House Committee Begins Hearings on Legislation to Allow Voters to Protest a Candidate Despite Party Affiliation

COLUMBUS—The House Government Oversight Committee today began hearings on House Bill 471, legislation that will allow any eligible voter, regardless of political party affiliation, to protest an individual’s candidacy for a political party nomination, announced bill sponsor, State Rep. Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria). Creech is sponsoring the legislation alongside State Rep. Angie King (R-Celina). 

Under current law, a registered voter may only protest nominations under their specified party. 

“House Bill 471 will recodify a requirement that has existed for decades,” said Creech during sponsor testimony. “This legislation will help voters make more informed decisions at the polls and hold candidates accountable.”

This legislation will recodify the circumstances, outlined below, under which any eligible voter may protest candidacy for a political party nomination:⿯ 

• The individual is not a U.S. citizen;
• The individual does not meet the minimum age requirements to hold office;
• The individual would exceed an applicable term or age limit;  
• The individual has a criminal conviction; or
• The individual does not include their former name on required documentation to run for office. 

If a candidate is elected after the violation of one of the five reasons outlined under the bill, the individual will be required to vacate the seat and pay back any funds received in the form of a salary which is untransparent to voters. 

The legislation awaits further consideration by the House Government Oversight Committee.