SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5299

BYSenate Committee on Governmental Operations (originally sponsored by Senators Thorsness, DeJarnatt, Rasmussen and Smith; by request of Secretary of State)

Permitting voters to receive assistance in voting.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 30, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5299 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Eugene Green (786-7405); Barbara Howard (786-7410)

                  January 18, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, JANUARY 17, 1990

BACKGROUND:

All ballots must be cast in secret.  However, a voter restricted by a sensory or physical disability may ask for assistance in the voting booth from a person of the voter's choice or from two election officers of opposite parties.

SUMMARY:

A voter without sensory or physical disabilities may request assistance in recording his or her vote, but only from two election officers of opposite parties at the polling place.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Gary McIntosh, Elections Administrator, Secretary of State's office (pro); Dean Williams, Snohomish County Auditor (pro)