Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Relations Committee |
HB 2008
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning alternate methods of ballot security.
Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Gregerson and Tarleton.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/20/19
Staff: Jason Zolle (786-7124).
Background:
Washington allows voting by mail, and the county auditor must send each voter a ballot. The auditor must also send a security envelope in which the voter can conceal the ballot after voting, along with a larger envelope in which to return the security envelope.
The Washington Constitution requires the Legislature to adopt voting methods that ensure the absolute secrecy of a voter's ballot.
Summary of Bill:
Instead of sending separate return and security envelopes, a county auditor may send the voter a return envelope that fully shields the voter's ballot from view after the voter's identifying information is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.