Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government Committee

HB 1039

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: Allowing the use of a signature stamp for voting purposes.

Sponsors: Representatives S. Hunt, Johnson, Gregerson and Jinkins.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Permits a physically disabled person to use a signature stamp for completing voter registration and ballot forms.

Hearing Date: 1/15/15

Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).

Background:

Signatures on Voter Registration Applications.

A person must complete an application in order to register to vote. The minimum information required to register includes:

The applicant must sign an oath on the application form that the information provided is true and that he or she is qualified to vote. The Secretary of State maintains a statewide voter registration database that includes information of every registered voter.

Signatures on Ballot Declarations.

Each active registered voter in the state is issued a mail ballot for a general election. The ballot comes with a declaration the voter must sign to swear that he or she is qualified to vote, and has not voted in any other jurisdiction for that election.

Each county canvassing board processes ballot materials returned by a voter. The signed declaration is examined before the ballot is processed. The signature on the ballot material must be verified to be the same as the signature in the voter's registration file. Such verification may be automated on a system approved by the Secretary of State. A person who signed a voter registration form by making a mark, or can no longer sign his or her name, must be identified by a witness when voting at a voting center.

Summary of Bill:

A voter registration applicant who cannot sign his or her name due to a physical disability may sign the oath on the voter registration form by either making his or her mark or using a signature stamp. A signature by mark or stamp must be accompanied by the signature of two witnesses.

A voter unable sign his or her name due to a physical disability on an election ballot may use a signature stamp. A stamp signature must be accompanied by the signature of two witnesses. If the voter did not use the signature stamp on his or her voter registration application, he or she must notify the county auditor and submit an image of the stamp in order to verify the signature.

A voter must be identified by two people when voting at a voting center, if the voter signed his or her voter registration by mark or stamp or can no longer sign his or her name.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested.

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