District Of Columbia Council Bill B26-0233

District Of Columbia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/28/25
• Refer: 5/6/25

Caption

Petition Administration Clarification Amendment Act of 2025

Impact

The bill's enactment is significant for the electoral process in the District of Columbia. By ensuring that the information provided by petition signers is protected from post-signature alterations, B26-0233 seeks to enhance the integrity of the petition process. This measure is expected to streamline the adjudication of petition challenges, establishing a clearer framework for compliance with electoral laws and potentially increasing public confidence in the petition system.

Summary

B26-0233, known as the Petition Administration Clarification Amendment Act of 2025, aims to modernize and clarify the requirements surrounding the processes of circulating and signing petitions for candidate nominations and ballot initiatives in the District of Columbia. The bill intends to amend existing legislation to prohibit any alterations to the information provided by petition signers once they have signed, except in cases where assistance is requested prior to signing. This change addresses contemporary practices in petition circulation, acknowledging the ease with which petitions can now be printed and circulated electronically.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the practicality of enforcing the prohibition against alterations and the implications of not allowing changes once a signature is affixed. Critics may argue that limiting the ability to correct minor mistakes could disenfranchise voters or create additional barriers for those needing to ensure their signatures are accurately represented. Proponents, on the other hand, advocate for the bill as a necessary step to maintain the legitimacy and reliability of the petition process.