SB1429 is an emergency measure that modifies the requirements for collecting nomination petition signatures and contribution qualification forms for candidates. The bill allows candidates to collect up to 125 percent of the required number of nomination petition signatures through an online signature collection system, effective January 1, 2025. This increase applies to candidates for U.S. Congress, city, town, county offices, and precinct committeeman offices. Additionally, the bill addresses the change in the 2024 primary election date from August 6, 2024, to July 30, 2024, by ensuring that any election items called for the original date are placed on the ballot for the new date and that signatures collected with the original date are still valid.

The bill also includes provisions for the verification and correction of signatures on early ballots and conditional provisional ballots, specifying deadlines for voters to provide proof of identification. It clarifies that city or town clerks' offices must be open during regular business hours, which are defined as at least 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to allow for curing signatures. The bill becomes effective immediately upon the Governor's signature if the emergency clause is enacted.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-316, 16-317, 16-318
Senate Engrossed Version: 16-316, 16-317, 16-318, 16-550