Senate committee backs runoff elections for statewide and federal primaries

The Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee voted to advance House Bill 249, which would require runoff elections for statewide and federal primary contests when no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote.

Representative Nyman, the bill sponsor, said he worked for four years with the secretary of state and county clerks on timelines and administrative details. Under the engrossed bill as discussed in committee, the regular primary for the covered statewide and federal offices would move to early May, with a potential runoff in August if no candidate reaches a majority. The sponsor said the change is intended to ensure nominees for top statewide offices have majority support.

Secretary of State Chuck Gray testified he supports the bill’s intent but warned it would shift dates, increase administrative work and costs, and require candidates to file earlier. County clerks and the Clerk Association (Mary Langford and president Malcolm Irvin) told the committee they can administer a runoff if given clear timelines and appropriate reimbursement; the clerks asked for modest drafting clarifications and said the timing falls in a busy period for county governments.

The bill includes an appropriation provision to reimburse counties for runoff costs; clerks asked for clarity about whether the appropriation would be continuously available or replenished through the normal budget process. Sponsors said the bill contains transition language and conforming edits to statutes governing primary and general-election timelines.

After committee amendments clarifying proclamations and certification timing, the committee approved the engrossed bill on a roll call (4 ayes, 1 no). Chairman Case recorded the lone no vote.