SB 851
Providing for filing fee for write-in candidates
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes a filing fee for candidates who choose to run as write-in candidates in West Virginia elections. Currently, write-in candidates do not have to pay a fee to be listed on the ballot. The bill requires write-in candidates to submit a certificate of announcement with specific information and to pay the standard filing fee for the office they are seeking. An exception is made for candidates filing *pro forma pauperis* (under financial hardship).
Key provisions
- Write-in candidates must file a certificate of announcement with the Secretary of State.
- The certificate of announcement must include specific information about the candidate and their address.
- Write-in candidates must pay a filing fee, unless filing *pro forma pauperis*.
- The filing deadline for the certificate of announcement varies depending on the circumstances.
- The filing officer will certify eligible write-in candidates.
- Certified write-in candidates' names will be posted in counties and precincts.
- The Secretary of State will certify the names of all official write-in candidates to county clerks.
- The bill clarifies the process for receiving and delivering write-in candidate information to election officials.
Who is affected
- Write-in candidates
- West Virginia voters
- Political parties
- County clerks
- Election officials
Notable changes
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