Source: http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2007/17/07-17-138.htm
Timestamp: 2020-02-27 05:46:21
Document Index: 89114020

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434', '§ 434']

WSR 07-17-138
[ Filed August 20, 2007, 4:53 p.m. ]
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 07-12-033.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Cycle 3 Rules of 2007 will implement legislation passed by the 2007 legislature and address a variety of other topics, including voting centers, service and overseas voters, manual recounts, and local multicounty races and measures.
Hearing Location(s): Conference Room, 520 Union Avenue S.E., Olympia, WA 98501, on September 26, 2007, at 1:30 p.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: September 27, 2007.
Submit Written Comments to: Tami Neilson, P.O. Box 40220, Olympia, WA 98504-0220, e-mail tneilson@secstate.wa.gov, fax (360) 586-5629, by September 26, 2007.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The rules are intended to permanently adopt the emergency rules previously filed to implement legislation passed by the 2007 legislature and to consolidate and implement standard procedures statewide. Rules will also address a variety of topics, including service and overseas voters, voting centers, manual recounts of audits of DREs, and local multicounty races and measures.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: Rules must reflect current law and are necessary for uniformity.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Tami Neilson, Legislative Building, (360) 902-4182; Implementation and Enforcement: Katie Blinn, Legislative Building, (360) 902-4168.
OTS-9769.3
(1) "Checkbox" means a voter response position on a consolidated ballot that allows a voter ((who desires to vote in a partisan primary)) to affiliate with a major political party.
(2) "Consolidated ballot" is a single ballot that includes party checkboxes and lists the major political party candidates for partisan office of all major political parties, the candidates for nonpartisan office, and the ballot measures. The candidates for partisan office are listed by party, and each party is separated from the other parties. The candidates for nonpartisan office and the ballot measures are listed at the end of the ballot, after the partisan offices. ((In the case of a direct recording electronic device, a consolidated ballot must have a beginning screen which contains a checkbox for the major political parties. After the voter has affiliated with a major party by marking a checkbox, only the party ballot checked by the voter and the nonpartisan ballot shall appear to the voter.))
(i) On a consolidated ballot, ((a voter's selection of a major political party in a manner consistent with the type of voting system used)) selecting a party checkbox or voting in the partisan races for candidates of only one political party;
(ii) On physically separate ballots, voting ((a major)) one political party's ballot;
(b) For a write-in candidate for partisan office, filing as a write-in candidate as a member of a major political party.
(5) "Physically separate ballots" include party ballots for each major political party, and a nonpartisan ballot. Each party ballot lists the candidates for partisan office that have listed that party on the declaration of candidacy, as well as all candidates for the nonpartisan offices and the ballot measures.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 06-14-049, § 434-220-020, filed 6/28/06, effective 7/29/06.]
WAC 434-220-030 Ballot layout and color -- Consolidated ballots. A county may choose to use a combination of both consolidated and physically separate ballots ((for poll-site, absentee, and vote by mail ballots)). County auditors may use spot coloring, shading, or colored printing to assist the voter in distinguishing between party sections. If color is used, blue must be used for the democratic party ((ballot)), and red must be used for the republican party ((ballot)). In addition to other requirements listed in state law and administrative rule, the following provisions apply to the layout of consolidated ballots:
(2) Ballots must list partisan office candidates in columns or sections labeled "democratic party" and "republican party." The political party abbreviation after each candidate's name may be eliminated if the ballot layout clearly identifies the candidate's political party. If a party section spans multiple columns, the next party section must begin where the last party section ended, and there must be a well-defined division between the party sections. If all parties cannot be listed on the same side of the ballot, there must be a conspicuous explanation that additional parties are listed on the other side of the ballot.
"This ballot contains ((major political party candidates for the)) partisan offices, ((candidates for the)) nonpartisan offices, and ballot measures. For the partisan offices, you may only vote for candidates of ((only)) one political party. ((Regardless of whether you vote for partisan offices, you may vote for the nonpartisan offices and the ballot measures.))
1. ((Select one political party. If you do not select a party or if you select more than one party, your votes for partisan offices will not be counted. No record will be made of the party you select.)) If you want to vote for democratic candidates, (fill in the box, fill in the oval, connect the arrow, check the box) for the democratic party and vote the democratic section of the ballot. If you want to vote for republican candidates, (fill in the box, fill in the oval, connect the arrow, check the box) for the republican party and vote the republican section of the ballot. There will be no record of which party you select. You may not select both parties or vote for candidates of both parties.
2. ((Vote only for candidates of that party. Votes for another party's candidates will not be counted.
3.)) Vote for nonpartisan offices and ballot measures. These votes will be counted, even if you do not select a political party."
(5) Ballot instructions may be printed on the ballot itself or on the ballot stub. An instruction page may be considered a separate page of the ballot, in which case page one of the ballot must be the instruction page and the candidates and ballot measures must begin on page two.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 06-14-049, § 434-220-030, filed 6/28/06, effective 7/29/06.]
WAC 434-220-040 Ballot layout and color -- Physically separate ballots. A county may choose to use a combination of both consolidated and physically separate ballots ((for poll-site, absentee, and vote by mail ballots)). County auditors may use colored ballot stock, spot coloring, shading, or colored printing to assist the voter in distinguishing between the ballots. If colored ballot stock is used, blue must be used for the democratic party ballot, and red must be used for the republican party ballot. In addition to other requirements listed in state law and administrative rule, the following provisions apply to the layout of physically separate ballots:
(1) A separate ballot must be produced for ((each major political party and for all nonpartisan races. The political party abbreviation after each candidate's name may be eliminated if the ballot layout clearly identifies the candidate's political party)):
(a) The democratic party;
(b) The republican party; and
(c) The nonpartisan offices and ballot measures.
(2) Each physically separate ballot must have "democratic party," "republican party," or "nonpartisan offices and measures" printed on the ballot. In addition to the requirements of RCW 29A.36.121, each party ballot must list partisan offices first, then all nonpartisan offices and ballot measures. The political party abbreviation after each candidate's name may be eliminated if the ballot layout clearly identifies the candidate's political party. All ballots must be issued to each voter, both at the poll-site and to voters voting by mail or absentee. ((Voters must be instructed to vote and return only one ballot.))
"((Separate ballots for each political party have been provided, in addition to)) You have been provided a democratic party ballot, a republican party ballot, and a third ballot ((for)) that only lists the nonpartisan offices and ballot measures. Each party ballot lists the candidates of that ((political)) party running for partisan office, as well as the candidates running for nonpartisan office and the ballot measures. The ((ballot labeled)) "nonpartisan offices and measures" ballot only lists the ((candidates running for)) nonpartisan offices and ((the)) ballot measures, ((but)) and does not list any partisan offices.
You may only vote one ballot. ((Your affiliation with a political party is inferred by choosing that party's ballot, but no record will be made of your choice. If you cast more than one party ballot, none of your votes for partisan office will count. If you vote for the nonpartisan offices and ballot measures on a party ballot, return the party ballot only and not the separate nonpartisan ballot. Votes for the nonpartisan offices and ballot measures will not be affected by your choice of party ballot.)) There will be no record of which ballot you return.
If you want to vote for democratic candidates, vote the democratic ballot. If you want to vote for republican candidates, vote the republican ballot. If you do not want to affiliate with a political party, vote the "nonpartisan offices and measures" ballot."
(4) Ballot instructions may be printed on the ballot itself or on the ballot stub. An instruction page may be considered a separate page of the ballot, in which case page one of the ballot must be the instruction page and the candidates and ballot measures must begin on page two.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 06-14-049, § 434-220-040, filed 6/28/06, effective 7/29/06.]
(a) If a voter marks a party checkbox ((for a major political party, only)), partisan office votes for candidates of that party only may be counted, in addition to votes for the nonpartisan offices and ballot measures; ((and))
(b) If a voter marks a party checkbox, partisan office votes for candidates of the other party may not be counted;
(c) If a voter does not mark a party checkbox ((for a major political party, no votes for a partisan office)) but votes in the partisan races for candidates of only one party, the partisan office votes may be counted, in addition to the nonpartisan offices and ballot measures; ((and
(c))) (d) If a voter does not mark a party checkbox and votes in the partisan races for candidates of both political parties, no votes for partisan office may be counted but votes for nonpartisan office and ballot measures may be counted;
(e) If a voter marks ((two or more)) both party checkboxes, no votes for ((a)) partisan office may be counted but votes for nonpartisan office and ballot measures may be counted; and
(((d))) (f) In the case of direct recording electronic devices, the voter must be allowed to select one ((ballot)) party on the first screen, and have only the ballot for the party selected appear to the voter.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 06-14-049, § 434-220-060, filed 6/28/06, effective 7/29/06.]
WAC 434-220-070 Polling place procedures -- Physically separate ballots. (1) In ((the case of optical scan)) a county using physically separate ballots, poll workers must give each voter a party ballot for each major political party and a nonpartisan ballot. The county auditor must number the ballot stubs in a manner so that it cannot be determined which ballot was cast by the voter. The poll workers must instruct the voter to choose one ballot to vote. The remaining two ballots must be deposited into an "unvoted ballots" container secured with a numbered seal. The voter may select a single ballot and deposit the other ballots in the "unvoted ballots" container prior to entering the voting booth, or may deposit the unvoted ballots after leaving the voting booth. Regardless of when the ballot selection is made, the poll workers must ensure that only one ballot is deposited in the ballot box and the remaining ballots are deposited into the "unvoted ballots" container. The privacy of the ballot selection by the voter must be maintained. The ballot stub must be removed and placed into the ballot stub envelope before the voted ballot is deposited into the ballot box.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 06-14-049, § 434-220-070, filed 6/28/06, effective 7/29/06.]
WAC 434-220-080 No ((records made at poll-sites)) record of political party affiliation. Pursuant to RCW 29A.44.231, no record of the political party ((ballot)) selected by the voter may be made. This prohibition includes poll workers, political observers and any other person who may be present while voting or ballot processing is taking place. The use of devices such as telephones, cameras, or recording devices to report, track, or monitor ((the ballot)) a voter's party selection ((by voters)) is prohibited.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 06-14-049, § 434-220-080, filed 6/28/06, effective 7/29/06.]
OTS-9770.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-09-036, filed 4/11/07, effective 5/12/07)
WAC 434-230-170 Ballot form. Each office on the ballot shall be identified, along with a statement designating how many candidates ((are to)) may be voted on for such office (((e.g., vote for . . . . . , with the words, "one," "two," or a spelled number))). The office term shall be included on the ballot if such term is other than a full term (e.g., short/full term, two-year unexpired term, etc.). Each office shall be listed on the ballot in the manner prescribed by law or administrative rule. Following the office designation the names of all candidates for that position shall be listed together with political party designation or abbreviation as certified by the secretary of state as provided in RCW 29A.36.011 or the word "nonpartisan," or "NP" as applicable. When choosing to use abbreviations, the county auditor must provide a legend on each ballot defining all abbreviations. In a partisan primary, candidates shall be listed by political party as provided in chapter 434-220 WAC. Each office listed on the ballot shall be separated by a bold line. In a year in which a President of the United States is to be elected, the names of all candidates for President and Vice-President for each party shall be grouped together with one vote response position for each party, where the voter may indicate his or her choice.
Each position, with the candidates running for that office, shall be clearly delineated from the following one by a bold line. Following each listing of candidates shall be a blank space for writing in the name of any candidate.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 07-09-036, § 434-230-170, filed 4/11/07, effective 5/12/07; 06-14-049, § 434-230-170, filed 6/28/06, effective 7/29/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.610. 04-15-089, § 434-230-170, filed 7/16/04, effective 8/16/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 29.04.210 and 29.30.020. 00-11-042, § 434-230-170, filed 5/11/00, effective 6/11/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 29.04.080, 29.04.210, 29.36.150 and 29.79.200. 97-21-045, recodified as § 434-230-170, filed 10/13/97, effective 11/13/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 29.04.080 and 29.04.210. 92-10-038, § 434-30-170, filed 5/4/92, effective 6/4/92.]
OTS-9923.2
Chapter 434-235 WAC
SERVICE AND OVERSEAS VOTERS
(b) Is a student or member of the faculty at a United States military academy;
(c) Is a member of the merchant marine of the United States;
(d) Is a program participant as defined in RCW 40.24.020; or
(5) Overseas voter is defined in RCW 29A.04.109 as any elector of the state of Washington outside the territorial limits of the United States or the District of Columbia.
(2) Pursuant to RCW 29A.40.010, a uniformed, service, or overseas voter does not have be registered in order to request an absentee ballot. Consequently, a uniformed, service, or overseas voter may request a ballot and be registered after the registration deadlines of RCW 29A.08.140, 29A.08.145, and WAC 434-324-075 have passed.
(a) If the voter is not previously registered, the county auditor must register the voter immediately. The voter must be flagged in the voter registration system accordingly.
(b) A voter who registers to vote by signing the return envelope of the absentee ballot is not required to provide a driver's license number, Social Security number or other form of identification as outlined in RCW 29A.08.113.
(c) If the county auditor is unable to precinct the voter due to an incomplete residential address on the application, the county auditor must attempt to contact the voter to clarify the application. If, in the judgment of the county auditor, there is insufficient time to correct the application before the next election or primary, the county auditor must issue the absentee ballot as if the voter had listed the county auditor's office as his or her residence. A special precinct for this purpose may be created. Upon its return, the ballot must be referred to the county canvassing board. Only the following offices and issues may be tabulated:
(i) Those common to the entire county; and
(ii) A congressional race based on the precinct encompassing the auditor's office.
(4) If a voters' pamphlet for that primary or election is available, the county auditor must include a voters' pamphlet with the absentee ballot.
(6) Pursuant to RCW 29A.40.150, the secretary of state must furnish envelopes and instructions for absentee ballots issued to uniformed, overseas and service voters. Absentee ballots issued to voters in these categories must be mailed postage-free, and return envelopes must be marked to indicate that they may be returned postage-free. For purposes of RCW 29A.40.150, service voters do not include participants of the address confidentiality program established in chapter 40.24 RCW.
(2) The absentee ballots referred to in this section must be received prior to certification of the election or primary. The date on the envelope associated with the voter's signature, rather than the postmark on the envelope, determines the validity of the ballot. The signature on the oath must be dated no later than election day. An absentee ballot returned electronically is invalid until the original is received.
(3) The county auditor must provide statistics on voting by uniformed, service and overseas voters in the certification report required by RCW 29A.60.235 and in response to requests by the federal election assistance commission.
OTS-9924.2
WAC 434-250-030 Applications. (1) As authorized by RCW 29A.40.040, requests for status as an ongoing absentee voter must be made in writing. With the exception of county auditors who conduct primaries and elections entirely by mail, each county auditor must provide applications for requests made in writing. The form must include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) A space for the voter to print his or her name and the address at which he or she is registered to vote;
(b) The address to which the ballot is to be mailed; and
(c) A space for the voter to sign and date the application. A voter may request status as an ongoing absentee voter by indicating such on a standard voter registration form.
(2) As authorized by RCW 29A.40.020 and 29A.40.030, requests for a single absentee ballot may be made in person, by telephone, electronically, or in writing, and may be made by a family member. With the exception of county auditors who conduct primaries and elections entirely by mail, each county auditor must provide applications for requests made in writing. The form must include, but not be limited to, the following:
(b) The address to which the ballot is to be mailed;
(c) A space for the voter to indicate for which election or elections the application is made; and
(d) A space for the voter to sign and date the application.
(3) As authorized by RCW 29A.40.050, requests for a special absentee ballot must be made in writing and each county auditor must provide the applications. In addition to the requirements for a single absentee ballot, as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the form must include:
(a) A space for an overseas or service voter not registered to vote in Washington to indicate his or her last residential address in Washington; and
(b) A checkbox requesting that a single absentee ballot be forwarded as soon as possible.
The county auditor shall honor any application for a special absentee ballot that is in substantial compliance with the provisions of this section. Any application for a special absentee ballot received more than ninety days prior to a primary or general election may be either returned to the applicant with the explanation that the request is premature or held by the auditor until the appropriate time and then processed.
(4) As authorized by RCW 29A.40.080, requests for an absentee ballot may be made by a resident of a health care facility, as defined by RCW 70.37.020(3). Each county shall provide an application form for such a registered voter to apply for a single absentee ballot by messenger on election day. The messenger may pick up the voter's absentee ballot and deliver it to the voter and return it to the county auditor's office.
(((5) If an application for an absentee ballot is received from a military or overseas voter who is not already registered, and the application does not contain sufficient address information to enable the auditor to issue the correct absentee ballot, the auditor shall contact the person to clarify the application. If, in the judgment of the county auditor, insufficient time exists to correct the application, the auditor must issue the absentee ballot as if the voter had listed the county auditor's office as his or her residence. Upon its return, the ballot must be referred to the county canvassing board, and the only offices or issues that may be tabulated are those common to the entire county.))
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 07-09-036, § 434-250-030, filed 4/11/07, effective 5/12/07; 06-14-047, § 434-250-030, filed 6/28/06, effective 7/29/06; 05-17-145, § 434-250-030, filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05.]
WAC 434-250-070 Forwarding ballots. (1) If the county auditor chooses not to forward ballots, the ((return)) envelope must clearly indicate the ballot is not to be forwarded ((and return postage is guaranteed)).
(2) If the county auditor chooses to forward absentee ballots, as authorized by RCW 29A.40.091, the county auditor must include with the ballot an explanation of qualifications necessary to vote and instructions substantially similar to the following:
If you have changed your permanent residence address, please contact your county auditor to ensure the ballot you receive in future elections contains the races and issues for your residential address. If you have any questions about your eligibility to vote in this election, please contact your county auditor.
The above instructions and the explanation required by RCW 29A.40.091 may be provided on the ballot envelope, on an enclosed insert, or on the ballot itself. Auditors must begin to provide the above instruction to voters no later than January 1, 2008. The county auditor must utilize postal service endorsements that allow:
(a) The ballots to be forwarded;
(b) The county auditor to receive from the post office the addresses to which ballots were forwarded; and
(c) The return of ballots that were not capable of being forwarded.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 07-12-032, § 434-250-070, filed 5/30/07, effective 6/30/07; 05-17-145, § 434-250-070, filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05.]
WAC 434-250-060 Service and overseas voters.
OTS-9921.2
WAC 434-250-100 ((Depositing of ballots.)) Ballot deposit sites and voting centers. ((Ballots may be deposited in the auditor's office during normal business hours prior to the day of the election, and from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election. Places of deposit)) (1) If a location only receives ballots and does not issue any ballots, it is considered a ballot deposit site. Ballot deposit sites may be staffed or unstaffed.
(((1)))(a) ((Staffed sites)) If a ballot deposit site is staffed, it must be staffed by at least two people. Deposit site staff may be employees of the county auditor's office or persons appointed by the auditor. If two or more deposit site staff are persons appointed by the county auditor, the appointees shall be representatives of different major political parties whenever possible. Deposit site staff shall subscribe to an oath regarding the discharge of ((the)) their duties. (((b) Staffed deposit sites)) Staffed deposit sites open on election day must be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. ((on the day of the election and)) Staffed deposit sites may be open prior to the election ((on)) according to dates and times established by the county auditor. Staffed deposit sites must have a secure ballot box that is constructed in a manner to allow return envelopes, once deposited, to only be removed by the county auditor or by the deposit site staff. If a ballot envelope is returned after 8:00 p.m. on election day, deposit site staff must note the time and place of deposit on the ballot envelope, and such ballots must be referred to the canvassing board ((for consideration of whether special circumstances warrant consideration, as documented by the deposit site staff)).
(((c) A staffed deposit site that only receives ballots is not considered a polling place. A staffed deposit site that both receives and issues ballots is considered a polling place.
(b) Secured and located indoors)) (b) Unstaffed ballot deposit sites consist of secured ballot boxes that allow return envelopes, once deposited, to only be removed by authorized staff. Ballot boxes located outdoors must be constructed of durable material able to withstand inclement weather, and be sufficiently secured to the ground or another structure to prevent their removal. From eighteen days prior to election day until 8:00 p.m. on election day, two people who are either employees of or appointed by the county auditor must empty each ballot box with sufficient frequency to prevent damage and unauthorized access to the ballots.
(2) If a location offers replacement ballots, provisional ballots, or disability access voting, it is considered a voting center. The requirements for staffed ballot deposit sites apply to voting centers. Each voting center must:
(a) Be posted according to standard public notice procedures;
(b) Be an accessible location consistent with chapters 29A.16 RCW and 434-257 WAC;
(d) Offer disability access voting;
(e) Offer provisional ballots, which may be sample ballots;
(f) Record the name, signature and other relevant information for each voter who votes on a direct recording electronic voting device in such a manner that the ballot cannot be traced back to the voter;
(g) Request identification, consistent with RCW 29A.44.205 and WAC 434-253-024, from each voter voting on a direct recording electronic voting device or voting a provisional ballot;
(h) Issue a provisional ballot to each voter who is unable to provide identification in accordance with (g) of this subsection;
(i) Have electronic or telephonic access to the voter registration system consistent with WAC 434-250-095 if voters are voting on a direct recording electronic voting device;
(j) Provide either a voters' pamphlet or sample ballots;
(k) Provide voter registration forms;
(l) Display a HAVA voter information poster;
(m) Display the date of that election;
(n) Provide instructions on how to properly mark the ballot;
(o) Provide election materials in alternative languages if required by the Voting Rights Act; and
(p) Use an accountability form to account for all ballots issued.
(3) Ballot boxes must be locked and sealed at all times, with seal logs that document each time the box is opened, by whom, and the number of ballots removed. ((From eighteen days prior to election day until 8:00 p.m. on election day, two people who are either employees of or appointed by the county auditor must empty each ballot drop box with sufficient frequency to prevent damage or unauthorized access to the ballots.)) Ballots must be placed into sealed transport carriers and returned to the county auditor's office or another designated location. At exactly 8:00 p.m. on election day, all ballot ((drop)) boxes must be emptied or sealed to prevent the deposit of additional ballots.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 06-23-094, § 434-250-100, filed 11/15/06, effective 12/16/06; 06-14-047, § 434-250-100, filed 6/28/06, effective 7/29/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611, 29A.04.530. 06-02-028, § 434-250-100, filed 12/28/05, effective 1/28/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 05-17-145, § 434-250-100, filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05.]
WAC 434-250-310 Notice of elections by mail. (1) A jurisdiction requesting that a special election be conducted entirely by mail, as authorized by RCW 29A.48.020, may include the request in the resolution calling for the special election, or may make the request by a separate resolution. Not less than forty-seven days prior to the date for which a mail ballot special election has been requested, the county auditor shall inform the requesting jurisdiction, in writing, whether the request is granted and, if not granted, the reasons why.
(2) In the event that a primary is to be conducted by mail, the auditor must notify the jurisdiction involved not later than seventy-nine days before the primary date.
(3) In addition to the information required in the notice of election published pursuant to RCW 29A.52.351 and 29A.52.311, a county auditor conducting an election by mail, including a county auditor that conducts every election by mail, must also state:
(a) The election will be conducted by mail and regular polling places will not be open;
(b) The precincts that are voting by mail if it is only specific precincts rather than the entire county;
(c) The location where voters may obtain replacement ballots;
(d) Return postage is required;
(e) The dates, times and locations of designated deposit sites and ((sites for voting devices that are accessible to the visually impaired, including the county auditor's office as a polling place)) voting centers.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 07-12-032, § 434-250-310, filed 5/30/07, effective 6/30/07; 05-17-145, § 434-250-310, filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05.]
WAC 434-250-320 ((Deposit sites.)) Ballot deposit sites and voting centers in mail elections. A county auditor conducting a county-wide election entirely by mail must provide at least two ((sites for the deposit of ballots. One of the deposit sites)) locations to deposit ballots. These locations may be either a ballot deposit site or a voting center, as defined in WAC 434-250-100. At least one location may be at the county auditor's office. All other deposit sites must be at geographical locations that are different from the county auditor's office. ((All deposit sites must meet the requirements of WAC 434-250-100.))
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 06-14-047, § 434-250-320, filed 6/28/06, effective 7/29/06; 05-17-145, § 434-250-320, filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05.]
WAC 434-250-330 County auditor's office as a ((polling place)) voting center. (1) For elections conducted entirely by mail, ((services that would have been provided at the polling place must, at a minimum, be provided at the county auditor's office, including provisional ballots. Such services must be provided)) the county auditor's office must operate as a voting center beginning the ((date)) day that ballots are mailed to voters, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. ((Identification must be provided in compliance with RCW 29A.44.205 and WAC 434-253-024, except in the case of replacement ballots as authorized by RCW 29A.48.040. If the county auditor does not maintain poll books at the county auditor's office, the voter must sign a record that includes the same information that would have appeared in a poll book. To maintain the secrecy of each voter's ballot, the voter's information must not be recorded in the same order that his or her ballot was cast.))
(2) If the persons providing services at the county auditor's office are not employees of the county auditor's office but are persons appointed by the county auditor, the appointees must be representatives of different major political parties and must subscribe to an oath regarding the discharge of duties.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 07-12-032, § 434-250-330, filed 5/30/07, effective 6/30/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611, 29A.04.530. 06-02-028, § 434-250-330, filed 12/28/05, effective 1/28/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 05-17-145, § 434-250-330, filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05.]
OTS-9771.1
WAC 434-250-340 Manual count of selected precincts.
OTS-9789.1
(17) HAVA voter information poster;
(18) A sign listing the date of the election and the hours of voting on election day;
(19) Voter registration forms; and
(((19))) (20) For partisan primaries in counties using physically separate ballots, ((and)) an "unvoted ballots" container with a numbered seal.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 06-14-049, § 434-253-020, filed 6/28/06, effective 7/29/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611, 29A.04.530. 06-02-028, § 434-253-020, filed 12/28/05, effective 1/28/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 05-17-145, § 434-253-020, filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 29.04.080, 29.04.210, 29.36.150 and 29.79.200. 97-21-045, recodified as § 434-253-020, filed 10/13/97, effective 11/13/97. Statutory Authority: 1990 c 59. 92-12-083, § 434-53-020, filed 6/2/92, effective 7/3/92.]
WAC 434-253-025 Polling place -- Items to be posted. The following items must be posted or displayed at each polling place while it is open:
(1) United States flag;
(2) HAVA voter information poster;
(3) A sign listing the date of the election and the hours of voting on election day;
(4) Voting instructions printed in at least 16 point bold type;
(((4))) (5) Either sample ballots or voters' pamphlets;
(((5))) (6) Voter registration forms;
(((6))) (7) Election materials in alternative languages if so required by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg et seq.); and
(((7))) (8) Any other items the county auditor deems necessary.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 05-17-145, § 434-253-025, filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05.]
OTS-9772.1
WAC 434-261-060 Vote tallying system -- A manual count of random precincts.
OTS-9773.2
WAC 434-262-031 Rejection of ballots or parts of ballots. (1) The disposition of provisional ballots is governed by WAC 434-253-047. The county canvassing board must reject any ballot cast by a voter who was not qualified to vote, or for other reasons required by law or administrative rule. A log must be kept of all voted ballots rejected, and must be included in the minutes of each county canvassing board meeting.
(((1))) (a) Where two ballots are found folded together, or where a voter has voted more than one ballot;
(((2))) (b) Where two voted ballots are contained within a returned mail ballot envelope containing only one valid signature under the affidavit, unless both ballots are voted identically, in which case one ballot will be counted. If there are two valid signatures under the affidavit, both ballots must be counted;
(((3))) (c) Where a ballot or parts of a ballot are marked in such a way that it is not possible to determine the voter's intent consistent with WAC 434-261-086;
(((4))) (d) Where the voter has voted for candidates or issues for whom he or she is not entitled to vote;
(((5))) (e) Where the voter has voted for more candidates for an office than are permissible;
(((6) Where the voter has incorrectly attempted to correct a vote on the ballot contrary to the instructions provided pursuant to WAC 434-250-040 unless the voter provides written instructions directing how the vote should be counted;
(7))) (f) In the case of a partisan primary((:
(a))), where the voter has voted for a write-in candidate for partisan office who has not filed a write-in declaration of candidacy, thereby affiliating with a major party.
(3) For physically separate ballots in a partisan primary:
(((i) A log must be kept of all voted ballots rejected and included as part of the county canvassing board minutes.))
(a) If more than one ballot is returned but only one ballot is voted, the voted ballot must be counted.
(((ii))) (b) When a voted nonpartisan ballot and a voted party ballot are both returned, and the nonpartisan section of the party ballot was not voted, the votes from both ballots must be duplicated onto a blank party ballot ((of the same party the voter originally voted for)) and counted.
(((iii))) (c) When a ((party ballot and nonpartisan ballot both have been returned with the nonpartisan offices and ballot measures)) voted nonpartisan ballot and a voted party ballot are both returned, and nonpartisan races and ballot measures were voted on both ballots, the nonpartisan and ballot measure votes that are the same on each ballot and the ((party)) partisan votes ((shall)) must be duplicated onto a blank party ballot and counted.
(((iv) Write-in votes for a partisan candidate on a nonpartisan ballot must not be counted in the final write-in tally.
Additionally, the canvassing board shall reject any ballot cast by a voter not qualified to vote, and shall reject absentee ballots where such rejection is required by law or administrative rule. The disposition of provisional ballots is governed by WAC 434-253-047.)) (d) When more than one voted party ballot is returned, the partisan votes may not be counted but the nonpartisan and ballot measure votes that are the same on both ballots must be duplicated onto a blank nonpartisan ballot and counted.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 07-02-100, § 434-262-031, filed 1/3/07, effective 2/3/07; 06-14-049, § 434-262-031, filed 6/28/06, effective 7/29/06; 05-17-145, § 434-262-031, filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05.]
OTS-9925.3
WAC 434-262-105 Audit of results of votes cast on direct recording electronic device. In an audit, the county auditor must compare the paper records with the electronic results cast on the direct recording electronic devices.
(1) The audits required by RCW 29A.60.185 must use the same three races or issues, randomly selected by lot, for every direct recording electronic device subject to the audit and utilized in the election. If there are not three countywide races or issues on the ballot, the county must select the maximum number of contests available but no more than three contests from each of the devices randomly selected for the audit.
(2) Only races and issues with more than ten votes cast on all direct recording electronic devices in the county may be selected for the audit. If the county does not have such a contest, it must not conduct the audit of paper records required by RCW 29A.60.185.
(3) Counties that utilized more than one direct recording electronic device in the primary or election must randomly select the devices until the aggregate total of votes cast in each selected contest is greater than ten. The devices must also be aggregated until the number of devices selected meets the minimum required by RCW 29A.60.185.
(4) Written procedures to perform audits of direct recording electronic devices as outlined in RCW 29A.60.185 and to resolve discrepancies identified in the audit must be promulgated by the county auditor.
(a) The procedures must provide for a process of randomly selecting by lot the direct recording electronic devices that will be audited.
(b) The procedures for manually tabulating results must be conducted using a process that includes the following elements:
(i) A continuous paper record must be utilized ((in the audit)); the paper record must not be cut into separate individual records; ((and))
(ii) If a paper record indicates a ballot has been canceled, that ballot must be exempt from the audit; and
(iii) If the paper records are incomplete, the ballot images stored on the direct recording electronic device must be printed and then compared to the electronic results recorded on the direct recording electronic device.
(5) ((The county auditor must compare the paper records with the electronic records. The county auditor may)) If there is a discrepancy between the electronic results and the paper record results, the canvassing board must take ((any)) necessary actions to investigate and resolve ((discrepancies)) the discrepancy. The canvassing board must prepare a public report that outlines the discrepancy and how it was resolved. The results as determined by the canvassing board must replace the electronic results in the official certification.
(6) ((Prior to certification, and in time to resolve any discrepancies, the county auditor must alert the county canvassing board of discrepancies identified during the audit.
(7) Procedures to resolve audit discrepancies must be promulgated by each county canvassing board in accordance with discrepancy guidelines published by the secretary of state.)) If there is a discrepancy that cannot be resolved:
(a) The secretary of state must be notified immediately; and
(b) The vendor must be notified and required to provide a satisfactory explanation for the discrepancy within thirty days.
(((8))) (7) The aggregate total of paper records counted manually is subject to public disclosure.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 07-09-036, § 434-262-105, filed 4/11/07, effective 5/12/07; 05-24-040, § 434-262-105, filed 11/30/05, effective 12/31/05.]
WAC 434-262-132 Election results for multicounty candidate races. In a candidate race in a multicounty jurisdiction, with the exception of certificates of election issued in accordance with RCW 29A.52.360 and 29A.52.370, the filing officer must collect and combine the certified results from the county canvassing boards in order to issue a certificate of election.
WAC 434-262-133 Election results for multicounty local ballot measures. In a local ballot measure election for a multicounty jurisdiction, the county auditor who received the filing resolution must combine the final results for that ballot measure from all relevant counties.
OTS-9926.3
WAC 434-264-070 Manual recount of votes cast on direct recording electronic devices. In a manual recount, the county auditor must compare the paper records with the electronic results cast on direct recording electronic devices.
(1) Written procedures to perform manual recounts of direct recording electronic devices must be promulgated by the county auditor. The procedures for manually tabulating results must be conducted using a process that includes the following elements:
(a) A continuous paper record must be utilized ((in the audit)); the paper record must not be cut into separate individual records; ((and))
(b) If a paper record indicates a ballot has been canceled, the ballot must be exempt from the recount; and
(c) If the paper records are incomplete, the ballot images stored on the direct recording electronic device must be printed and then compared to the electronic results recorded on the direct recording electronic device.
(2) ((The county auditor must compare the hand recount results with the original results. The county auditor may take any necessary actions to investigate and resolve discrepancies.)) If there is a discrepancy between the electronic results and the paper record results, the canvassing board must take necessary action to investigate and resolve the discrepancy. The canvassing board must prepare a public report that outlines the discrepancy and how it was resolved. The results as determined by the canvassing board must replace the electronic results in the official certification.
(3) If there is a discrepancy that cannot be resolved:
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 07-12-032, § 434-264-070, filed 5/30/07, effective 6/30/07.]
WAC 434-264-100 Manual recount -- Counting boards. Each county auditor shall establish the number of counting boards to conduct the recount. Each board shall be comprised of no less than ((three)) two members, made up of:
(1) One representative from each of the two major political parties ((and one observer or staff person)); or
(2) Two staff persons ((and one observer; or
(3) Three staff persons)).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 07-12-032, § 434-264-100, filed 5/30/07, effective 6/30/07.]
OTS-9927.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-09-035, filed 4/11/07, effective 5/12/07)
WAC 434-335-030 Initial application for certification. Any person or corporation (applicant) owning or representing a voting system or a vote tabulating system, part of a system, equipment, materials or procedure may apply in writing to the secretary of state for certification December 1st and ending June 30th the following year. Certification examinations and hearings are only conducted between January 1st and September 15th of each year.
(1) The application must include, but is not limited to, the following information:
(a) Description of the applicant, business address, customer references, and list of election products.
(b) Description of the equipment under review, version numbers, release numbers, operating and maintenance manuals, training materials, and technical and operational specifications.
(c) Documentation of all other states that have tested, certified and used the equipment in a binding election, and the length of time used in that state. The information for each state must include the version numbers of the operating system, software, and firmware, the dates and jurisdictions, and any reports compiled by state or local governments concerning the performance of the system.
(d) A monetary deposit as described in WAC 434-335-080.
(e) A copy of a letter from the applicant to each independent testing authority (ITA) which:
(i) Directs the ITA to send a copy of the completed ITA qualification report to the secretary of state;
(ii) Authorizes the ITA to discuss testing procedures and findings with the secretary of state; and
(iii) Authorizes the ITA to allow the secretary of state to review all records of any qualification testing conducted on the equipment.
(f) A technical data package (TDP) conforming to the 2002 FEC Federal Voting Systems Standards (FVSS), Vol. II, Sec. 2 standards that includes:
(i) Identification of all COTS hardware and software products and communications services used in the operation of the voting system (ref. FVSS, 2.2.1.e);
(ii) A system functionality description (ref. FVSS, 2.3);
(iii) A system security specification (ref. FVSS, 2.6);
(iv) System operations procedures (ref. FVSS, 2.8);
(v) System maintenance procedures (ref. FVSS, 2.9);
(vi) Personnel deployment and training requirements (ref. FVSS, 2.10);
(vii) Configuration management plan (ref. FVSS, 2.11);
(viii) System change notes (if applicable, ref. FVSS, 2.13);
(ix) A system change list, if any, of modifications currently in development; and
(x) A system usability testing report.
(2) The vendor must either file the system executables for the certified system with the National Software Reference Library (NSRL) or place the source code of an electronic voting system ((must be placed)) in escrow ((and)), which must be accessible by the secretary of state under prescribed conditions ((allowing source code review for system verification)).
(3) All documents, or portions of documents, containing proprietary information are not subject to public disclosure. The secretary of state must agree to use proprietary information solely for the purpose of analyzing and testing the system, and to the extent permitted by law, may not use the proprietary information or disclose it to any other person or agency without the prior written consent of the applicant.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611, 2006 c 344. 07-09-035, § 434-335-030, filed 4/11/07, effective 5/12/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 05-18-022, § 434-335-030, filed 8/29/05, effective 9/29/05.]
WAC 434-335-190 Restricted period. No modification, change, or other alteration to voting or vote tabulating system, equipment, or component may be installed in a county between June 15th and November 30th of the same year without permission from the secretary of state. Such permission must be specific to the change and to the county making the change.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611, 2006 c 344. 07-09-035, § 434-335-190, filed 4/11/07, effective 5/12/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 06-11-042, § 434-335-190, filed 5/10/06, effective 6/10/06; 05-18-022, § 434-335-190, filed 8/29/05, effective 9/29/05.]