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Bill shortens filing window, adds 'sore loser' restriction; third-party groups warn of higher barriers
Summary
Rep. Jody Etchart told the committee HB207 shortens the candidate filing period from 60 to 15 days, aligns independent filing with party filing and adds a "sore loser" bar preventing a primary loser from re-entering the same race by petition or write-in.
Representative Jody Etchart introduced House Bill 207, saying recent amendments narrowed the bill's scope: it does not increase the signature percentage for third-party or independent candidates (that remains at 5 percent) but it shortens the filing window for candidates and adds a "sore loser" provision that prevents a primary loser from seeking the same office in the general election by petition or write-in.
Etchart explained the operational changes: the candidate filing period would be shortened from 60 days to 15 days; filing would still close at a similar calendar date before the general election (the sponsor said petition signature deadlines for entries that use petitions remain unchanged, citing a May 28 deadline on the Secretary of State calendar). The bill also requires independents to file with the Secretary of State at the same time as party candidates rather than waiting until the primary.
Austin James, speaking on…
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