Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Government Operations & Elections Committee

HB 1639

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: Adjusting presidential elector compensation.

Sponsors: Representatives Bergquist, Pike, Riccelli, Carlyle, Walsh, Ryu and Moscoso; by request of Secretary of State.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Provides a subsistence allowance and travel expenses to presidential electors for each day's attendance at the electoral college meeting.

Hearing Date: 2/21/13

Staff: Jasmine Vasavada (786-7301).

Background:

Candidates for President and Vice President of the United States are not elected by direct popular vote. The candidates are elected by the United States Electoral College, whose delegates are chosen by the states. Each state has the same number of presidential electors as it has United States Representatives and Senators combined. In presidential election years, Washington's electors travel to Olympia in December to cast their votes.

On March 9, 1891, the Legislature enacted a law providing that every presidential elector who attends:

"at the time and place appointed, and give his vote for president and vice president, shall be entitled to receive from this state five dollars for each day's attendance at such meeting of the college of electors, and ten cents per mile for travel in going to and returning from the place where the electors shall meet, on the usually traveled route."

The existing $5 per diem and ten cents per mile travel allowance were established in this 1891 law.

Summary of Bill:

Presidential electors are entitled to receive a subsistence allowance and travel expenses, as determined by existing law providing compensation to elective and appointive officials and state employees, while engaged on official business away from their designated posts of duty. The per diem and travel rates are established by the Director of the Office of Financial Management. As of January 1, 2013, in locations not designated as "high cost" locations, this allowance is $77 per day for lodging, $46 per day for food, and 56.5 cents per mile travelled by a privately owned vehicle.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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