Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government Committee

HB 2731

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 candidates appearing on the ballot when two or fewer candidates file.

Sponsors: Representatives Appleton and Johnson.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Eliminates primaries for partisan offices when no more than two candidates have filed for the position.

  • Makes the individual political contribution limit for a candidate's election applicable to a primary that has been cancelled.

Hearing Date: 1/27/16

Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).

Background:

Washington's two-stage election process includes a primary that precedes the general election. For a partisan office, a primary must be held where the top two candidates advance to the general election. A primary is not held to fill an unexpired term of a partisan county office where only one candidate has filed for the position.

No primary is held for any nonpartisan position where only two or fewer candidates have filed for the position. Nonpartisan offices include the superintendent of public instruction, state supreme court justices, court of appeal judges, superior court judges, and all city, town, and special purpose district offices.

Summary of Bill:

No primary is held for any partisan position when no more than two candidates have filed for the position. The county auditor must notify the candidate that his or her name will not appear on the primary ballot. The contribution limit made to a candidate, for each election in which the candidate is on the ballot, is made applicable to a primary that is cancelled.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 01/20/16.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.