Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Voter Registration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lynn’s bill would require party designation to vote in primaries; amendment 11940 adopted
Summary
HB 1159, as amended with amendment 11940, would require voters to designate a political party on registration if they wish to participate in a party primary. Sponsor said general elections remain open to all registered voters; the committee advanced the amended bill 5–2 and rulemaking would be set by the Secretary of State or election commission.
Representative Lynn, sponsor of HB 1159, told the subcommittee the bill "requires voters to designate a political party on their voters registration if they wish to participate in a party's primary election," while preserving "full access to general elections" for all registered voters. Lynn said new voters would indicate party preference on registration forms and current voters could change designation using the standard registration update process.
Committee members raised concerns about independent voters and whether the requirement could have a chilling effect. Representative Powell warned it "could totally get out of hand" for independents and said the change might dissuade independent-minded voters from participating in primaries; Lynn and other members said parties view primaries as internal party contests and that rulemaking by the Secretary of State or the state election commission would establish implementation details. The subcommittee adopted amendment 11940, then advanced the amended bill 5–2 to the State and Local full committee.
