HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1031

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:

State Government & Tribal Affairs

Brief Description: Requiring the county auditor to send voters a security envelope that conceals the ballot.

Sponsors: Representatives Armstrong, Orwall, Johnson, Crouse, Appleton, Condotta, Eddy, Clibborn, Haler, Ormsby, Nealey, Klippert, Miloscia, Fagan, Alexander, Taylor, Bailey, Angel, Finn, Warnick, Rodne, Orcutt, Walsh, Pearson, Green, McCoy, McCune, Schmick, Smith, Goodman, Asay, Ross, Blake, Short, Kagi, Hope, Takko, Kristiansen, Reykdal, Frockt, Ladenburg, Rolfes, Shea, Hunt, Hurst and Moeller.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

State Government & Tribal Affairs: 1/12/11, 1/17/11 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires the county auditor to send voters a security envelope to conceal the ballot.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Hunt, Chair; Appleton, Vice Chair; Taylor, Ranking Minority Member; Overstreet, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Condotta, Dunshee, Hurst, McCoy and Miloscia.

Background:

When voting by mail, a voter receives a ballot, a security envelope, and a return envelope. The purpose of the security envelope is to provide secrecy of the ballot. Voters are instructed to place the ballot in the security envelope, and then to place the security envelope in the return envelope. The return envelope provides space for the voter to sign the oath to affirm and attest to the statements regarding the voter's qualifications.

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Summary of Bill:

A change is made to distinguish that the security envelope shall "conceal" rather than "seal" the ballot.

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Appropriation: None.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The bill changes the word "seal" to "conceal" and will allow county auditors to provide a security sleeve for the ballot rather than an envelope that must be sealed. The sleeve may be reused and will eliminate the process of running security ballot envelopes through a cutting machine. The bill does not require a change, but rather provides the option to use a sleeve. The sleeve will maintain secrecy of the ballot and using the sleeve will reduce processing time.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Armstrong, prime sponsor; Skip Moore, Chelan County Auditor; and Kim Wyman, Thurston County Auditor.