Clarifying the procedures and restrictions on accepting a nomination for an elected office.
Summary
Senate Bill No. 3 seeks to clarify the nomination processes for candidates in Kansas elections. It introduces specific restrictions on how candidates can accept nominations for elected office, requiring that individuals cannot accept more than one nomination for the same position. This bill focuses on standardizing the procedures related to nominations in hopes of preventing ambiguities and ensuring a smoother electoral process. By amending existing statutes, it aims to make the election framework more coherent and less subject to misinterpretation.
The bill restructures sections of the Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.), specifically targeting K.S.A. 25-302, 25-304, and 25-306 to impose stricter procedures for candidates across political parties. For example, the legislation requires that candidates acknowledge their nominations through a notarized declaration. These changes signify a move towards more methodical procedures for political parties and their members when participating in elections.
A notable aspect of SB3 is the emphasis on reducing the complexities associated with multiple nomination procedures. By clarifying who can nominate, how nominations are processed, and what constitutes an accepted nomination, the bill aims to dissolve potential conflicts and manipulative strategies that might arise from ambiguous regulations. This aligns with enforcing integrity within the electoral process, which has been a point of concern for lawmakers and voters alike.
While proponents view the bill as an improvement to electoral integrity and clarity, some critics may argue that such restrictions could infringe upon the democratic process, limiting candidate options and reducing the diversity of nominations. The balance between maintaining a fair electoral system and preserving individual rights to seek public office may be a contentious point as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
Requiring a candidate's non-government issued email address be provided with declarations of intent, nomination petitions or nomination certifications for national, state and local offices.
Changing the candidate filing deadline and the primary election date to two months earlier than current law, increasing campaign contribution limits and modifying restrictions on campaign activities during legislative sessions.
Senate Substitute for HB 2053 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Providing for a presidential preference primary election on March 19, 2024, and establishing voter registration and voting procedures for such election.
Providing for a presidential preference primary election on March 19, 2024, and establishing voter registration and voting procedures for such election.
Requiring a presidential preference primary election to be held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in May every fourth year and changing the primary election date for all primary elections to the first Tuesday following the first Monday in May.
Substitute for HB 2391 by Committee on Elections - Amending the act establishing the governmental ethics commission, relating to campaign finance, establishing a five-year statute of limitations for bringing actions before the commission, limiting the commission's subpoena power, allowing respondents to transfer a hearing before the commission to a hearing officer under the office of administrative hearings.
Creates new $100 assessment for convictions of certain sexual offenses to fund counseling for victims and their families; establishes Sexual Offender Victim Counseling Fund.