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Committee advances bill allowing candidate withdrawal for medical hardship, residency and death
Summary
The committee advanced Senate Bill 392, which would let candidates withdraw for physician-certified medical hardship, for nonresidency (if certified by Sept. 1) and remove deceased candidates from ballots; it also addresses vacancies and joint candidacies for governor and lieutenant governor.
The committee voted to advance Senate Bill 392 on a voice vote after staff described changes to state election law that would allow candidates to withdraw under several specific circumstances.
"Senate bill 3 92 is the bill making amendments to various election statutes, to provide for when a candidate may withdraw their candidacy," Jason told the panel, summarizing provisions that permit withdrawal for a physician-certified severe medical hardship, for certification of no longer residing in the district if received by Sept. 1, and removal of a deceased candidate's name if death occurs before that date. The bill also terminates a joint gubernatorial ticket if a vacancy occurs and requires any remaining candidate to refile a joint candidacy.
Senator Blue moved that the committee pass SB 392 favorably for passage; Senator Gossage seconded. The committee approved the motion by voice vote and the bill was reported out to the floor.
Supporters said the changes would clarify administrative procedures for elections and help election officials manage ballots when candidates withdraw or die before the ballot-printing deadline. No formal roll-call tally was recorded in committee minutes; the committee used a voice vote to advance the bill.
The bill now goes to the Senate floor for further consideration.
