SENATE BILL REPORT
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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections, March 14, 2011
Title: An act relating to ballot envelopes.
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 History: Passed House: 2/23/11, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 3/08/11, 3/14/11 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Pridemore, Chair; Prentice, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Chase, Nelson and Roach.
Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)
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 voter's qualification.
Summary of Bill: RCW 29A.40.091 is amended to state that the security envelope must conceal rather than seal a ballot.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a simple bill. The bill will allow county auditors to send a sleeve, in place of an envelope, to conceal a voters ballot. The sleeve will allow for quicker processing, provide less risk of injury to elections staff, and is an environmentally friendly alternative that will save money and paper.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Skip Moore, Chelan County Auditor.