Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee

HB 2435

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Regarding postelection audits.

Sponsors: Representatives Miloscia, Armstrong, Hunt and Upthegrove.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Standardizes procedures for all counties for random checks of ballot counting equipment; and
  • Requires that requested random checks be of a sufficient number of ballots to satisfy a statistical sampling formula established by the Secretary of State.

Hearing Date: 1/16/08

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

In counties where poll site voting occurs, political party observers may choose up to three precincts for a manual count of any office or issue. In counties that count ballots at a counting center, the selection for the recount must be made at random on receipt of the ballots from the polling place. In counties using poll site ballot counting devices, the selections for a recount must be made no later than 30 minutes after the close of the polls and must be completed within 48 hours after the close of the polls.

In vote by mail counties, county auditors are required to conduct a random check of the ballot counting equipment. The check involves a comparison of a manual count to the machine count for up to three precincts or six batches, depending upon the ballot counting procedures of the county. The method for selecting the precincts or batches must be established by the county canvassing board and must be completed no later than 48 hours after election day.

Summary of Bill:

Upon mutual agreement of political party observers or at the discretion of the county auditor, a random check of the ballot counting equipment may be conducted of one race or issue. The random check will consist of either three precincts or six batches of ballots, or a sufficient number of ballots to satisfy a statistical sampling formula established by the Secretary of State.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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