HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis      Bill No.  HB 1594

Relating to a study of on-line voting.

Brief Title                              Hearing Date: 2/10/99

Reps. Ruderman, D. Schmidt               Staff:  Scott MacColl

Sponsor(s)                          State Government Committee

                                              Phone:  786-7106

BACKGROUND:

All voting is currently done by direct paper ballot at a polling station, or by absentee mail ballot.

SUMMARY:

A task force would be assembled by the Secretary of State=s office to study the issues and challenges presented by incorporating on-line and Internet technologies in the voting process.  Within the study, the Secretary of State must

Ca) create an advisory committee made up of county election staff, technical experts, and other experts to assist the task force with research;

Cb) determine the appropriate security measures required and minimum standards for certification of systems, and make recommendations concerning statutes to be adopted to implement the system; and

Cc) consider the impact of on-line (Internet) voting on voter participation rates, public accessibility, potential external influences during the elections process, and issues related to conducting and administering an election.

The Secretary of State must report to the legislature by March 1, 2000, and the task force would sunset by June 30, 2001.

At the secretary=s discretion and in conjunction with one or more auditors, a limited election may be permitted to validate the accuracy, integrity, and security of on-line (Internet) voting.

FISCAL NOTE: Requested

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.