JEFFERSON CITY, MO – This week, State Representative-elect Phil Christofanelli (R-105) introduced his first pieces of legislation, including a bill that would allow Missouri political parties to restrict participation in primaries to party members. If passed, House Bill 27 would allow voters to indicate their party affiliation when they register to vote.
“I believe private organizations have the right to make their own rules,” said Christofanelli. “There is considerable concern among voters I talk to that our elections are not being run fairly. This bill will give all parties more options when it comes to ensuring that the candidates running under their banner represent their fundamental values.”
Christofanelli also described House Bill 27 as an important piece of a larger agenda to reform Missouri’s election laws by implementing common-sense measures that will uphold electoral integrity and ensure that the will of voters is reflected in the results.
“My priority is to make sure that Missouri works better for people. This bill is an important first step towards restoring public faith in our electoral process, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues to see its passage into law,” said Christofanelli.
Christofanelli was elected last month in a race to succeed outgoing state representative and Dean of the Missouri House Mark A. Parkinson. Prior to his election, Christofanelli was a congressional press secretary and a small business owner.
