BILL REQ. #: H-1853.2

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SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1624
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State of Washington

61st Legislature

2009 Regular Session

By House State Government & Tribal Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Appleton, Armstrong, Hunt, Alexander, Hurst, Rodne, Darneille, Herrera, Finn, Smith, and Ormsby; by request of Secretary of State)

READ FIRST TIME 02/17/09.

AN ACT Relating to internet voting for service voters and overseas voters; and adding a new section to chapter 29A.40 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 29A.40 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The secretary of state is authorized to establish a method that allows service voters and overseas voters to cast a ballot over the internet.
     (2) In reviewing ways to implement this section, the secretary of state will consider computing hardware and software systems that:
     (a) Ensure the integrity and secrecy of the ballot and authentication of the voter;
     (b) Meet relevant and prevailing computer security standards;
     (c) Use system components that are available for audit and certification; and
     (d) Allow for optional phased implementation.
     (3) The secretary of state may seek alternative public or nonprofit funding sources to implement this section.
     (4) The method established by the secretary of state for allowing service and overseas voters to vote over the internet is exempt from chapter 29A.12 RCW.

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