SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   ESB 6213

                      AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 12, 1992

Brief Description:  Setting certain special election dates.

SPONSORS: Senator Roach

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. 

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Roach, Vice Chairman; Madsen, and Sutherland.

Staff:  Rod McAulay (786‑7754)

Hearing Dates: February 5, 1992

BACKGROUND:

In emergency circumstances, local governments are authorized to conduct special elections to avoid the need of waiting for their next scheduled general election.  The dates on which special elections may occur are specified by statute and include the fourth Tuesday of May.  In most years, this day immediately follows the Memorial Day holiday.

The Secretary of State has been authorized to schedule and conduct a presidential preference primary in presidential election years.  Although this date may be changed by the Secretary of State, it is currently set for the third Tuesday in May, 1992.

SUMMARY:

The designated day for the conduct of special elections in the month of May is the third Tuesday.  In a presidential election year, if a presidential preference primary is scheduled in February, March, April or May, the date on which a special election may be called during the month of that primary is the date of the presidential primary.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

TESTIMONY FOR:

Cost and confusion of closely scheduled elections will be avoided.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Jane Hague, King County Dept. of Records and Elections