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 |
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Hearing Date: 1/22/14
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 person attempting to file has filed as a write-in candidate for the same office or the person's name appeared on the ballot for the same office at the preceding primary;
the person attempting to file has already filed a valid write-in declaration for that primary or election;
the name of the person attempting to file already appears on the ballot as a candidate for another office, other than precinct committee officer; or
the office filed for is committee precinct officer.
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:
the difference between the number of votes cast for the two candidates receiving the most votes and the write-in candidate is less than the total number of write-in votes for the office; or
a manual recount is conducted for that office.
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.