HB 1310 -- ELECTIONS FOR INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES

SPONSOR:  Hoskins

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Special
Committee on Urban Education Reform by a vote of 7 to 0.

Beginning January 1, 2009, this bill requires independent
candidates to file petitions for nomination for placement on
official ballots in general elections and the declaration of
candidacy forms for primary elections in the same manner as all
other candidates.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2009, FY 2010, and
FY 2011.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that it is only fair that independent
candidates meet the same filing deadlines as candidates from
political parties.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Hoskins.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that there is a need
for political reform including opening the process to increase
citizen involvement and participation.  The bill will stifle
potential independent candidates resulting in many major party
candidates running unopposed.

Testifying against the bill was Barbara Woodruff, Show Me
Independents.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:10 pm