Title: An act relating to candidate filing.

Brief Description: Modifying candidate filing provisions.

Sponsors: Senators Oemig, Swecker and McDermott; by request of Secretary of State.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections:1/21/08, 1/22/08 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Kline, McDermott, Pridemore and Swecker.

Staff: Khalia Gibson (786-7460)

Background: A candidate for the state Legislature, the court of appeals, or a superior court may file a declaration of candidacy with either the Secretary of State, or the county auditor if the district that the candidate is running is composed of voters from only one county.

Summary of Bill: A candidate for the state Legislature, the court of appeals, or a superior court must file a declaration of candidacy, and pay the appropriate filing fee with the county auditor if the district that the candidate is running is composed of voters from only one county. Candidates for statewide office are required to file a declaration of candidacy and pay filing fees to the Secretary of State.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: This bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill effects over 250 offices in an even election year such as this one. Multiple filing offices increases the risk for error. This bill provides security and certainty for candidates, otherwise candidates would be in the dark about who is running against them.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Shane Hamlin, Office of the Secretary of State; Greg Kimsey, Washington State Association of County Auditors.