Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Government Operations & Elections Committee |
HB 1290
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 county auditors to place ballot drop boxes at various locations throughout the county.
Sponsors: Representatives Orwall, Hunt, Bergquist, Fitzgibbon, Maxwell, Lytton, McCoy, Ryu, Riccelli, Hudgins, Pollet, Zeiger, Farrell and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/29/13
Staff: Jasmine Vasavada (786-7301).
Background:
All counties conduct elections entirely by mail, in that each registered voter is automatically issued a mail ballot. A voter may vote by returning the ballot by mail, so long as the ballot is postmarked no later than the day of the election or primary. However, the county auditors also open a voting center each primary, special election, and general election. The voting center provides a range of materials, including voter registration materials, replacement and provisional ballots, disability access voting devices, instructions on how to vote the ballot, and a ballot drop box for individuals who are unable to or do not wish to mail their ballots.
All ballot drop boxes are secured at 8 p.m. on the day of the election. Ballots that have been submitted to drop boxes are then returned to the counting center in secured transport containers.
Summary of Bill:
County auditors are required to place ballot drop boxes at various locations throughout the county. At a minimum, the ballot drop boxes must be placed at:
institutions of higher education at a ratio of one drop box per three thousand students;
school district headquarters; and
high schools.
County auditors must also consider locating ballot drop boxes at state, city and county offices, shopping malls, private buildings, and other sites considered to be convenient.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/25/13.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.