Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government, Elections & Information Technology Committee |
HB 2704
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 election ballot space and voter informations.
Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Muri and McBride.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/24/18
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
Ballot design. The Secretary of State (Secretary) has authority to create standards for the design, layout, and production of ballots. Election ballots must be uniform within a precinct. The ballot must identify the date and type of primary or election and contain instructions on how to record a vote.
The ballot must include a statement directing people to contact the Public Disclosure Commission for information about political donations made to candidates or measures. Alternatively, the county auditor may print such information on the ballot envelope and accompanying ballot materials.
Ballot Order. The candidates and issues on the ballot must be clearly separated. Any state measure submitted to the voters must appear on the ballot before an election of offices. The order of measures is as follows:
initiatives to the people;
referendum measures;
referendum bills;
initiatives to the Legislature;
initiatives to the Legislature with legislative alternatives;
advisory votes; and
proposed constitutional amendments.
The order of candidates on a ballot must be as follows:
President and Vice President, when applicable;
United States senator;
United States representative;
Governor;
Lieutenant Governor;
Secretary of State;
State Treasurer;
State Auditor;
Attorney General;
Commissioner of Public Lands;
Superintendent of Public Instruction;
Insurance Commissioner;
State Senator;
State Representative;
county officers;
justices of the supreme court;
judges of the court of appeals;
judges of the superior court; and
judges of the district court.
Local Ballot Measures. The title on a local ballot measure must include the identification of the enacting body, a concise description of the measure, and the question to the voters. The concise description is drafted by the city attorney (for city measures) and the county prosecuting attorney for county and other districts. The concise description may not exceed 75 words. This limit does not apply to measures submitted by a regional transportation investment district or a fire protection district.
Summary of Bill:
Ballot Design. The statement directing people to contact the Public Disclosure Commission for information about political donations is not included on the ballot. The county auditor may put the statement on the ballot envelope, ballot materials accompanying the ballot, or the voter's pamphlet.
Ballot Order. The ballot order is amended for particular matters. For state measures, advisory votes are moved to the bottom of the order, below proposed constitutional amendments. For state offices, the position for Insurance Commissioner is moved ahead of the position for Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Local Ballot Measures. The concise description included with a local ballot initiative is limited to 30 words, including measures submitted by a regional transportation investment district or a fire protection district.
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.