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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 12, 2020 02:48 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jake Wheatley, Jr. |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Responsible Petition Gathering |
| As we are tasked with making so many important decisions in the new COVID reality, it is essential we address petition signing in our election process and the serious problem it presents. Going door to door and interacting with hundreds of people is a practice that is no longer safe. Keep in mind, numerous volunteers gladly give their time for a candidate they believe in, so this process effects more than just the candidates themselves. It is the volunteers, and every willing resident who wants to sign their name in support. Therefore, I am proposing legislation that would create a more efficient and safe process for petition signing requirements. If my legislation is enacted, petition signatures would no longer be required for an incumbent or a challenger, who successfully received the required number of signatures for the same office in the prior election cycle. As we all adapt to life in the new realities of COVID, this is a change that makes common sense. Certainly, if you are a new candidate or seeking a new office, the current petition requirements would still apply. Additionally, my proposal would require the signage of petitions after the redistricting process, as it is likely many areas could have new representation. Please consider signing on to this legislation, so we can update our election process to adapt and make smart decisions that keep people safe. |
Introduced as HB2923