HB263 Summary

• Declares that if a candidate dies prior to a municipal election, the deceased candidate is automatically deemed withdrawn from the election.

• Provides that when only one candidate remains for an office due to withdrawal (by death or otherwise), that candidate is deemed elected to the office without appearing on the ballot.

• Changes the deadline for delivery of absentee election supplies from 21 days to 35 days prior to the election to conform with Title 17 requirements.

• Distinguishes between voting machines and electronic vote counting systems in municipal elections, clarifying that voting machine requirements do not apply to municipalities using electronic vote counting systems.

• Establishes that if a tie occurs after a runoff election, the municipal governing body has one week from the election canvassing date to decide the winner; if they fail to act within that time, the tie is decided by lot no later than 5:00 P.M. on the first Tuesday following the runoff election.