HOUSE BILL REPORT
HJM 4006
BYRepresentatives Anderson, R. Fisher, Hankins, Jacobsen, Winsley, Brekke, R. King, Nelson, Jesernig, Rector, Haugen, Wineberry, Spanel, O'Brien, Kremen, Morris, Bristow, Sayan, McLean, Brumsickle, Jones, Brough, Beck, Wang, Basich, Ballard, Horn, Ferguson, Bowman, Walker, D. Sommers, Wolfe, Fuhrman, Nealey, Youngsman, Leonard, Tate, G. Fisher, Todd and Doty
Asking the federal government to adopt a uniform poll closing law.
House Committe on State Government
Majority Report: Do pass. (9)
Signed by Representatives R. Fisher, Chair; Anderson, Vice Chair; McLean, Ranking Republican Member; Hankins, R. King, Morris, O'Brien, Sayan and Silver.
House Staff:Kenneth Hirst (786-7105)
AS PASSED HOUSE JANUARY 22, 1990
BACKGROUND:
The U.S. Congress has before it H.R. 18 which would establish, for a Presidential general election, a single closing time for voting places throughout the continental United States. Under the provisions of the bill, the polls would close at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time during a Presidential election and no one arriving at a polling place after that time would be permitted to vote. The bill would also extend, during each Presidential election year, the period during which daylight savings time is effective in the Pacific Time Zone. It would end on the first Sunday after the date of the election.
SUMMARY:
Congress is requested to enact legislation similar to H.R. 18, which would establish a uniform closing time for all polling places in the continental United States during a Presidential general election, in conjunction with a pledge from news broadcasting organizations not to project election results until after such a closing time.
Fiscal Note: Not Requested.
House Committee ‑ Testified For: Ralph Munro, Secretary of State.
House Committee - Testified Against: No one.
House Committee - Testimony For: Congress's attempt to establish a uniform poll closing hour is bi-partisan and gaining greater support each year.
House Committee - Testimony Against: None.