Senator Marcellino: Reform Bills Call For Special Elections

Senator CarlL. Marcellino today announced legislation for statewide special elections to be held to fill vacancies in the offices of State Comptroller and Attorney General.

"Our Country was built on the fundamental right to vote, a process where candidates are forced to make their case to the voters. Amending the constitution to give the people the choice over who should represent them when a state wide vacancy occurs is common sense that is long overdue."

The legislation includes a Constitutional Amendment (S.2724) to reform the process by requiring a special election to replace a Comptroller or Attorney General who resigns or is removed from office, and a companion bill (S.2727) that would set the time frame for a special election to be held 45 to 60 days after being proclaimed by the Governor.

The State Constitution requires a vacancy in the office of the State Comptroller or the Attorney General be filled by a majority vote of both Houses of the Legislature if the Legislature is in session when the vacancy occurs.

####