Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee |
SB 6498
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Modifying write-in voting provisions.
Sponsors: Senator Swecker.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/20/12
Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).
Background:
Effective January 1, 2012, to be eligible to run for elective office as a write-in candidate, a person must file a Declaration of Write-in Candidacy not later than the day ballots must be mailed. A person may file as a write-in candidate for a primary or election if the person is otherwise eligible to assume office, is not already on the ballot, and has not filed for the same office at the preceding primary.
A voter may cast a write-in vote at an election or primary for any person who has filed as a write-in candidate for the office. Such vote shall be counted the same as if the name had been printed on the ballot and marked by the voter. Also, a voter may cast a write-in vote for a person who has not filed a declaration of candidacy, provided that the person receiving the write-in vote did not file for the same office, either as a regular candidate or a write-in candidate, at the preceding primary.
Summary of Bill:
Any person who desires to be a write-in candidate, and have such votes counted at a primary or election, must file a Declaration of Write-in Candidacy no later than 18 days before the primary or election.
Write-in votes for any person who has not filed a declaration of candidacy are not valid.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.