This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish new regulations regarding party affiliation changes for candidates running in primary elections. Specifically, it prohibits individuals from changing their party affiliation from Independent or no party to a political party affiliation within 60 days prior to filing for candidacy. The bill also introduces new requirements for candidates, including a stipulation that candidates must have been affiliated with their chosen political party for at least 60 days before filing their certificate of announcement, with the exception of those who have never been registered to vote in West Virginia.

Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures for filing certificates of announcement, including the necessary information that candidates must provide, such as their legal name, county of residence, and party affiliation. It also specifies that the Secretary of State or the board of ballot commissioners may refuse to certify a candidacy if a candidate has changed party affiliation within the prohibited timeframe. The changes made in the 2024 Legislative Session are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-5-7