House Bill Analysis

HB 3003

Title: AN ACT Relating to mail ballot precincts.

Brief Description: Counting ongoing absentee voters for purposes of mail ballot determination.

Sponsor: Koster.

Brief Summary

CRemoves the prohibition against counting ongoing absentee voters when determining whether a precinct qualifies for a mail ballot election.

House State Government Committee

Staff: Jim Morishima  (786-7191)

Background:

A precinct in which there are under 200 active registered voters at the time registration closes before an election may conduct the election by mail ballot.  The auditor conducts the mail ballot election by sending applications for mail ballots to all the registered voters in the precinct no later than 15 days before the election.  Each voter returning the application must receive a mail ballot; the application remains valid for subsequent mail ballot elections so long as the voter remains registered and active. 

In determining the number of active registered voters in a precinct for purposes of determining whether a mail ballot election is authorized, persons who are ongoing absentee voters are not counted.

Summary:

The prohibition against counting ongoing absentee voters when determining whether a precinct qualifies for a mail ballot election is removed.

Rule Making Authority: No express authority.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.