SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5500

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.

Title: An act relating to providing a replacement ballot by telephone, mail, or in person to a voter who is not a voter that is overseas or in the military.

Brief Description: Providing a replacement ballot by telephone, mail, or in person to a voter who is not a voter that is overseas or in the military.

Background: Voting in all counties is exclusively by mail. A registered voter may obtain a replacement ballot if the ballot is destroyed, spoiled, lost, or is not received by the voter. The voter may obtain the ballot by telephone request, by mail, electronically, or in person.

County auditors must mail ballots to service or overseas voters at least 30 days before each primary or special election and at least 45 days before each primary or general election. A service voter is any voter registered in the state of Washington who is a member of the armed forces or reserves, a student or faculty at a United States military academy, a member of the merchant marines, or a person attached to, and serving with, the armed forces. An overseas voter is any voter registered in the state of Washington who resides outside the United States.

Summary of Bill: A registered voter who is not a service or overseas voter may not obtain a replacement ballot electronically. Nonsubstantive technical changes are made.