03/23/1994 02:41 PM Senate JUD

 SENATOR TAYLOR introduced  SJR 36  (GOV & LT GOV MUST RECEIVE 40 %            
 VOTE) as the next order of business.                                          
                                                                               
 SENATOR TIM KELLY, prime sponsor of SJR 36, stated a majority of              
 Alaskans have not elected a governor since 1970, and it doesn't               
 make sense for the state's chief executive not to have the support            
 of at least 40 percent of those voting in an election.  He noted he           
 originally introduced the bill at 50 percent, but it became clear             
 during its first hearing in the Senate State Affairs Committee that           
 50 percent would not have a chance of getting a two-thirds vote on            
 both sides, so it was cut back to 40 percent in the State Affairs             
 CS.                                                                           
                                                                               
 Senator Kelly said the days of the two-party system are gone with             
 ballot access being what it is, mostly by court decision.  He                 
 believes there has to be some sense of responsibility and                     
 commitment by as close to a majority of the voters that is                    
 practicable to be able to govern.                                             
                                                                               
 Senator Kelly noted that if the legislation passes, it would not go           
 into effect this year; it would be the next gubernatorial election.           
 It would also require enabling legislation changing some of the               
 other statues, but there would be that four-year period to address            
 those changes.                                                                
 Senator Kelly pointed out that the Municipality of Anchorage has a            
 similar provision in the election of their mayor and it has worked            
 well.                                                                         
                                                                               
 Number 400                                                                    
                                                                               
 JOE SWANSON, Director of Elections, stated the division does not              
 have a position on SJR 36.  He added, however, the mechanics of it,           
 the 28 days, would be almost impossible because they do not certify           
 an election, normally, until 26 days after the election.  None of             
 the mechanical problems are insurmountable; they can be done, but             
 he does not think they could make the January 1 deadline for the              
 certification process.  He said 35 days would be more realistic and           
 another 20 days after that to certify the election.  SENATOR KELLY            
 stated he would not object to changing the 28 days to 35 days.                
                                                                               
 Number 480                                                                    
 SENATOR TAYLOR moved that on page 1, line 14, change "28 days" to             
 "35 days."  Hearing no objection, the amendment was adopted.                  
                                                                               
 Number 485                                                                    
                                                                               
 SENATOR LITTLE moved that SJR 36, as amended, be passed out of                
 committee with individual recommendations.  Hearing no objection,             
 it was so ordered.