Brief Description: Allowing longer candidates' statements on the secretary of state's web site.

Sponsors: Representatives Tom, Springer, Jarrett, Haigh, Nixon, Hunter, Priest, Kilmer, Dunn, Anderson and Strow.

Hearing Date: 1/26/05

Staff: Hannah Lidman (786-7291).

Background:

The length of candidates' statements in the statewide voters' pamphlet produced by the Office of the Secretary of State is limited to a maximum number of words, depending on the office sought. The limitations are as follows:

100 Words

• state representative

200 Words

• state senator
• superior court judge
• court of appeals judge
• supreme court justice
• all other state offices, except governor

300 Words

• president and vice president
• United States senator
• United States representative
• governor

These limits apply to all candidates' statements whether printed in the statewide voters' pamphlet or posted on the Secretary of State's website.

By state law, county auditors have the authority to regulate the length of candidates' statements in local voters' pamphlets.

Summary of Bill:

A length limitation of one thousand words is imposed for candidates' statements posted on the public web sites of either the Secretary of State or county auditors.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.