SENATE BILL REPORT

REEHB 1433

BYRepresentatives Wineberry, R. Fisher, McLean, Anderson, Nelson, Wang, Inslee, R. King and Todd

Extending the voter registration period.

House Committe on State Government

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 29, 1989; February 14, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Patrick.

Senate Staff:Rod McAulay (786-7754)

                  February 15, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, FEBRUARY 14, 1990

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.  The completed registration form and application for an absentee ballot must be promptly transmitted to the county auditor.

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.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Assures that this is the only procedure for late registration.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Jesse Wineberry; Karen Flynn, Kitsap County Auditor; Gary McIntosh, Director of Elections, office of Secretary of State