HB 681 - This act would address the issue of what happens when a candidate for office is disqualified, withdraws or dies.

The definition of "disqualified" is modified to mean found ineligible for office (currently it means a candidate whose name is stricken or withheld from the ballot).

A candidate would be allowed to withdraw after the certification date for office, up to the 6th Tuesday before the election, if the candidate agrees to pay for additional ballot printing costs.

Sections 115.361, 115.363, 115.373 & 115.379. DEATH, DISQUALIFICATION AND WITHDRAWAL OF CANDIDATES. These sections address what happens when a candidate for office withdraws, dies or is disqualified. If the candidate withdraws, dies (incumbent or only candidate) or is disqualified after the filing deadline but by the 8th Tuesday before the primary election, filing is reopened for 5 working days. If it occurs after the 8th Tuesday but by the final date for withdrawing (usually this is the 11th Tuesday, but may be as late as the 6th Tuesday if the candidate pays ballot costs), any established political party may select a candidate. If it occurs after the 6th Tuesday, a vacancy exists on the general election ballot. There are other provisions and time periods which address when a party nominating committee may select a party candidate for nomination to an office on the primary ballot.
MARGARET J. TOALSON