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

E2SSB 5271

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: Modifying when a special election may be held.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Pridemore, Benton, Kline, Swecker, Roach and Rasmussen).

Brief Summary of Engrossed Second Substitute Bill
  • Eliminates special elections held in March and May and changes the date of the February special election to the second Tuesday.

Hearing Date: 2/27/08

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

By law, special elections may occur on the following dates:

In the year of a presidential election, if a presidential preference primary is conducted in February, March, April, or May, the date of the special election in that month shall be the date of the presidential primary.

County legislative authorities must submit a resolution calling for a special election to the county auditors 52 days prior to the special election date.

Summary of Bill:

Special elections held on the second Tuesday in March and the third Tuesday in May are eliminated. The date of the February special election is changed to the second Tuesday. The requirement that a special election be held on the same date of the presidential preference primary is removed. Resolutions calling for a special election must be submitted to the county auditor 45 days prior to the special election date.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Preliminary available.

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