Bill > H0114

This bill amends Idaho election law to modify how political parties can fill candidate vacancies and clarify the processes surrounding candidate withdrawals. Specifically, it revises the timeline and procedures for filling vacancies in candidate slates, introducing a new provision that if a vacancy occurs fewer than 50 days before a primary election but at least 50 days before a general election, the new candidate will appear only on the general election ballot. The bill eliminates previous restrictions on filling vacancies within ten days of a primary election and establishes that if a vacancy for a partisan office is not filled by 50 days before the general election, the name of the deceased or disqualified candidate will remain on the ballot. If such a candidate wins the election, the resulting vacancy would be filled according to existing state law. The bill also updates rules for candidate withdrawals, extending the withdrawal deadline to 50 days before the primary election and adding a provision that independent candidates can withdraw from the general election by September 7. Additionally, the bill repeals a previous section of code (Section 34-715) related to filling candidate vacancies, effectively consolidating and streamlining the existing election vacancy procedures.

Government Affairs

State Affairs Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0114/