SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5226

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

             Government Operations, March 1, 1995

Title:  An act relating to canvassing of mail‑only‑ballot special elections.

Brief Description:  Extending time to certify spring special elections by mail‑only‑ballot.

Sponsors:  Senators C. Anderson, McCaslin, Heavey and Kohl.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/2/95, 3/1/95 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Drew, Hale, Heavey and Winsley.

Staff:  Rod McAulay (786-7754)

Background:  The county election canvassing board must convene and certify election results no later than the tenth day after a special election or primary and no later than the fifteenth day after a general election.  There is concern that the time limit is too short for the efficient and economical canvassing of the vote in spring special elections conducted by mail-ballot-only.

Summary of Bill:  The county election canvassing board must convene and certify election results no later than the twentieth day after a spring special election conducted by mail-ballot-only.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Large counties need extra time to certify special elections because of the volume.  To meet the 10-day requirement requires double shifts and overtime pay.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  John Charles, King County Department of Records and Elections (pro); Bob Terwilliger, Snohomish County Auditor (pro).