SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5682
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.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, February 20, 2007
Title: An act relating to challenges to a voter's registration.
Brief Description: Clarifying time frames for voter registration challenges.
Sponsors: Senators Kohl-Welles, Swecker, Fairley, Oemig and Jacobsen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/19/07, 2/20/07 [DP, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Kline, Pridemore and Swecker.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senator Benton.
Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)
Background: Registration of a person as a voter is presumptive evidence of his or her right to
vote. A registered voter may challenge a person's right to vote based on personal knowledge that
the challenged voter lacks the qualifications to vote.
In 2006, the Legislature amended the voter challenge statutes and established timelines for
challenges based on when the challenged voter registered to vote. If a voter registered more than
60 days prior to an election, the challenge must be filed 45 days prior to the election. If a voter
registered less than 60 days prior to an election, the challenge must be filed no later than ten days
before the election, or within ten days of being added to the voter registration database. A
conflicting provision in the 2006 legislation provides that a person's right to vote may be
challenged by another registered voter or the county prosecuting attorney at any time.
Summary of Bill: A person's right to vote may be challenged by another registered voter or the county prosecuting attorney at any time; however, if the challenge does not meet the 45 day or ten day filing deadline, the challenge must not be considered until after certification of the election.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.
Persons Testifying: No one.