HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5299

BYSenate Committee on Governmental Operations (originally sponsored by Senators Thorsness, DeJarnatt, Rasmussen and Smith; by request of Secretary of State)

Permitting voters to receive assistance in voting.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives R. Fisher, Chair; Anderson, Vice Chair; McLean, Ranking Republican Member; Hankins, R. King, O'Brien, Rector, Sayan and Silver.

House Staff:Kenneth Hirst (786-7105)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT MARCH 30, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The state's Election Code permits a voter with a sensory or physical handicap to receive assistance in casting votes.  If the voter declares to the election officers that he or she is unable to record votes because of such a handicap, the voter may designate a person of his or her choice to enter the voting machine booth to assist in registering votes as the voter directs.  This assistance may also be provided by two election officers from opposite political parties.

SUMMARY:

The provisions of the Election Code which permit a person with a sensory or physical handicap to receive assistance in casting votes on a voting machine are altered to authorize expressly such assistance in any voting booth.  In addition, any other voter may request assistance in recording votes at the polling place from two election officers from opposite political parties.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Gary McIntosh, Office of the Secretary of State.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Some people have disabilities which make casting votes very difficult but are not legally "handicapped" or do not wish to declare themselves to be "handicapped."  The bill will permit these and any other voter to receive the assistance of two polling place officers from opposite political parties.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.