H.J.R. No. 7 Summary

• Proposes constitutional amendment to institute "top two candidate" primary elections in Ohio, where all candidates for an office appear on a single primary ballot regardless of party affiliation, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election.

• Changes vacancy-filling procedures for legislative, executive, and statewide offices to be filled by majority vote of a five-member committee designated in the candidate's declaration of candidacy or nominating petition, rather than by legislative appointment or party-member election.

• Requires candidates for statewide office to submit a declaration of candidacy designating five qualified electors and a petition with at least 500 signatures; candidates for district, county, or municipal office need 25 signatures (or 13 for ward-elected municipal officials).

• Eliminates party-based nominations and restricts write-in candidacies in general elections; allows political parties to declare preference and endorse candidates but prohibits formal party nomination of candidates for elective office.

• Proposes special election on May 6, 2014, to submit the amendment to voters; repeals existing constitutional provisions regarding party-based vacancy filling and election procedures.