SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 1638

                    As of February 11, 1998

Title:  An act relating to an absentee ballot request.

Brief Description:  Permitting an absentee ballot request on the election or primary day.

Sponsors:  Representative Kessler; by request of Secretary of State.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/20/98.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  A registered voter may request an absentee ballot for a single primary or election or may become an ongoing absentee voter and receive an absentee ballot for all subsequent primaries and elections.

A request for an absentee ballot may be made up to the day before the primary or election for which it is issued.  However, a voter who is both confined to a hospital and who was admitted to the hospital five or fewer days before a primary or election may apply by messenger for an absentee ballot on the day of the primary or election.  The application must include a signed statement by the hospital administrator, or designee, verifying the voter=s date of admission and status as a patient on the day of the primary or election.

Summary of Bill:  A voter may apply for an absentee ballot on the day of the primary or election. 

A signed statement by a hospital administrator verifying a voter=s date of admission and status as a patient is no longer required to be included with the special application for an absentee ballot that a voter confined to a hospital on the day of the primary or election may submit by messenger to the county auditor.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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