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Runoff for general elections fails in committee after cost and necessity debate
Summary
A proposal to require four-week runoffs in general elections when no candidate receives 50%+1 failed in committee after questions about cost, timing and whether the measure materially improves democratic outcomes in multi-candidate contests.
Representative Wayne Long (House District 39) presented House Bill 1648 to require a runoff in state-house and senate general elections when no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote. He said the change would align general-election practice with primary runoffs and ensure elected officials have majority support.
Senators questioned the bill's scope, noting a two-candidate race would not be affected and asking whether the extra expense of a special election is justified when a candidate wins by a single vote after recounts. Sponsors said a four-week runoff was chosen to allow certification time after the general election and that the measure targets situations with three or more candidates where a plurality can elect a candidate with well under majority support.
Opponents raised concerns about cost and administrative burden. After debate, the committee voted; the bill did not pass out of committee.
