FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1106

C 109 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Authorizing the secretary of state to observe county election facilities.

Sponsors: By Representatives Bush, Haigh, Kenney, Miloscia, McDonald, Campbell, Cox, Edwards, Clements, Veloria, Wood, Pearson, Schindler, Mielke, Woods, Sullivan, Shabro, Roach, Benson, Buck, Condotta, Talcott, Priest, Sump, Carrell, Anderson, Lantz, Schoesler, Darneille, Nixon, Kagi, Boldt, Lovick, McDermott, Pflug, McCoy, Upthegrove and McMahan.

House Committee on State Government

Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections

Background:

The Certification and Training Program (Program) within the Office of the Secretary of State (Secretary) was created in 1992 in response to a very close legislative district race. The recount in the race revealed inconsistencies and errors that pointed out the critical need for standardization and uniformity in all aspects of the election process. The Program trains and certifies county election administrators and provides election assistance, a review process, and a clearinghouse.

A review of county election procedures may be conducted at the request of a county auditor, the Secretary, or when a statutory recount is required. The review may be a full review, which covers all aspects of election administration in a county, or it may be a partial review. A full review is done during the administration of an election to allow observation of election procedures. In the case of a recount, a special review is conducted covering only the areas which would affect the outcome of a potential recount. The Program may prioritize counties based on the date and results of the last review, requests from county auditors, written complaints filed with the Secretary, negative media stories or reports, or the date on which the determination is made that a special review is necessary.

Summary:

The Office of the Secretary of State, Elections Division, may make unannounced visits to county election offices and facilities to observe handling, processing, counting or tabulation of ballots.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 96  1

Senate 44  1

Effective: July 27, 2003