1752-S2 AMH NIXO REIL 054

2SHB 1752 - H AMD

By Representative Nixon

   On page 10, after line 7, insert the following:

   "NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. A new section is added to chapter 29A.60 RCW to read as follows:

   (1) Each poll site ballot that was not tabulated at the poll site, each mail ballot, and each provisional ballot must be manually inspected. Inspection must include both sides of the ballot and each voter response on the ballot.

   (2) If the manual inspection reveals a physically damaged ballot, an unreadable ballot that might not be correctly counted by the tabulating equipment, or marks that differ from those specified in the voting instructions, the county auditor may:

   (a) Refer the ballot to the county canvassing board; or

   (b) If authorized by the county canvassing board, duplicate the ballot.

   (3) A ballot may be duplicated only if the intent of the voter's marks on the ballot is clear and the electronic voting equipment might not otherwise properly tally the ballot to reflect the intent of the voter. The voter's intent may be determined if the marks on the ballot clearly form a discernible and consistent pattern on the ballot.

   (4) Ballots must be duplicated by teams of two or more people working together. When duplicating ballots, the county auditor shall take the following steps to create and maintain an audit trail of the action taken:

   (a) Each original ballot and duplicate ballot must be assigned the same unique control number, with the number being marked upon the face of each ballot, to insure that each duplicate ballot may be tied back to the original ballot;

   (b) A log must be kept of the ballots duplicated, which must at least include:

   (i) The control number of each original ballot and the corresponding duplicate ballot;

   (ii) The initials of at least two people who participated in the duplication of each ballot; and

   (iii) The total number of ballots duplicated.

   (5) Original ballots, duplicate ballots, and original ballots requiring duplication must be sealed in secure storage at all times, except during duplication, inspection by the canvassing board, or tabulation."

   Renumber the sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

   Correct the title.

EFFECT: Restores provisions outlined under the original bill for duplicating ballots.