This bill amends current law regarding deadlines for filing papers and doing acts related to elections. It establishes a uniform deadline of 4:00 p.m. for filing any paper or doing any act, with the exception of applications for emergency mail ballots, which must be received by 4:00 p.m. on the day prior to an election or primary. If a filing deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the deadline is moved to the next subsequent business day. However, this does not apply to voter registration or change of party designation 30 days prior to an election or primary.

The bill also amends sections related to the nomination of party and independent candidates. It specifies the requirements for filing a declaration of candidacy, including the candidate's name, address, party declaration (if seeking to run in a party primary), office sought, place and date of birth, length of residence, and certifications regarding criminal history and party affiliation. The bill also establishes deadlines for submitting nomination papers and certified lists of candidates, depending on the type of election. All nomination papers and lists of candidates must be filed in the office of the secretary of state within a specified number of days before the primary or special election.

Statutes affected:
840: 17-1-7