SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5747

As Passed Senate, March 11, 2003

Title: An act relating to supervision of elections in charter counties.

Brief Description: Requiring the supervisor of elections in charter counties to be an elected position.

Sponsors: Senators Schmidt, Finkbeiner, Poulsen, Esser, Stevens and Eide.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/18/03, 2/26/03 [DP].

Passed Senate: 3/11/03, 35-13.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Stevens, Vice Chair; Fairley, Horn, Kastama, McCaslin and Reardon.

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: Non-charter counties are required to elect certain officials whose duties are prescribed by statute. The county auditor is one such elected official who is responsible for supervising elections in the county. Charter counties may provide for such county officers, and describe their duties and powers, as is necessary. Of the five charter counties (Clallam, King, Pierce, Snohomish and Whatcom), only King County appoints the official responsible for supervising elections.

Summary of Bill: Charter counties are required to elect the official responsible for supervising elections in the county.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: Requiring the elections supervisor to be an elected official would promote accountability.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Kelly Wright (pro).