SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 68

BYRepresentatives Rayburn, Nealey, Kremen, Bristow, Prince, P. King, Chandler, Lewis and Dellwo

Authorizing use of irrigation district business office as precinct polling place.

House Committe on Agriculture & Rural Development

Senate Committee on Agriculture

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 31, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Hansen, Chairman; Bauer, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Bailey, Barr, Gaspard.

Senate Staff:Tom McDonald (786-7404)

                  March 31, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, MARCH 31, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Irrigation districts must hold their elections at locations within the boundaries of the districts.  The larger districts must have a polling place in each precinct and the smaller districts, less than 200,000 acres and divided into director divisions, may designate a single polling place within the district to serve more than one precinct.  Irrigation districts wish to have their business offices as a polling place because it is the most identifiable location for the irrigators and is the most efficient place for administering the election process.  However, several of the smaller districts are not able to use their offices because they are located in a nearby city outside the boundaries of the district.

SUMMARY:

The business office of an irrigation district may be designated as a polling place regardless of whether the office is located inside or outside the boundaries of the district.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Paul Chasco, Kennewick Irrigation District