SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6039

BYSenator Hansen

Changing provisions governing primaries for certain nonpartisan offices.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 5, 1987

Senate Staff:Sam Thompson (786-7754); Eugene Green (786-7405)

AS OF MARCH 4, 1987

BACKGROUND:

When more than two candidates file to run for a nonpartisan elective office, all of the candidates are eliminated in the primary election except the two receiving the greatest number of votes.  In certain races (for Supreme Court, Court of Appeals or Superior Court positions, or for the office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction), if a candidate receives a majority of all votes cast for the position in the primary election, only his or her name appears on the general election ballot.  As in any race, however, voters may vote for a write-in candidate on the general election ballot.

SUMMARY:

A primary election will not be held for positions on the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals or Superior Court, or for the office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction, if no more than two candidates have filed for the position to be filled.  Instead, the names of the candidates will appear on the general election ballot, followed by a space for write-in votes.

Fiscal Note:      none requested