Brief Description: Modifying absentee or provisional ballot notice requirements.

Sponsors: Representatives Haigh, Sump and McDermott.

Hearing Date: 1/18/06

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

If a voter neglects to sign the absentee or provisional ballot envelope, the County Auditor (Auditor) must notify the voter by telephone of the procedure for completing the unsigned affidavit. If the auditor is not able to personally talk with the voter by telephone, the voter must be contacted by first class mail. In order for the ballot to be counted, the voter must appear in person and sign the envelope, or sign and return a copy of the envelope provided by the Auditor.

If the handwriting on the absentee or provisional ballot envelope does not match the signature on file, the Auditor must follow the same procedure to contact the voter. In order for the ballot to be counted, the voter must appear in person and sign a new registration form no later than the day before the certification of the election, or sign and return a copy of the affidavit provided by the Auditor. If the signature on the copy of the affidavit does not match the signature on file, the voter must appear in person and sign a new registration form no later than the day before certification of the election.

Summary of Bill:

The County Auditor (Auditor) must notify a voter by first class mail in the event that the voter fails to sign the outside envelope of the absentee or provisional ballot, or if the voter's signature does not match the signature on file in the voter registration file. If a ballot needing correction is received within 48 hours of the final meeting of the canvassing, the Auditor must attempt to notify the voter by telephone.

To correct a mismatched signature, a voter must provide a new registration form by the day before election certification.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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