On April 26, the Missouri Senate Financial, Government Organization & Elections Committee passed HB 894, by a vote of 3-2. The 3 Republicans voted “Yes”; the 2 Democrats voted “No.” That is unusual, since the sponsor is a Democrat.

HB 894 requires all independent candidates to file a declaration of candidacy in March. The bill doesn’t even exclude presidential independents. That part of the bill is definitely unconstitutional, under the 1983 U.S. Supreme Court decision Anderson v Celebrezze. Furthermore, the so-called rationale, to treat all candidates equally (in Missouri, members of qualified parties must file in March to run in the August primary) will not be realized. New party petitions aren’t due until late July, and neither this bill or any other bill proposes to require the candidates of new parties to file any declaration of candidacy in March.

The bill has already passed the House. Thanks to Ken Bush for this news.