Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee

HB 1031

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: Requiring the county auditor to send voters a security envelope that conceals the ballot.

Sponsors: Representatives Armstrong, Orwall, Johnson, Crouse, Appleton, Condotta, Eddy, Clibborn, Haler, Ormsby, Nealey, Klippert, Miloscia, Fagan, Alexander, Taylor, Bailey, Angel, Finn, Warnick, Rodne, Orcutt, Walsh, Pearson, Green, McCoy, McCune, Schmick, Smith, Goodman, Asay, Ross, Blake, Short, Kagi, Hope, Takko, Kristiansen, Reykdal, Frockt, Ladenburg, Rolfes, Shea, Hunt, Hurst and Moeller.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the county auditor to send voters a security envelope to conceal the ballot.

Hearing Date: 1/12/11

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

When voting by mail, a voter receives a ballot, a security envelope, and a return envelope. The purpose of the security envelope is to provide secrecy of the ballot. Voters are instructed to place the ballot in the security envelope, and then to place the security envelope in the return envelope. The return envelope provides space for the voter to sign the oath to affirm and attest to the statements regarding the voters qualifications.

Summary of Bill:

A change is made to distinguish that the security envelope shall "conceal" rather than "seal" the ballot.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested.

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