52.130, and 29A.04.903.