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Panel debates changes to county canvassing boards; public and clerks raise concerns about politicization and process
Summary
House Bill 144 would change how county canvassing-board members are selected, giving major political parties the first opportunity to nominate members rather than leaving appointments to county clerks. The committee heard broad testimony on the proposal’s risks and safeguards; the bill remained under consideration at the end of the hearing.
Representative (Speaker) Nyman presented House Bill 144 to change the composition and appointment process for county canvassing boards. Under current law the county clerk serves with two electors appointed by the county clerk; the engrossed bill would keep the clerk on the board but require the county’s two largest major political parties to select the other members, with a fallback to the clerk if parties fail to appoint.
Secretary of State Chuck Gray and county clerks described administrative rationales and implementation issues. Gray said the bill "is a step in the right direction of ensuring that the major political parties are given a first bite at the apple to appoint members of the county canvassing board" while also noting second‑order implementation questions about notifying parties and defining largest parties by a fixed date.…
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