West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB3303

Introduced
1/12/22  
Refer
1/12/22  
Engrossed
1/24/22  
Refer
1/25/22  
Refer
1/25/22  
Report Pass
2/17/22  
Enrolled
2/25/22  
Passed
3/2/22  

Caption

Relating to clarifying the process of filling vacancies on ballots

Impact

The passage of HB 3303 impacts several provisions of the West Virginia Code related to the filling of vacancies in candidacy during elections. By authorizing local party committees to fill these vacancies, the bill seeks to streamline the electoral process, allowing for a more organized method of candidate replacement and increased responsiveness to unforeseen circumstances. The bill also introduces specific deadlines and procedures that must be followed for these appointments, seeking clarity in the often complex dynamics of election nominations.

Summary

House Bill 3303 addresses the process for filling vacancies on ballots in West Virginia election procedures. It clarifies the roles of county executive committees or the chairs of intra-county delegate and senatorial districts in appointing candidates when there are vacancies, specifically in the contexts of both primary and general elections. The bill aims to ensure that candidates are certified in a timely manner, and establishes specific deadlines for filling vacancies, including provisions for emergencies such as candidate death, withdrawal, or disqualification. The legislation is set to take effect upon passage and is retrospective to January 30, 2022.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3303 appears to be largely supportive among lawmakers, as evidenced by its unanimous passage in the House with a vote of 33 to 0. Supporters argue that the bill enhances the electoral process by ensuring that positions remain filled and that voters have competitive choices on their ballots. There were no significant recorded oppositions or concerns raised in the legislative discussions, indicating broad agreement on the necessity of such procedural clarifications.

Contention

While HB 3303 did not appear to face significant contention, the implications of enabling political party committees to fill candidacies immediately could raise questions of party control versus electoral fairness. Critics of similar measures in other contexts may argue that such provisions could lead to less transparency or accountability in candidate selection. However, in this case, the absence of contested discussions during voting suggests that the bill's provisions are overall seen as a standardizing approach to an essential element of the electoral process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV SB525

Clarifying process for filling vacancies in Legislature

WV SB70

Clarifying process for filling vacancies in Legislature

WV SB670

Clarifying process for filling vacancies in Legislature

WV HB111

President and Vice President; binding of electors, filling vacancies.

WV SB641

Clarifying when magistrate vacancies shall be filled

WV SB125

Clarifying when magistrate vacancies shall be filled

WV SB150

Clarifying when magistrate vacancies shall be filled

WV SB00349

An Act Concerning The Filling Of Vacancies And Replacement Of Candidates On Election Ballots.

WV HB4350

Relating to appointment of candidates after filing period

WV HB2856

Relating to appointment of candidates after filing period

Similar Bills

WV HB4350

Relating to appointment of candidates after filing period

WV HB2856

Relating to appointment of candidates after filing period

VT H0314

An act relating to a top-four nonpartisan primary election system

PA HB458

Providing for a Constitutional Convention with limited powers, for a referendum on the question and for the selection, nomination and election of delegates; defining the powers, duties and operation of the Constitutional Convention; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Governor, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, officers of the General Assembly and county boards of elections; providing for a referendum on the Constitutional Convention's report; imposing a penalty; and making an appropriation.

WV SB541

Providing for election reforms

TX HB2640

Relating to political parties.

TX HR2022

Suspending limitations on conference committee jurisdiction, H.B. No. 1987.

TX SR549

Suspending limitations on conference committee jurisdiction, H.B. No. 1987.