Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Election Law Ballot Deadlines topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee introduces RS 31,949C1 to move candidate replacement deadline to 50 days before election
Summary
Rep. Brandon Mitchell introduced RS 31,949C1 to change the deadline for replacing candidates on the ballot to 50 days before the election and to limit withdrawals; sponsor said the change is designed to prevent last-minute placeholder substitutions given modern absentee voting timelines.
Representative Brandon Mitchell, R-District 6, told the House State Affairs Committee he is introducing RS 31,949C1 to tighten deadlines for replacing candidates on primary and general election ballots.
Mitchell said current Idaho law allows late substitutions—close to 10 days before an election—that worked when early voting and absentee ballots were rare but now permit strategic last-minute placeholders. The draft would move the replacement deadline to 50 days before the election. Mitchell said the 50-day cutoff was chosen because it is five days before absentee ballots must be mailed to those who requested them under current county procedures.
Under the draft, candidate withdrawals would be limited to the 50-day pre-election window. After that deadline, a candidate’s name could be removed only in narrow circumstances such as death or disqualification (for example, conviction of a felony or loss of eligibility), Mitchell said.
Representative Alfieri asked whether five days is enough time to change absentee ballots; Mitchell said he has discussed timing with county clerks and believes the 50-day deadline is workable. A voice vote introduced RS 31,949C1 and the committee carried the motion to introduce the draft.
Mitchell asked the committee to introduce the RS for further drafting and possible referral; the committee did not record additional amendments or a final policy vote at this meeting.
