ID S1186

Adds to the definition of primary election a new purpose: allowing voters to express their choice of candidate for nomination by a political party for president of the United States.

Requires presidential primary candidates to file a declaration of candidacy with the secretary of state and pay a $2,000 filing fee by the last Friday in January preceding the primary election.

Makes political party participation in a presidential primary optional, with parties required to notify the secretary of state by the last Tuesday in November prior to the primary if they intend to participate.

Directs the secretary of state to certify the number of votes received by each party's presidential candidates after the primary election canvass, with a winner declared according to state and national party rules.

Effective date: July 1, 2023.