HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1195
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. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections
Title: An act relating to candidate names on the primary ballot.
Brief Description: Repealing provisions relating to filling unexpired terms.
Sponsors: Representatives Wylie, Buys, Hunt, Van De Wege, Appleton, Orwall, Ryu and Jinkins.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Government Operations & Elections: 1/24/13, 2/12/13 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
|
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Bergquist, Vice Chair; Carlyle, Fitzgibbon, Orwall and Van De Wege.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Buys, Ranking Minority Member; Taylor, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Kristiansen and Manweller.
Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
The names of all candidates who file a declaration of candidacy will appear on the primary ballot, with some exceptions. If a special election is required in an odd-numbered year to fill a vacancy in any office that is scheduled to be voted upon for a full term in an even-numbered year, no primary election may be held if no more than two candidates have filed a declaration of candidacy for the office. No primary is held for any single position in any city, town, district, or district court if, after the last day allowed for candidates to withdraw, there are no more than two candidates who have filed for the same position.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Summary of Substitute Bill:
The provision that prohibits a primary election in an odd-numbered year to fill a vacancy in any office that is scheduled to be voted upon for a full term in an even-numbered year is repealed. The provision that prohibits a primary to be held in local elections when no more than two candidates have filed for the office is repealed.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The provision that prohibits a primary when no more than two candidates have filed for a local government office is repealed.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) None.
(With concerns) If the intention is to impact the campaign finance laws, then a change should be made to those laws. The practice of putting unnecessary races on the ballot increases elections costs, and the Secretary of State is trying to decrease the costs of elections. In races with one or two candidates, not having someone on the primary ballot will decrease costs.
(Opposed) The Washington State Association of County Auditors is opposed to the bill. Sometimes a ballot is very full, and adding unnecessary elections increases the size of the ballot and the cost. The auditors receive calls from voters asking why taxpayer money is being wasted on primary elections in cases where only two candidates are on the ballot for the same race. The number of unnecessary elections should be reduced.
Persons Testifying: (With concerns) Katie Blinn, Office of the Secretary of State.
(Opposed) Julie Anderson, Pierce County and Washington State Association of County Auditors.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.