Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government & Tribal Relations Committee

HB 2008

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: Concerning alternate methods of ballot security.

Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Gregerson and Tarleton.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Permits the county auditor to send voters a return envelope that fully shields a ballot from view after the voter's identifying information is removed, rather than sending separate return and security envelopes.

Hearing Date: 2/20/19

Staff: Jason Zolle (786-7124).

Background:

Washington allows voting by mail, and the county auditor must send each voter a ballot. The auditor must also send a security envelope in which the voter can conceal the ballot after voting, along with a larger envelope in which to return the security envelope.

The Washington Constitution requires the Legislature to adopt voting methods that ensure the absolute secrecy of a voter's ballot.

Summary of Bill:

Instead of sending separate return and security envelopes, a county auditor may send the voter a return envelope that fully shields the voter's ballot from view after the voter's identifying information is removed.

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.