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Panel approves amendment to print presidential candidates’ full names on ballots; bill recommended due pass
Summary
The committee adopted an amendment to House Bill 10-99 to require the full name (including allowed nicknames) for presidential candidates on the general election ballot, and issued a due-pass recommendation as amended (13-0, 1 absent).
The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday adopted an amendment to House Bill 10-99 to require that presidential candidates’ names appear on the general election ballot as a candidate’s “name” rather than by last name only, then recommended the bill as amended for passage by a 13-0 vote with one member absent.
Representative Vedder, who explained the amendment, said the change would align the presidential candidate listing with how other offices’ names appear on ballots — including use of common nicknames when appropriate. "They already understand it this way with everybody else," Vedder said, explaining the choice to use the general term "name" and the Secretary of State’s discretion to accept nicknames in ballot listings.
Representative Hoverson asked whether a nickname could be used alone (for example, "Seabas Ertelt"). Vedder responded that the secretary of state currently exercises discretion; a commonly used nickname would generally be acceptable while clearly fictitious names could be rejected. Representative Schneider asked whether the Secretary of State had been consulted; Vedder said the office had indicated the change would be consistent with its current practice.
The committee first adopted the amendment on a roll call that recorded 13 yes votes and no no-votes; later the committee voted 13-0 (one absent) to give the bill a due-pass recommendation as amended. Representative Vetter moved the due-pass recommendation; Representative Van Winkle seconded. Representative Wolfe was assigned as the bill carrier.
The amendment changes ballot-printing instructions to use the candidate’s “name,” which sponsors and supporters said preserves the ability for candidates to use commonly known names or nicknames, subject to the Secretary of State’s review. The bill as amended does not force use of a legal name if a commonly used name is submitted and accepted by election officials.
With the committee’s recommendation, HB 10-99 will proceed to the next stage of House consideration.
