House Bill No. [insert bill number] introduces new provisions regarding candidates for party primary offices who are not affiliated with a major political party, specifically addressing the situation of a candidate's death after the qualifying period. The bill enacts R.S. 18:410.8(C), which stipulates that if a candidate dies after the close of the qualifying period but before the polls close on the day of the general election, their name will not appear on the ballot. Furthermore, if the ballot has already been printed with the deceased candidate's name, any votes cast for that candidate will be rendered void and will not be counted.

This legislation aims to clarify the process and implications surrounding the death of a candidate in the context of elections, ensuring that the integrity of the voting process is maintained. The proposed law retains existing provisions regarding candidate qualifications while adding specific guidelines for handling the unfortunate event of a candidate's death, thereby providing a clear framework for election officials and voters alike.