The bill proposes significant changes to the election processes for judicial officers in West Virginia, transitioning from non-partisan to partisan elections for positions such as Supreme Court Justices, Intermediate Court of Appeals judges, circuit court judges, family court judges, and magistrates. Key amendments include the elimination of non-partisan election requirements, the introduction of separate tallies for candidates in numbered divisions, and the repeal of existing provisions related to non-partisan elections. Additionally, the bill modifies the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Financing Program, adjusting the amounts eligible for candidates in contested elections and outlining the process for filling magistrate vacancies.

Furthermore, the bill revises the approval process for presidential delegate candidates and the structure of ballots, ensuring candidates are listed without party affiliation for Board of Education elections. It establishes a special candidate filing period for filling judicial vacancies and clarifies campaign financing regulations, including specific amounts for contested elections and restrictions on contributions. The amendments aim to enhance the accountability and structure of judicial elections in West Virginia, with the new provisions set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-1-16, 3-1-17, 3-4A-11a, 3-5-4, 3-5-7, 3-5-13, 3-5-13a, 3-10-3, 3-12-3, 3-12-6, 3-12-10, 3-12-11, 3-12-12, 3-12-14, 50-1-1, 50-1-6, 51-1-1, 51-2A-5, 3-5-6a, 3-5-6b, 3-5-6c, 3-5-6d, 3-5-6e