SPONSOR: Banderman
This bill reinstates the presidential preference primary election, to be held on the first Tuesday in March of each presidential election year.
Currently, the absentee voting period begins six weeks prior to the date of the election. Absentee voting can occur during this period either in-person, at the office of the election authority, or by mail. Absentee voting is limited to voters who believe they will be prevented from voting in-person on the day of the election because of a list of allowable reasons, except for the two weeks prior to the date of the election, during which in- person absentee voters do not need to provide an excuse in order to vote absentee.
This bill modifies the absentee voting process. The in-person absentee voting period is shortened to three weeks, during which no excuse is necessary in order to vote.
A person who files to be included on the presidential primary ballot is not prohibited from filing as a party candidate for nomination to another office.
Specific deadlines for administrative actions by local election authorities and the Secretary of State that are necessary to hold the presidential preference primary are specified in the bill.
The conduct of the presidential preference primary must conform as nearly as possible to that prescribed for the primary election for State officers.
All costs of the presidential preference primary, except for proportional costs for any political subdivision or special district holding an election on the same day, will be paid by the State.
Statutes affected: