HB 1385 – AS INTRODUCED
2006 SESSION
03/04
HOUSE BILL 1385
AN ACT relative to nomination papers and the definition of “party.”
SPONSORS: Rep. Bicknell, Rock 1; Rep. Cady, Rock 1; Rep. Mirski, Graf 10; Rep. Ingbretson, Graf 5; Rep. Kennedy, Merr 4
This bill modifies the procedure for and effect of nominations by nomination papers and changes the definition of “party” for election law purposes.
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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.
Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]
Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.
06-2550
03/04
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Six
AN ACT relative to nomination papers and the definition of “party.”
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 Elections; Terms and Definitions; Party. Amend RSA 652:11 to read as follows:
652:11 Party. “Party” shall mean any political organization which:
I. At the preceding state general election received at least [4] 2 percent of the total number of votes cast for any one of the following: the office of governor or the offices of United States Senators; or
II. Has completed the nomination process in RSA 655:40-a since the previous state general election.
2 New Section; Nominations by Primary; Parties Eligible. Amend RSA 655 by inserting after section 11 the following new section:
655:11-a Parties Eligible. A party whose gubernatorial or senatorial candidate received at least 4 percent of the total number of votes cast for that office at the preceding state general election may choose to nominate its candidates for office by means of the state primary election. Other parties shall nominate their candidates for office by means of a nominating convention, to be held at party expense. A party choosing to participate in the state primary election shall submit a request in writing to the secretary of state no later than 120 days before the primary election. A party nominating candidates for office by nominating convention shall submit the names of its nominees under the procedure established in RSA 65:40-b. A party nominating candidates for office by nominating convention shall file a copy of its bylaws with the secretary of state no later than July 15 of the year in which the party desires to nominate candidates; the bylaws shall provide a method for calling and conducting nominating conventions, a method for selection of party officers, a method for filling vacancies in party offices, the powers and duties of party officers, and a method for amending the bylaws.
3 Nomination by Nomination Papers; Number. Amend RSA 655:42 to read as follows:
655:42 Number.
I. It shall require the names of [3,000] 2,000 registered voters, [1,500] 1,000 from each United States congressional district in the state, to nominate by nomination papers a candidate for president, vice-president, United States senator, or governor.
II. It shall require the names of [1,500] 1,000 registered voters to nominate by nomination papers a candidate for United States representative; [750] 500 to nominate a candidate for councilor; [or] 300 to nominate a candidate for state senator; and [150] 50 to nominate a candidate for state representative or county officer.
III. It shall require the names of 7,000 registered voters [equaling 3 percent of the total votes cast at the previous state general election] to nominate by nomination papers a political organization.
4 New Section; Nomination by Nomination Papers; Filing Fees in Lieu of Nomination Papers. Amend RSA 655 by inserting after section 42 the following new section:
655:42-a Filing Fees in Lieu of Nomination Papers.
I. In lieu of the number of nomination papers required by RSA 655:42, a candidate or organization may pay a filing fee to the state in the amount equal to one dollar for each signature required by RSA 655:42. The candidate shall submit the fee together with such form or affidavit as the secretary of state requires.
II. For purposes of all applicable laws, including but not limited to the requirements of RSA 655:43, a candidate or organization paying a filing fee in lieu of submitting nomination papers shall be considered to be submitting nomination papers.
5 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.