Tennessee Senate Bill SB2795

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2, relative to candidates for election.

Impact

The passage of SB2795 is expected to streamline the election process in Tennessee by limiting the opportunities for candidates to appear on the ballot for multiple offices in a given election cycle. The bill is designed to ensure that candidates are more focused on the responsibilities of the specific office for which they are running. This could lead to a clearer election process for voters, potentially reducing confusion about candidates and their positions.

Summary

Senate Bill 2795 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 2, which pertains to candidates for election. The primary objective of the bill is to impose restrictions on candidates regarding the submission of qualifying petitions for elections. It stipulates that no candidate, whether they are affiliated with a political party or running independently, shall submit more than one qualifying petition or have their name appear on any ballot for more than one state office or county-wide office during a primary or general election. This provision applies either to state or constitutional county offices as described in the existing statutes.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding this bill, as some may argue that it restricts candidates' rights to seek office and limits the pool of candidates available to voters. Opponents may feel that the restriction could disproportionately affect individuals, particularly those who are looking to change their political engagement dynamically or who are underrepresented in the political process. Overall, while the bill seeks to provide clarity, the implications on candidate diversity and electoral competition will be closely scrutinized.