SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5554

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.

As of November 28, 2011

Title: An act relating to identifying marks on ballots.

Brief Description: Preventing rejection of ballots that have voter identifying marks.

Sponsors: Senators Roach and Chase.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/15/11.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Sam Thompson (786-7413)

Background: One criteria for paper ballots issued by an election official is that the election official may not mark them in any way that would permit the voter to be identified.

Summary of Bill: No ballot may contain an encrypted or unencrypted bar code or other unique identifying mark other than a randomly assigned, unique mark not associated with an individual voter, a voter's address, or a voter's registration number. The purpose of the allowed mark may only be for auditing, vote-reconciliation, or to determine if the ballot has been counted.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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