Bill Description: House Bill 114 would remove the option for candidates to withdraw after the primary and be replaced by their political party.

Rating: +1

Does it in any way restrict public access to information related to government activity or otherwise compromise government transparency, accountability, or election integrity? Conversely, does it increase public access to information related to government activity or increase government transparency, accountability, or election integrity?

House Bill 114 would repeal Section 34-715, Idaho Code, and amend sections 34-714, 34-717, and 34-909, Idaho Code, to remove the option for a partisan political candidate (other than a candidate for precinct committeeman) to withdraw after the primary and be replaced on the general election ballot by someone selected by that person’s political party.

A vacancy created by death or disqualification could still be filled by a political party up to 50 days before a general election. 

An independent candidate who did not run in a political primary would be allowed to withdraw from the general election until Sept. 7 of the election year. 

The bill is meant to increase election integrity and transparency. The changes it would make are intended to prevent the increasingly common practice of political switcheroo: Placeholder candidates run in the primary election and then political parties replace them with others once candidates for the general election are known. This practice can confuse and deceive voters who believe the primary candidates on the ballot will actually seek office in the general election.

(+1)