HB 1517 -- ANDREW JACKSON VOTE RESTORATION ACT

SPONSOR:  Cox

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Elections
by a vote of 7 to 1.

Currently, nonpartisan elections in political subdivisions and
districts, except for municipalities, may be canceled if the
number of candidates filing for a position is equal to the number
of positions available.  This bill establishes the Andrew Jackson
Vote Restoration Act which repeals these provisions and requires
elections to always be held.

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

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will prevent candidates
from being discouraged from running for election by the argument
that an uncontested election will save money, allow voters to be
more aware of who holds elected office, and allow write-in
candidates to run for office.  Holding an election is important
so that voters can show approval or disapproval of a candidate
even if the election is uncontested.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Cox; Missouri Press
Association; and Missouri National Education Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

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