SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 22

BYHouse Committee on Constitution, Elections & Ethics (originally sponsored by Representatives Fisher, Wang, Hine, Heavey, P. King, Wineberry and Belcher)

Revising voter registration periods.

House Committe on Constitution, Elections & Ethics

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 24, 1987; February 17, 1988

Senate Staff:Sam Thompson (786-7754); Desley Brooks (786-7443)

AS OF FEBRUARY 13, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Precinct voter registration files are closed against original registrations or transfers of registration 30 days prior to each election.  At least five days before the precinct files are closed, the county auditor must give notice of the closing of the files in a newspaper of general circulation in the county.

SUMMARY:

A qualified but unregistered elector may register to vote after the close of the precinct registration files.  The registration must be accomplished at least 15 days prior to the next election, and the person may vote only by absentee ballot in that election.

A county auditor may designate additional locations within the county where late registration may be accomplished by designated deputy registrars.  The completed registration form and application for an absentee ballot must be promptly transmitted to the county auditor if these forms are completed at any location other than the auditor's office.

The county auditor's published notice of the closing of the precinct voter registration files prior to an election will include notice of the procedure for registering after the closing of the files.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available