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Sponsor seeks higher candidate filing fees to deter ‘gamesmanship’ in races
Summary
Representative Stephanie Mickelson introduced RS 32292 to raise filing fees and signature requirements for candidates; committee debated whether fees or signature thresholds are the best remedy and a substitute motion returned the RS to sponsor for revision.
Representative Stephanie Mickelson, who represents Bonneville County Legislative District 32, told the House State Affairs Committee that RS 32292 would raise candidate filing fees that have not changed since 1996. Under the draft Mickelson described, fees for legislative seats would rise to $1,000; federal- and statewide-related filings and other county offices would have adjusted amounts and there are signature alternatives to the fee for showing support.
Mickelson said the change was aimed at preventing ‘‘games’’ she described in recent races, including campaigns that placed paper candidates in contests. She said raising fees and signature thresholds would show whether a candidate had sufficient support and would reduce filings made for strategic purposes.
Committee members responded with questions and caution. Representative Crane asked whether raising the fee is the correct mechanism to deter those games and urged alternatives; Mickelson said signatures may be used in lieu of money and offered to accept friendly amendments. A substitute motion was then offered and carried to return RS 32292 to the sponsor for further work.
Why it matters: The proposal would change the mechanics of how candidates qualify for ballots in Idaho and could affect small or grassroots campaigns; committee members emphasized the need to balance deterrence of frivolous filings with access to the ballot.
Ending: The committee voted to return RS 32292 to the sponsor for revision rather than introduce it as submitted; the sponsor said she welcomed amendments and further discussion.
