SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5886

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, February 26, 2003

Title: An act relating to indication of voter abstention.

Brief Description: Allowing voters to indicate abstention from voting on any particular office.

Sponsors: Senators Stevens, Reardon, Benton, Sheahan, Zarelli and Mulliken.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/26/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Stevens, Vice Chair; Fairley, Horn, Kastama, McCaslin and Reardon.

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: Ballots within a precinct must be uniform and identify the type of primary or election, the county, and the date of the election. The ballot must include instructions on the proper method of recording a vote, including write-in votes. Each position, along with the names of the candidates for that position, must be clearly separated from other positions in the same jurisdiction.

Summary of Bill: Ballots must contain an opportunity for the voter to indicate abstention from voting on each office and instructions on the proper method of voter abstention.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: This bill gives voters an option to abstain and not worry that another individual may mark their ballot.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: PRO: Myrtle Cooper and Bob Higloy.