HB 2709-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Declares an intent to protect the integrity of the election process for minor political parties and independent candidates.

     Does not intend to create barriers to the political process for minor political parties and independent candidates, but to prevent major political parties from interfering in the nominating process for minor political parties and independent candidates.

     Provides that every person who signs a nominating petition using other than his or her true name, who makes a false statement on a nominating petition as to his or her residence, who is not registered to vote in the jurisdiction of the office for which the nomination is made, who signs a nominating petition for a minor political party or an independent candidate while serving as a precinct committee officer, who knowingly signs more than one nominating petition for the same office, who signs a nominating petition that does not clearly identify the name of the candidate or candidates to be nominated, who serves as a presiding officer or a secretary at a minor political party or independent candidate nominating convention while serving as a precinct committee officer, or who falsely verifies a certificate of nomination, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable in the same manner as a gross misdemeanor is punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.