HB 1644-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Clarifies recount procedures.

     Declares that "recount" means the process of retabulating ballots and producing amended election returns based on that retabulation, even if the vote totals have not changed.

     Provides that if the official canvass of all of the returns for any office at any primary or election reveals that the difference in the number of votes cast for a candidate apparently nominated or elected to any office and the number of votes cast for the closest apparently defeated opponent is less than two thousand votes and also less than one-half of one percent of the total number of votes cast for both candidates, the county canvassing board shall conduct a recount of all votes cast on that position.

     Requires the county auditor to notify the affected parties by either telephone, fax, e-mail, or other electronic means at the time of mailing.  At least three attempts must be made over a two-day period to notify the affected parties or until the affected parties have received the notification.  Each attempt to notify affected parties must request a return response indicating that the notice has been received.

     Provides that when a partial recount of votes cast for an office or issue changes the result of the election, the canvassing board or the secretary of state, if the office or issue is  being recounted at his or her direction, shall order a complete recount of all ballots cast for the office or issue for the jurisdiction in question.

     Requires the recount to be conducted in a manner consistent with RCW 29.64.015.