SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6539
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. |
As of January 29, 2016
Title: An act relating to modifying the voter registration deadline for students at institutions of higher education.
Brief Description: Modifying the voter registration deadline for students at institutions of higher education.
Sponsors: Senators Chase and McAuliffe.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations & Security: 2/01/16.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & SECURITY |
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background: Voter Registration Deadlines. To register to vote, a person must submit an application via mail or an online registration no later than 29 days before the day of the next primary, special, or general election, or in person at the county auditor's office no later than eight days before the election.
A person may update voter registration at least 29 days before an election for the change to be effective for that election. A voter who does not transfer the voter's residential information by that deadline may still vote according to the voter's previous address.
Voter Registration on College Campuses. Each public institution of higher education in the state must place an active prompt on the institution's course registration website, or a similar website students regularly use, linking to the Secretary of State's voter registration website. The prompt must ask the student if they wish to register to vote.
Summary of Bill: Any person enrolled at a higher education institution may register to vote at that institution up to 11 days before an election.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 29, 2016.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.