Revised Election Bill Approved by Assembly Committee
By Patrick Lynn
Changes at the state level would now make it harder to recall an elected official and allow higher contributions for political candidates.
The Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections Monday endorsed several of the new changes 8-1. Freshman Republican David Craig of Washington County voted against the proposals.
If approved into law, the controversial requirement of presenting a photo ID would be dropped in exchange for other changes in the elections process and voters would be permitted to register online.
Lobbyists would be required to report their activities when influencing the awarding of a contract under the new law. Lobbyists and lawmakers would also be required to complete four hours of training in state ethics laws.
Individual contribution limits for political candidates would be doubled and voters would be permitted to register online.
The full Assembly is scheduled to vote on the revised elections package later this week.