Brief Description: Requiring ballot drop-off sites at institutions of higher education.

Sponsors: Representatives Upthegrove, Sells, Wallace, Hasegawa, Hunt, Armstrong and McIntire.

Hearing Date: 1/29/08

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

In counties that conduct elections entirely by mail, the county auditor is required to designate one or more places for the deposit of ballots not returned by mail. Rules adopted by the Secretary of State identify two types of ballot deposit sites: staffed and unstaffed. Staffed sites must provide a secure ballot box in which voters may deposit their ballots and that will allow removal only by the county auditor or authorized staff.

Unstaffed sites consist of secured ballot boxes that allow deposits of ballots and removal by authorized staff. Ballot boxes located outdoors must be constructed of durable material designed to withstand inclement weather and must be secured to the ground or another structure in a manner to prevent removal. Beginning 18 days prior to an election until 8:00 p.m. on election day, two authorized people must empty each ballot box with sufficient frequency to prevent damage and unauthorized access to the ballots.

Summary of Bill:

County auditors must locate at least one unstaffed ballot drop-off site at each institution of higher education. A "ballot deposit site" is defined as the site or sites designated by the county auditor in which a voter may deposit his or her ballot in a secure collection device on or before election day. Consistent with rule, staffed and unstaffed ballot deposit sites are included in the definition of ballot deposit site.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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