The bill amends several sections of Kansas law regarding the withdrawal of candidacy for various elections, including those for school boards and community colleges. It establishes that candidates may withdraw from candidacy only under specific circumstances, such as severe medical hardship or if they no longer reside in the district for which they filed. The bill also specifies that if a candidate withdraws or dies before September 1 of the election year, their name will not appear on the ballot. Additionally, it clarifies the methods by which candidates can file for election, including petitions and declarations of intent, and sets a filing fee of $20.

Notably, the bill prohibits filling a vacancy in the joint candidacy of the governor and lieutenant governor once a joint candidacy has been filed. If a vacancy occurs, the joint candidacy is terminated, and the remaining candidate may file a new joint candidacy with another individual. The bill repeals existing sections of law that are being amended, ensuring that the new provisions are clearly established in the legal framework.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 25-2020, 25-2106, 25-4003, 71-1414, 25-308