AN ACT Relating to voter registration; adding a new chapter to Title 29 RCW; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. Not later than August 1, 1987, the secretary of state shall publish and mail to each residence in the state, an informational packet regarding voter registration. This packet shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) A summary of relevant constitutional and statutory provisions detailing the requirements that must be met in order to register to vote;

(2) A listing of permanent voter registration facilities;

(3) The address and telephone number of each county auditor;

(4) A voter registration form;

(5) A transfer form to enable the voter to transfer his or her registration;

(6) Detailed instructions on how the voter may transfer his or her registration, and how the unregistered elector may register to vote;

(7) Detailed instructions on how a voter registered improperly in one county may cancel that registration and properly register in his or her county of residence.

The secretary of state may provide by rule for a single form in place of separate forms under subsections (4) and (5) of this section, and may also arrange with county auditors, where feasible and convenient, to provide more detailed information regarding the location of deputy registrars.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. Any currently registered voter who believes that he or she may be registered at the wrong address within the same county may transfer that registration to the correct address by completing the transfer form provided under section 1 of this act and submitting it to a deputy voter registrar.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. Any unregistered elector receiving a voter registration form under section 1 of this act may register to vote by completing the form, taking it to any deputy registrar, and executing the oath and signing the form in the presence of the deputy registrar. The registrar shall ensure that the form is properly executed and shall permit the elector to complete a new form if that is necessary.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. Each deputy voter registrar receiving a transfer or new registration under section 2 or 3 of this act shall, on a weekly basis or more often if deemed necessary, transmit the forms to the county auditor in his or her county of residence.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. Upon receipt of a properly executed transfer form or a properly executed voter registration form, the county auditor shall enter the information contained on it into the automated voter registration system and shall maintain the forms as required by this title. If a county auditor receives a voter registration form indicating that the voter is to be registered in another county, he or she shall promptly forward that registration form to the appropriate county auditor.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. If the voter has indicated on the voter registration form that he or she is currently registered in another county, the county auditor shall notify the auditor of the former county of residence that the individual in question has reregistered. The notification constitutes authority for cancellation of the previous registration.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. Each county auditor shall transmit a listing of all cancellations, new registrations, and the signature cards of newly-registered voters to the secretary of state in accordance with chapter 29.07 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. The secretary of state, in cooperation with county auditors, shall use both print and broadcast media and take whatever other steps are necessary to ensure that the public is informed about the voter registration information packet. He shall advise the public as to the material before it is mailed, facilitate the use of the materials once delivered by use of the media, and shall actively encourage citizens to transfer their registrations to their correct address or to register to vote if they are not currently registered.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. The secretary of state, in cooperation and after consultation with county auditors, shall adopt rules not inconsistent with this title to facilitate its implementation.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. Sections 1 through 9 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 29 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 11. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.