HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No. HB 2664

Updating voter registration maintenance procedures   Hrg Date:  1/27/98

Brief Title

Rep. Smith                                                    Staff: John Carmichael

Sponsor                                    Comm. on Govt. Admin.

                                           Phone: 786-7093

BACKGROUND:

Voters moving from one county to another must submit a new application for voter registration and must cancel their voter registration in the county they are leaving.  They must use a form prescribed by the Secretary of State for canceling their registration.

Summary:

Voters moving from one county to another are not required to use the Secretary of State=s form for canceling their registration. 

County auditors and the Secretary of State shall create an annual program designed to detect voters registered in more than one county.  The program must be completed at least 30 days before a primary or general election.  The Office of the Secretary of State shall create a list of registered voters with the same date of birth and similar names who appear to be registered in more than one county.  This list must be sent to each county auditor.  If it appears from comparing signatures that a voter is registered in more than one county, the registration in the county where the voter first registered will be canceled.  The Secretary of State shall adopt rules to facilitate this process.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.