SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1109

BYRepresentatives O'Brien, McLean, Anderson, Wineberry, Betrozoff, G. Fisher, R. Fisher, Sayan, Wang, Pruitt, Baugher, Winsley, P. King, Kremen, H. Meyers, Brumsickle, Rasmussen, Van Luven and Tate

Dealing with voter registration for high school students.

House Committe on Education

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 21, 1989; March 30, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Bender, Fleming, Gaspard, Murray, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Susan Finkel (786-7483)

                  March 31, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, MARCH 30, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Although eighteen year olds have been given the right to vote, only a small percentage of these young people register to vote and even a smaller percentage actually exercise this right.  Currently many schools have a staff member who is authorized to register students to vote.

SUMMARY:

The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall develop a voter registration and education program for high school students and shall provide information on this program to all high schools in the state.  The Secretary of State and the Washington Association of County Auditors shall assist in the development of this program.  The program shall include a pamphlet containing a voter registration card and directions on how to register to vote and information that county auditors may provide demonstrations of voting equipment and other programs on request.  The Secretary of State, in cooperation with the Washington Association of County Auditors, shall design and provide a standard notice informing students of the availability of voter registration.  This notice shall be posted in each high school.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 19, 1989

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The pamphlet will contain a facsimile of a voter registration card.

Senate Committee - Testified: Sam Reed, Thurston County Auditor (pro); Ken Watson, Seattle Schools (pro); Lael Braymer, League of Women Voters (pro)