Bill: SB 1448, 84(R) - 2015

Bill Caption

Relating to holding a primary election for a political party in a county without party leadership.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

This would amend the Election Code to create alternative ways for political parties to hold a primary in a county without party leadership. The legislation permits an election officer appointed to serve a polling place for a primary election can be affiliated with any political party. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

According to the Author's Statement of Intent, the Secretary of State office referenced, in 2014, 21 counties did not have a Democratic primary and seven counties did not have a Republican primary. These voters are disenfranchised from statewide and presidential primaries simply because there is no party chair and the local county did not contract with the state party chair.

We support this bill for it's commitment to individual liberty and personal responsibility. It is the responsibility of all Texans to be involved in the electoral process if they so choose, however, the state should have a method for allowing those counties who do not have organized political parties to be able to engage those voters who want to participate in primaries, an alternative method of establishing a primary process. This legislation promotes the capabilities for those counties to allow their citizens the right to exercise their individual liberty to participate in a primary election, regardless of political party organization. 

Source URL (retrieved on 04/18/2024 07:04 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/sb1448?print_view=true