HB 452 (3R) - Judicial Elections Changes

This bill eliminates the “instant runoff” voting for judicial offices when late vacancies occur, using a vacancy election by plurality instead. It also repeals public campaign financing for Council of State races and makes judicial elections partisan. Civitas believes the conservative position is to let voters know what party judicial candidates belong to so they can make a more informed decision at the polls. The elimination of campaign financing also encourages greater freedom of speech by allowing citizens to voice their opinion through financial contributions.