Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Government Operations & Elections Committee

HB 1510

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: Modifying write-in voting provisions.

Sponsors: Representative Appleton.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires write-in candidates to file a declaration of candidacy 18 days before a primary or election.

Hearing Date: 2/13/13

Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).

Background:

Election law allows any person to file for an office as a write-in candidate. Write-in candidates may file a declaration of candidacy for the office, but are not required to do so. A person may not file as a write-in candidate under the following conditions:

The number of write-in votes cast for each office must be recorded and reported with the canvass for the election. A write-in vote for an individual candidate is not tabulated unless:

Summary of Bill:

A write-in candidate must file a declaration of candidacy for an office not later than 18 days before the primary or election. Write-in votes cast for any person who has not filed a declaration of candidacy are not valid.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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