The bill proposes significant electoral reforms for the judiciary in West Virginia, shifting from a nonpartisan election system to a partisan one for justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, circuit court judges, family court judges, and magistrates. It mandates that these positions be elected through partisan primary and general elections, establishing specific requirements for ballot design and printing. The bill also introduces definitions for "general election campaign period" and "primary election campaign period," modifies candidate entitlements under the Public Campaign Financing Fund, and ensures the continued applicability of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Public Campaign Financing Program. Key changes include the deletion of provisions requiring nonpartisan elections and the introduction of new language specifying that elections will occur during general elections.

Additionally, the bill amends the procedures for candidates filing certificates of announcement for various political offices, requiring candidates for county or municipal offices to file with local officials within a specified timeframe and ensuring that the Secretary of State's office remains open late on the final filing day. It also mandates electronic verification of party affiliation for candidates and clarifies that candidates may not run for more than one office simultaneously, with certain exceptions. The bill aims to streamline the filing process and enhance clarity in election procedures while maintaining candidate qualifications and ballot organization. Furthermore, it abolishes the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Public Campaign Financing Program, directing remaining funds to the general revenue fund, and modifies the process for filling judicial vacancies by allowing the Governor to appoint from a party executive committee list.

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