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Bill

LC 1223

Revise candidate filing and write-in candidate laws

2025 Regular Session

Revise how candidates file for ballots and how write-ins are counted, clarifying access rules and procedures for candidates, officials, and voters.

(LC) Draft Delivered to Requester
#elections(seealso:ballotissues)
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Bill Summary · LC 1223

Summary: LC 1223 — Revise candidate filing and write-in candidate laws

Overview

LC 1223 is a bill titled “Revise candidate filing and write-in candidate laws.” The status indicates it is a Legislative Counsel (LC) draft prepared for potential introduction and review, with the draft delivered to the requester on January 14, 2025. The bill was introduced on November 12, 2024 and is classified under Elections, with a focus on ballot issues.

What the bill seeks to do

  • The title signals that the bill would revise existing laws governing:
    • How candidates file to appear on ballots
    • The rules and procedures for write-in candidates
  • The exact provisions (deadlines, petition requirements, filing fees, affidavits, signatures, eligibility criteria, and write-in procedures) are not provided in the information available. The precise scope (whether statewide, local offices, or all elections) and the specific changes would be detailed in the full bill text.

Potential subject areas and impacts (as suggested by the title)

  • Candidate filing process
    • Filing deadlines and schedules
    • Petition or declaration requirements
    • Signature thresholds and validation methods
    • Candidate eligibility and qualifications
    • Filing fees or submission requirements
  • Write-in candidate rules
    • Eligibility to be a write-in candidate
    • Filing or notification requirements for write-ins
    • How write-in votes are counted and reported
    • Thresholds or conditions for ballot access via write-ins
  • Administrative and ballot design implications
    • Clarifications for election officials on processing filings
    • Voter clarity regarding write-ins and ballot labels

Note: Without the bill text, the above elements are anticipated categories commonly addressed in “candidate filing” and “write-in” reform bills. The actual provisions will be defined in LC 1223’s enacted language.

Who would be affected

  • Candidates seeking ballot access (and their campaigns)
  • Petition circulators and other nominating-organizations
  • Election administrators and county/state election offices
  • Voters, particularly those who cast write-in votes
  • Political parties or nominating bodies, if party access rules are modified

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction: November 12, 2024
  • Draft progression (as recorded):
    • November 12, 2024: Drafter Assigned
    • January 1–January 8, 2025: Stages include Legal Review, Editorial/Proofing, Final Drafter Review
    • January 10–January 11, 2025: Drafts at Input/Proofing, Final Drafter Review, and in Assembly
    • January 14, 2025: Draft Ready for Delivery and Draft Delivered to Requester
  • Current status indicates the bill is in the drafting phase and has not necessarily been introduced into committee or the full chamber yet. If introduced, it would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, floor votes, and, if approved, movement to the other legislative chamber and eventual enactment or veto.

Next steps for readers

  • Monitor official bill text to confirm the exact provisions, definitions, deadlines, and implementation dates.
  • Track committee hearings and amendments to understand any changes in scope or impact.
  • Assess potential implications for candidates, election officials, and voters once the full language is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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