House Bill Analysis

HB 2815

Title: AN ACT Relating to late registration of voters.

Brief Description: Revising late voter registration procedures.

Sponsor: Dunshee, Schmidt, D., Secretary of State.

Brief Summary

CExpands the type of voter who may use the late registration procedure.

CRemoves the ability of a voter registrar to register a person to vote under the late registration procedure.

House State Government Committee

Staff: Jim Morishima  (786-7191)

Background:

Generally, the period in which a person may register to vote ends 30 days before an election.  A person who has not registered before the 30 day period may not vote at the polls. 

However, an unregistered person who is otherwise qualified to vote may register to vote up to the 15^th day before an election using a late registration procedure.  Under this procedure, the person may register and apply for an absentee ballot at the county auditor's office or at a special place designated for late registration.  The auditor or voter registrar must then register the person to vote.  The application for the absentee ballot must be promptly transmitted to the auditor along with the completed voter registration form.  A person who registers using the late registration procedure may not vote at the polls, but may only vote by absentee ballot.

Summary:

The type of voter who may avail himself or herself of the late registration procedure is expanded.  Qualified voters who are not registered to vote in their counties of residence may avail themselves of the late registration procedures. 

A voter registrar is no longer allowed to register a person to vote under the late registration procedure.  After registering a person under the late registration procedure, the auditor must promptly execute the person's request for an absentee ballot.

Rule Making Authority: No express authority.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.