FINAL BILL REPORT

                                   ESB 6213

                                   C 37 L 92

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Setting certain special election dates.

SPONSORS: Senator Roach

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

BACKGROUND:

In emergency circumstances, local governments are authorized to conduct special elections to avoid the need of waiting for the next scheduled general election.  The dates on which special elections may occur are specified by statute and include the fourth Tuesday of May.  In most years, this day immediately follows the Memorial Day holiday.

The Secretary of State has been authorized to schedule and conduct a presidential preference primary in presidential election years.  Although this date may be changed by the Secretary of State, it is currently set for the third Tuesday in May, 1992.

SUMMARY:

The designated day for a special election in the month of May is the third Tuesday.  In a presidential election year, if a presidential preference primary is scheduled in February, March, April or May, any special election called during the month of that primary shall occur on the same date as the primary.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      46    0

House 95    0

EFFECTIVE:  March 26, 1992