SB 2125 Summary

• Abolishes partisan primary elections and replaces them with open "preferential elections" held three weeks before general elections where any qualified voter may participate regardless of party affiliation.

• When one candidate qualifies for an office, that candidate's name goes directly on the general election ballot; when multiple candidates qualify, a preferential election determines which candidate(s) advance to the general election ballot.

• Candidates receiving a majority in the preferential election advance alone to the general election; if no candidate receives a majority, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election.

• Establishes candidate filing fees ranging from $10 for municipal offices to $1,000 for Governor and U.S. Senator, with filing deadlines 60 days before general elections.

• Repeals sections of law governing partisan primary elections, primary election procedures, party executive committee duties, and primary election contests effective July 1, 2018.