A special review shall be conducted in any legislative district contained entirely within one county whenever the unofficial returns from a legislative race indicate that a mandatory recount is likely. Such a review may be as extensive as an election review or may, at the secretary of state's discretion, concentrate only on those aspects of the election process dealing with ballot accountability, audit trail procedures, and ballot security. In any legislative district encompassing more than one county where the unofficial returns indicate that a mandatory recount is likely for a legislative district race, the secretary of state may direct a partial review in each county or may prioritize the review process. In prioritizing the review process, the secretary shall take into consideration the following factors:
(1) The date and results of the last election review held in each county;
(2) Any request from a county auditor for a special review;
(3) Any written complaints filed with the secretary pursuant to the provisions of RCW
29A.04.570 (1)(b);
(4) Any written complaints, from any resident of the county regarding the specific election in question;
(5) Any media stories or reports alleging election irregularities with respect to the election in question;
(6) The date on which the determination is made that a special review is required.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
29A.04.610. WSR 04-15-089, § 434-260-080, filed 7/16/04, effective 8/16/04. Statutory Authority: RCW
29.60.020. WSR 99-12-004, § 434-260-080, filed 5/19/99, effective 6/19/99. WSR 98-08-010, recodified as § 434-260-080, filed 3/18/98, effective 3/18/98. Statutory Authority: RCW
29.60.020. WSR 93-18-053, § 434-60-080, filed 8/30/93, effective 9/30/93.]