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Committee approves 'White' recall amendment, then votes 'do pass as amended' on related bill
Summary
The committee unanimously approved a State Election Director‑drafted amendment to recall rules (raising certain petition sponsor thresholds and clarifying filing deadlines) and then voted to advance the related bill as amended.
The committee approved an amendment to recall provisions that adjusts petition sponsor thresholds and clarifies filing deadlines for write-in candidacies. Eric White, State Election Director, walked the committee through language that would require 15 petition sponsors for political subdivisions with populations or school district enrollments greater than 250, and leave the 5-sponsor requirement for smaller jurisdictions. The amendment also specifies a 4 p.m. filing deadline 55 days before election day for write-in candidacies.
Senator Lee moved to approve the White amendment; the motion was seconded and the clerk recorded unanimous support in the roll call. Following discussion, Senator Brownberger moved 'do pass as amended' and Senator Wallen seconded; the roll call again recorded unanimous support and the committee advanced the measure as amended from committee to the next step in the process.
Supporters said the changes are appropriate for recall-specific elections and the write-in rule addresses the special timing of recalls; opponents raised concerns about constraining write-in options but the amendment satisfied several members who said a recall should have a candidate ready. Several local officials who testified said the thresholds and write-in rules were appropriate for recall contexts.
