Bill > H5003

This bill, effective January 1, 2028, proposes to implement "all-party state primaries" by overhauling the existing primary election system. Instead of separate primaries for each political party, this bill establishes a single primary where all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, will appear on one ballot, and voters can choose any candidate. The top two vote-getters in this all-party primary will then advance to the general election. The bill also makes specific changes to how political parties are defined, how candidates are nominated, and how ballots are prepared, including requiring candidates for governor and lieutenant governor to run as a joint ticket. Additionally, it introduces a provision that grants political party status to any group whose candidates receive at least 3% of the votes cast in the state primary.

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5003