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

HB 2917

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 voter registration and informational activities at institutions of higher education.

Sponsors: Representatives Upthegrove, Warnick, Wallace, Hasegawa, Roberts and Liias.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires institutions of higher education to make voter registration forms available in prominent places around campus.
  • Requires institutions of higher education to develop and implement policies, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the student government association, regarding distribution of voter registration forms.
  • Requires institutions of higher education to collaborate with the student government association to conduct nonpartisan voter information activities.

Hearing Date: 1/29/08

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

State law requires the Governor, in consultation with the Secretary of State (Secretary), to designate agencies to provide voter registration services in compliance with federal statutes. Designated agencies must provide voter registration services for employees and the public within each office of that agency. The law further requires that institutions of higher education put in place an active prompt on its course registration Web site, or similar Web site, that will allow a student to link to the Secretary's voter registration Web site.

Summary of Bill:

In addition to providing a link on its course registration Web site to the Secretary's voter registration Web site, institutions of higher education must:

County auditors must ensure that mail-in voter registration application forms are readily available and must provide these forms to institutions of higher education. A designated official at institutions of higher education must notify the county auditor of the need for additional forms.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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