HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1727
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 Reported by House Committee On:
State Government, Elections & Information Technology
Title: An act relating to extending in-person voter registration.
Brief Description: Extending in-person voter registration.
Sponsors: Representatives Dolan, Hudgins, Bergquist, Macri, Clibborn, Gregerson, Pettigrew, Riccelli, Orwall, Ryu, Kloba, Lovick, Fey, Lytton, Goodman, Doglio, Jinkins, Cody, Ortiz-Self, Stanford, Frame, Tharinger, Tarleton, Pollet and Slatter.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
State Government, Elections & Information Technology: 2/7/17, 2/14/17 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, ELECTIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Hudgins, Chair; Dolan, Vice Chair; Appleton, Gregerson and Pellicciotti.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 4 members: Representatives Koster, Ranking Minority Member; Volz, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Irwin and Kraft.
Staff: Megan Palchak (786-7105).
Background:
County auditors supervise all primary, general, and special elections. Auditors must provide supplies, materials, and places necessary for elections. Persons must register to vote in elections, and may do so by submitting applications by mail, electronically, or in person. Except when registering in person, applications must be submitted no later than 29 days before the day of an election. Persons may register in person at the county auditor's office in his or her county of residence, no later than eight days prior to the day of the election. Persons seeking to update registrations may do so no later than 29 days prior to an election.
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Summary of Bill:
Persons may register to vote at locations designated by the county auditor in his or her county of residence no later than 5 p.m. on the day of the primary, special election, or general election.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Enabling voter registration closer to an election promotes active voting, increases voter turnout, and is good for democracy.
(Opposed) Auditors who implement elections face angry voters. The old polling style presents staffing challenges. Integrity of elections are compromised whenever a "ballot" is waiting in the wings. Technology is the real key.
(Other) The compressed timeframe may contribute to the election administration burden. Concentrating in person registration close to an election timeframe creates undue pressure. There is a modernization project underway, supporting online registration, that should be considered. Synchronizing registration deadlines is needed and requires amending current law.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Dolan, prime sponsor; Alex Hur, Washington Voter Justice Assoication; and Nancy Sapiro, League of Women Voters of Washington.
(Opposed) Monty Cobb, Association of County Officials.
(Other) Lori Augino, Office of the Secretary of State.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.