Changing the local school board election from the Primary to the General

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Larry Kump and 1 co-sponsor

HB 2171 moves local school board elections to general election dates, boosting voter turnout and engagement in educational governance in West Virginia.

To House Judiciary

#elections

# Summary of House Bill 2171 **Bill Number:** HB 2171 **Title:** Changing the Local School Board Election from the Primary to the General **Status:** To House Judiciary **Introduced:** January 29, 2025 **Classification:** Bill **Subject:** Elections ## Purpose and Intent House Bill 2171 aims to change the timing of local school board elections in West Virginia from the primary election date to the general election date. The intent behind this change is to increase voter participation and awareness regarding local school board elections, which are crucial for determining educational policies and governance at the county level. ## Key Provisions - **Election Timing:** The bill mandates that elections for county board of education members will be held on the same date as general elections, rather than during the primary elections. - **Nonpartisan Ballot:** The elections will be conducted on a nonpartisan ballot, ensuring that candidates are not affiliated with any political party during the election process. - **Eligibility Criteria:** - No more than two members can be elected or serve from the same magisterial district. - The eligibility of candidates will be determined based on the residency of incumbent board members. - **Election Certification:** The board of canvassers will be responsible for declaring and certifying the election results, ensuring that the required number of eligible candidates is elected to fill both full and unexpired terms. ## Impact - **Voter Participation:** By aligning school board elections with general elections, the bill is expected to enhance voter turnout and engagement in local educational governance. - **Local Governance:** The change could lead to a more informed electorate regarding school board issues, potentially resulting in better decision-making and accountability in local education systems. ## Procedural Aspects - **Legislative Timeline:** - The bill was introduced on January 29, 2025, and has undergone several committee reviews and discussions. - It has been re-referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration. - Key dates in the legislative process include: - **March 12, 2025:** Passed out of the Executive Committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation. - **March 27, 2025:** Scheduled for a second reading. - **May 31, 2025:** Extended deadline for third reading. ## Conclusion HB 2171 represents a significant shift in the scheduling of local school board elections in West Virginia, aiming to improve voter engagement and the overall electoral process for educational governance. The bill is currently under review by the House Judiciary Committee and awaits further legislative action.