Brief Description: Changing the primary to the first Tuesday in September.

Sponsors: Representative Haigh.

Hearing Date: 2/8/05

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

The primary election is held at the earlier of: (1) The third Tuesday in September prior to a general election; or (2) the seventh Tuesday prior to a general election.

A convention to nominate a candidate of a minor political party for a partisan office is held during the eight day period from the last Saturday in June through the first Saturday in July, or during any seven days immediately preceding the first day declarations of candidacy may be filed during the regular filing period.

Declarations of candidacy for elective office are made with the filing officer during a regular five-day filing period beginning on the fourth Monday in July and the following Friday.

Summary of Bill:

The date of the primary is moved to the first Tuesday in September prior to a general election.

A convention to nominate a candidate of a minor political party for a partisan office is held during the eight day period from the second Saturday in June to the third Saturday in June, or during any seven days immediately preceding the first day declarations of candidacy may be filed during the regular filing period.

Declarations of candidacy for elective office are made with the filing officer during a regular five-day filing period beginning on the second Monday in July and ending on the following Friday.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.