HB 2265 - DIGEST

     Declares an intent of the legislature to create a primary for all partisan elected offices, except for president and vice president, precinct committee officer, and offices exempted from the primary under RCW 29.15.150, that:  (1) Allows each voter, including those who choose to be undeclared, to participate;

     (2) Preserves the privacy of each voter's party affiliation, if any;

     (3) Rejects mandatory voter registration by political party;

     (4) Protects ballot access for minor political party and independent candidates;

     (5) Maintains a candidate's right to self-identify with any major political party; and

     (6) Upholds a political party's First Amendment right of association.

     Repeals RCW 29.18.010, 29.18.120, 29.18.150, 29.18.160, 29.18.200, and 29.30.040.