If HB2129 were to become law, it would amend the nomination paper deadline for write-in candidates, changing the filing period from "not later than 5:00 p.m. on the fortieth day before the election" to "not later than 5:00 p.m. on the seventieth day before the election." This adjustment would provide write-in candidates with a longer timeframe to submit their nomination papers, thereby potentially increasing participation in elections.

Additionally, the bill would modify the ballot format for write-in candidates. It would require that the official ballot includes as many blank lines as there are qualified write-in candidates for that office, plus one additional line, while ensuring that the total does not exceed the number of seats available for that office. If there are no qualified write-in candidates, the ballot must still include one blank line for voters to mark. These changes aim to enhance the clarity and accessibility of the voting process for write-in candidates.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-312, 16-502, 9-232, 16-153, 16-343, 16-410, 16-311, 16-322, 16-341