Title: An act relating to prohibiting county auditors from putting their names on absentee ballot envelopes when running for reelection.

Brief Description: Modifying absentee ballot envelope content.

Sponsors: House Committee on State Government Operations & Accountability (originally sponsored by Representatives Holmquist, Haigh, Nixon, Green, Schindler, Clements, Sump, Ahern, McDermott, Haler, Chase, Sells, McDonald, Hasegawa, Kenney, Kristiansen, Bailey and McCune).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/14/06, 96-1.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections:

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: The county auditor is an elected official in non-charter counties. Statute specifies numerous duties and responsibilities for the auditor, including directives pertaining to financial and election administration. Regarding election administration, the auditor has the overall responsibility to maintain voter registration and conduct state and local elections. Among the prescribed duties for election administration, the auditor is directed to provide places for holding primaries and elections, and provide supplies and materials necessary for the conduct of elections.

As an elected official, the county auditor's name appears on business envelopes and mailings distributed to the public.

Summary of Bill: When running for election or re-election to any public office, county auditors are prohibited from putting their names on absentee ballot security or return envelopes.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2007.