HB 305 Summary

• Abolishes partisan primary elections and replaces them with "preferential elections" open to all candidates regardless of party affiliation, effective July 1, 2017.

• Establishes a two-election system: preferential elections held three weeks before general elections, with candidates receiving a majority advancing alone, or the top two vote-getters advancing if no majority is achieved.

• Allows any qualified person to run as a candidate by filing intent and paying qualifying fees 60 days before general elections, without party nomination requirements.

• Candidates' names appear on ballots alphabetically without party designation, except party affiliation (if any) listed in parentheses following the candidate's name.

• Repeals existing statutes governing party primary elections, party executive committee duties, and primary election procedures while maintaining general election processes.