Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2001-03-19 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2001-03-19 House Journal Page 0647 HB 193 HOUSE BILL NO. 193 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the primary election; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs, Judiciary, and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Office of the Governor The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 15, 2001, appears below: 2001-03-19 House Journal Page 0648 "Dear Speaker Porter: The United States Supreme Court decision California Democratic Party v. Jones requires states to recognize a political party's First Amendment rights in determining which voters may participate in nominating its party candidates for placement on general election ballots. This bill that I transmit today implements the findings of the primary election task force that the lieutenant governor convened to respond to this court decision. The bill requires political parties to notify the division of elections by September 1 of the year preceding a primary election if they choose to not participate in a blanket primary. If a party fails to submit its party primary preference to the division of elections by this deadline, the party's candidates will appear on the blanket primary ballot. The bill provides for the primary ballot to be designed as a blanket ballot. However, if a political party chooses to exclude voters not registered with its party from participating in their primary election, then a ballot listing appropriate candidates would be prepared for that party. It is important to all Alaska voters that the legislature adopts a new primary election system this session, in time to conduct the next primary election in an orderly and efficient manner consistent with this court decision. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor"