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

HB 2473

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: Eliminating the requirement that auditors send a ballot or an application to receive a ballot to inactive voters.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunt and Armstrong.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Eliminates the requirement that a county auditor send inactive voters a ballot or ballot application at least 18 days prior to an election.

Hearing Date: 1/15/08

Staff: Tracey Taylor (786-7196).

Background:

A county auditor may conduct all elections by mail ballot if he or she is given authorization to do so from the county legislative authority. The county legislative authority must give its authorization to conduct all elections by mail to the auditor at least 90 days in advance of the first election to be conducted by mail. If the county legislative authority and the county auditor decide to return to a polling place environment, the county legislative authority must give its authorization to do so to the auditor at least 180 days in advance of the first election to be conducted in a polling place environment. The auditor must then notify all registered voters in the county and provide them with the polling place to be used.

Prior to converting to a mail ballot election, the auditor must notify all registered voters in the county that all elections will be conducted by mail. Individuals with disabilities must be given voting access in all vote-by-mail elections. In addition, the auditor must send each inactive voter either a ballot or an application to receive a ballot at least 18 days before a primary, general, or special election. If an inactive voter returns a voted ballot or a completed application, the ballot shall be counted and the voter's status is restored to active.

Summary of Bill:

The county auditor is not required to send each inactive voter either a ballot or an application to receive a ballot at least 18 days prior to a primary, general or special election.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 14, 2008.

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