SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1858
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 of March 10, 2015
Title: An act relating to prohibiting the names of county auditors and the secretary of state from being included on ballot envelopes and in voters' pamphlets when running for reelection.
Brief Description: Prohibiting the names of county auditors and the secretary of state from being included on ballot envelopes and in voters' pamphlets when running for reelection.
Sponsors: Representatives Shea, S. Hunt, Taylor, G. Hunt, Reykdal, Condotta, Tharinger and McCaslin.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/03/15, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Security: 3/26/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & SECURITY |
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background: Voters' Pamphlets. The Secretary of State (Secretary) must publish a voters' pamphlet for each general election in which at least one statewide measure or office will appear on the ballot. The Secretary determines the format and layout of the voters' pamphlet. State voters' pamphlets must contain a candidate's statement, photograph, and contact information.
Counties and first-class or code cities may publish a local voters' pamphlet containing information on election measures and candidates within that jurisdiction. The local voters' pamphlet may include candidate statements and photographs.
Ballot Envelopes. The county auditor prepares and mails ballots to all registered voters in the county. The ballot is sent with a security envelope and a return envelope. The county auditor must include a declaration for the voter to sign and instructions on how to complete and return the ballot to the auditor.
Summary of Bill: The name of the Secretary may not appear in the state voters' pamphlet in the Secretary's official capacity if the Secretary is a candidate for office in the same year the pamphlet is prepared, but may appear within the candidate's information that is normally included in the state voters' pamphlet.
A county auditor's name may not appear in the local voters' pamphlet in the country auditor's official capacity if the county auditor is a candidate for office in the same year the pamphlet is prepared, but may appear within the candidate's information that is normally included in the local voters' pamphlet. The county auditor's name also may not appear on any security or return envelope or voting instructions sent out to eligible voters in a year the auditor is a candidate for office.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.