Tied election procedures passed

A bill that allows a tied candidate in the primary election to file as a write-in candidate in the general election was passed March 20.

Under LB144, as introduced by Bancroft Sen. Lydia Brasch, candidates for all but statewide offices who lose a primary election decision “by lot” are eligible to file as a write-in candidate in the general election for the same office.

Currently, these primary elections that result in a tie are decided by lot —such as a coin toss or the drawing of a card used to determine a question by chance. The loser of the decision by lot is ineligible to run for the same office in the general election, including write-in candidacy, filing by petition or filing a nomination. The only exception is when there is a vacancy on the ballot for that office.

The bill excludes candidates for statewide office, including governor, state senator, attorney general and state auditor, as well as candidates for federal offices.

Senators passed the bill on a 43-0 vote.