SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5299

BYSenators 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:Desley Brooks (786-7443); Sam Thompson (786-7754)

                  March 3, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS, JANUARY 30, 1989

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.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The voter assistance must be provided 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)