Senate committee adopts change to primary date in House Bill 258

House Bill 258, filed by Representative Carnes, received an amended favorable report from a Senate committee after members adopted a change that moves the nonpresidential primary to a Tuesday in May preceding Memorial Day.

Representative Carnes told the committee the change responds to logistical and cost problems raised by Jefferson County’s registrar. "I got a call last summer from our registrar in Jefferson County ... telling me how much money it was going to cost because the primary date was following the day after Memorial Day," Carnes said, adding that the county would face extra costs and staffing difficulties because precincts normally set up voting equipment the day before a primary.

The committee adopted a friendly amendment offered by Senator Coleman Madison that changes the bill’s language so the primary is held on "the Tuesday in May preceding Memorial Day," effectively moving the date one week earlier than the original draft. Senator Coleman Madison offered the amendment and Senator Carnley seconded it; the amendment was adopted by the roll call recorded in committee. After adoption of the amendment, the committee used the previous roll and gave the amended bill a favorable report.

Supporters said the change is narrowly aimed at avoiding the operational conflict created when the pre-election setup day falls on Memorial Day. Representative Carnes said he had discussed the issue with the Secretary of State and the County Commission Association and that both were "very much okay" with the amendment.

The committee vote and favorable report advance the bill in the legislative process; no final enactment or effective date was stated in the committee proceeding.