The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend existing statutes regarding the nomination of nonpartisan candidates for public office. Currently, nonpartisan candidates can be nominated outside of partisan primary elections, but the bill introduces a requirement that if multiple candidates for the same office file nomination petitions, they must appear on a separate nonpartisan ballot during the primary election, provided there is at least one partisan candidate also running for that office. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes from this nonpartisan ballot would then advance to the general election as the nonpartisan nominee.

Additionally, the bill specifies that if multiple nonpartisan candidates qualify for the same office, the name of the candidate with the highest votes will be placed on the general election ballot below the recognized parties. It also includes technical changes to ensure consistency with the new provisions and instructs the legislative council to prepare conforming legislation for future sessions. Overall, these updates aim to clarify the nomination process for nonpartisan candidates and ensure their visibility on ballots in relation to partisan candidates.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-341, 16-502, 16-802, 16-804, 16-153, 16-311, 16-452, 16-314