SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5034

As of February 12, 2001

Title:  An act relating to presidential electors.

Brief Description:  Adjusting apportionment of presidential electors.

Sponsors:  Senators Parlette and Carlson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government: 2/14/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Staff:  Aaron Jennings (786‑7445)

Background:  The states may determine how to proportion their electoral votes.  Currently 48 states grant their electors to the winner of the statewide presidential election.  Maine and Nebraska grant one elector to the winner of each congressional district and the remaining two electors to the statewide winner.  Washington subjects an elector to a $1,000 fine for voting for  someone other than his or her party=s candidate for president.

Summary of Bill:  The statewide winner of the presidential election is granted two presidential electors, while remaining electors are granted individually to the winning presidential candidate within each congressional district.  Elector=s are subject to a $1,000 fine for voting for a presidential candidate that did not win the statewide election if the elector was appointed based on the statewide winner, or if the elector was selected based on the winning presidential candidate of a congressional district, not voting for the presidential candidate that won that district for which the elector was selected.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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