Existing election laws set filing deadlines with the Secretary of State and judges of probate for political parties and independent candidates to ensure sufficient time is allowed for names to be placed on the ballot for candidates running for office. On some occasions during years of a U.S. President and Vice President election cycle, a national political party convention has been set on a date that falls after state election filing deadlines for the general election. On these occasions, the Legislature has passed legislation for a one-time fix. For the November 5, 2024, general election, certificates of nomination must be filed by August 15, 2024. The Democratic National Committee is scheduled to hold its national convention after the August 15, 2024 deadline. This bill would require political parties to certify candidates 74 days, rather than 82 days, before an election. This bill would also revise other deadlines before an election to conform to this timeline shift.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17-6-21, 17-9-3, 17-13-22, 17-14-31