| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee | |
HB 1526
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Modifying the form of the presidential primary ballot.
Sponsors: Representatives Hunt, Chandler, Armstrong, Ormsby, Kenney, Linville and Moeller; by request of Secretary of State.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/6/07
Staff: Colleen Kerr (786-7168).
Background:
Presidential primary ballots must be substantially the same as ballots for a partisan primary. A
major political party may request a separate ballot, containing only the candidates of that party
who have qualified, to be provided for voters who request a ballot of that party. A primary ballot
candidates who have qualified for a place on ballot must be provided for nonaffiliated voters.
The unaffiliated ballot is provided for those voters who choose not to identify with either
political party.
In a national presidential primary, the national political parties do not count unaffiliated ballots.
The effect of this is those unaffiliated ballots cast for the presidential primary in Washington do
not count in the national election.
Summary of Bill:
The presidential primary ballot must be consistent with the requirements for a consolidated
ballot or a physically separate, one-party, ballot and the ballot must clearly indicate party
affiliation of each candidate. There is no longer an unaffiliated ballot for the presidential
primary.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.