This bill changes the deadlines for candidates filing by nomination papers for state general elections. Currently, candidates who want to be on the ballot for the state general election by means other than nomination by party primary must file a declaration of intent during the same time period as party candidates. This bill would change the deadline for filing the declaration of intent to no later than 5:00 p.m. on the third Monday of July of the year of the state general election.

The bill also changes the deadlines for submitting nomination papers to the supervisors of the checklist. Currently, nomination papers must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday 5 weeks before the primary. This bill would change the deadline to no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday 13 weeks before the general election or 14 weeks before the general election if the primary election will occur 9 weeks before the general election.

Additionally, the bill changes the deadline for filing nomination papers with the secretary of state. Currently, nomination papers must be filed no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday one week before the primary. This bill would change the deadline to no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday 9 weeks before the general election or 10 weeks before the general election if the primary election will occur 9 weeks before the general election.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 655:41, 655:43