SENATE 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

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 28, 1989; February 15, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Steve Nelsen (786-7464)

                  February 20, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, FEBRUARY 15, 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, during a presidential election the polls would close at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and no one arriving 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.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Ralph Munro, Secretary of State (pro)