The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1895-06-21
New Laws go into Effect.

except those that had an emergency
clause attached, went into effect and
became the statutory mandate on all
matters to which they relate.
Many of the new laws are of little
public interest, being enactments for
the relief Of divers persons, the reg
ulating of corporations and deficiency
bills and appropriations. But some
that were passed very materially
change existing laws and should be
attentively read by all citizens.
One of the most important, if most
brief, laws passed relates to the regis
tration of voters. 1t provides that in
all cities and towns having a popula-
tion of more than $50 voters registra-
ton is required in both general and
special elections, excepting road cleo
tions. Under the old law registration
was not required in special elections,
but hereafter no elector will be allow
ed to cast ballot unless his name. ap-
pears upon the registration list. The
act also provides that the wards or
voting precincts established by the
authorities of any county, city or
town shall be the same for all county,
state, national and other elections.
Another law which went into effect
Thursday, and which it is we'll for
every voter to know, is the prelimin-
ary election law, which prescribes the
manner in which political primaries
may be held. Under it primary cleo
tions are only legal when the call for
the same shall have been made by
resolution and attested by the chair
man and secretary of the political
party making it, and by publication in
newspaper. In order to vote in Il
political primary it is necessary to
possess the same qualifications re-
quired of voters at general elections.
The persons to be voted for as dele
gates shall be selected in excess by at
least twice the number to be elected
in each polling precinct, and such
selection must be made at least one
day before the primaries. The names
of the delegates so selected must then
be printed on one ballot, which shall
be the only ballot voted at the prima-
ries, and shall be obtained only from
the primary election officers immedi-
ately b fore voting.
In voting at primaries under this
new law only the Australian ballot
system shall be used, and all the cere-
monials of that law must be properly
observed. After counting the votes
the Judges must file the tally list and
ballots with the county clerk, where
they shall be kept as part OF the pub
lie records until after the adjourn
ment of the convention for which the
election was held.
Still ano her election law went into
operation Yesterday. 1t consists of
numerous amendments to several Sec
tions of the general elections act. One
of these requires that a candidates
name shall only appear once on the
ballots. no matter whether or not he
NAV have been nominated by two or
more political parties. Independent
nominations may be filed with the
county clerk if 300 or more names of
electors are attached to the certificate.
This law also expressly provides that
if the plain intent of the voter is
shown, even though the ballot may
not be marked in strict accordance
with the law, such ballot must be
counted by the judges.
Among other new law that went into
operation ninety days after the ad-
iournnent of the legislature are those
making Abraham Lincon's birthday,
February II, a legal holiday; exempt
inc fire insurance money from execu-
ton when made in payment OF a
house burned down that was of itself
exempt from execution; prohibiting
the employment of women in places
where Intoxicating liquors are sold
limiting to ten the maximum number
of hours street car employees are per-
mitted to work each day providing Tor
the inspection and weighing OF grain
establishing the legal rate OF interest
at 7 per cent. with privilege OF con-
tracing up to IL per cent; providing
the organization OF townships into
political divisions and prescribing the
manner thereof.
Under the amendment to section IL
Of the act relating to assignments
which went into operation yesterday
II will not be necessary for debtor as
signors to pay fifty per cent OF theii
debt before becoming discharged from
all further ability, as required under
the old law. All that must be done
now is for the assignor to pay all the
expenses of the proceedings, where
mon he can be discharged from pay
ment of his debit. This amendmen
is regarded by lawyers who have stud