HB 2608
Requiring sign up to run as an independent in January of election year
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires independent candidates running for office in West Virginia to formally register their candidacy with the Secretary of State by January of the election year. It mandates that these candidates file a certificate of announcement, providing specific details about their qualifications and affiliation (if any). The bill also outlines procedures for verifying candidate party affiliations and addresses potential challenges related to registered voter party affiliations. It establishes a specific filing period and deadlines for submitting these documents.
Key provisions
- Independent candidates must file a certificate of announcement with the Secretary of State by January of the election year.
- The certificate of announcement requires detailed information about the candidate, including their address, office sought, and party affiliation (if applicable).
- The Secretary of State or county clerk must verify a candidate’s party affiliation before certifying their candidacy.
- Candidates must be registered as voters with the affiliated party within 60 days of filing their announcement.
- Candidates can change their presidential preference statement before the third Tuesday following the close of candidate filing.
- A candidate cannot file for more than one office or division at an election without withdrawing from all but one.
- The filing period for these announcements is between the second Monday and the last Saturday in January.
Who is affected
- Independent political candidates
Sponsors
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