The first date on which nomination papers may be circulated for the spring election.
Impact
The change in dates affects multiple provisions of law including the scheduling of caucuses and the filing deadlines for various offices. By moving the date forward, the bill aims to provide electors more time to familiarize themselves with candidates and allows for increased participation in local governance. It could potentially enhance voter engagement and turnout as more time is available for campaigning and community discussions about candidates and their positions.
Summary
Assembly Bill 1214 introduces changes to the timeline for circulation of nomination papers for spring elections in Wisconsin. It proposes to shift the first date for the circulation of these papers from December 1 to November 16 of the year preceding the election. This bill is part of an effort to streamline the electoral process, allowing candidates more time to engage with voters and organize their campaigns effectively.
Contention
Critics of the bill might argue that the change could disproportionately impact certain candidates, especially those lacking significant resources or name recognition who may already struggle to mount campaigns in a short timeframe. Additionally, there could be concerns about how local governments adapt to this revised timeline, which may require adjustments in administrative procedures for conducting elections. Proponents, however, assert that this reform is essential for modernizing the electoral process and facilitating smoother candidate entry into local elections.
Amends several statutes relating to elections and the dates for primaries and dates within which to file nomination papers and object to nomination papers.
Amends several statutes relating to elections and the dates for primaries and dates within which to file nomination papers and object to nomination papers.
Amends various sections of law relating to elections, nomination papers and the process of obtaining signatures for nomination papers and would provide a notification procedure for the reporting of consistent patterns of forgery on nomination papers.
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.
Amends various sections of law relating to elections, nomination papers and the process of obtaining signatures for nomination papers and would provide a notification procedure for the reporting of consistent patterns of forgery on nomination papers.