Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Government Operations & Elections Committee |
HB 1509
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: Concerning one candidate primaries.
Sponsors: Representative Appleton.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/13/13
Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
In Washington's qualifying primary, generally the names of all candidates that file for office will appear on the primary ballot. There are some exceptions: (1) 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 is held if no more than two candidates have filed for the office; and (2) in local elections, if no more than two candidates have filed for an office, no primary is held.
Summary of Bill:
No primary may be held for any partisan office if only one candidate files for the office. The county auditor must notify the candidate affected that the office will not appear on the primary ballot.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 11, 2013.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.