AN ACT RELATING TO ELECTIONS -- PRIMARY ELECTIONS

HB 5277 proposes replacing traditional political party primaries with a unified "primary general election" for all state and municipal offices. This new system would require voters to select two candidates per office (or four for two vacancies) in a single primary, with the top vote-getters advancing to the general election ballot. Candidates would retain their party designation on ballots but could not change it after the primary, and the general election ballot order would mirror the primary results. The bill directly affects all candidates running for elected office and aims to streamline the nomination process by eliminating separate party primaries.