reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
WA Rev Code § 29A.60.165 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 29A - Elections|Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing.|29A.60.165 - Unsigned ballot declarations.

RCW 29A.60.165 Unsigned ballot declarations.(1) If the voter neglects to sign the ballot declaration, the auditor shall notify the voter by first-class mail and advise the voter of the correct procedures for completing the unsigned declaration. If the ballot is received within three business days of the final meeting of the canvassing board, or the voter has been notified by first-class mail and has not responded at least three business days before the final meeting of the canvassing board, then the auditor shall attempt to notify the voter by telephone, using the voter registration record information.(2)(a) If the handwriting of the signature on a ballot declaration is not the same as the handwriting of the signature on the registration file, the auditor shall notify the voter by first-class mail, enclosing a copy of the declaration, and advise the voter of the correct procedures for updating his or her signature on the voter registration file. If the ballot is received within three business days of the final meeting of the canvassing board, or the voter has been notified by first-class mail and has not responded at least three business days before the final meeting of the canvassing board, then the auditor shall attempt to notify the voter by telephone, using the voter registration record information.(b) If the signature on a ballot declaration is not the same as the signature on the registration file because the name is different, the ballot may be counted as long as the handwriting is clearly the same. The auditor shall send the voter a change-of-name form under RCW 29A.08.440 and direct the voter to complete the form.(c) If the signature on a ballot declaration is not the same as the signature on the registration file because the voter used initials or a common nickname, the ballot may be counted as long as the surname and handwriting are clearly the same.(3) A voter may not cure a missing or mismatched signature for purposes of counting the ballot in a recount.(4) A record must be kept of all ballots with missing and mismatched signatures. The record must contain the date on which the voter was contacted or the notice was mailed, as well as the date on which the voter submitted updated information. The record must be updated each day that ballots are processed under RCW 29A.60.160, each time a voter was contacted or the notice was mailed, and when the voter submitted updated information. The auditor shall send the record, and any updated records, to the secretary of state no later than forty-eight hours after the record is created or updated. The secretary of state shall make all records publicly available no later than twenty-four hours after receiving the record.[ 2019 c 167 § 1; 2013 c 11 § 63; 2011 c 10 § 54. Prior: 2006 c 209 § 4; 2006 c 208 § 1; 2005 c 243 § 8.]NOTES:Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
WA Rev Code § 29A.60.180 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 29A - Elections|Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing.|29A.60.180 - Credit for voting.

RCW 29A.60.180 Credit for voting.Each registered voter casting a valid ballot will be credited with voting on his or her voter registration record.[ 2011 c 10 § 56; 2003 c 111 § 1518. Prior: 2001 c 241 § 12; 1988 c 181 § 3; 1987 c 346 § 16; 1983 c 136 § 1; 1965 c 9 § 29.36.075; prior: 1961 c 78 § 1. Formerly RCW 29.36.330, 29.36.075.]NOTES:Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.Legislative intent—Effective date—1987 c 346: See notes following RCW 29A.40.010.
WA Rev Code § 29A.60.190 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 29A - Elections|Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing.|29A.60.190 - Certification of election results.

RCW 29A.60.190 Certification of election results.Ten days after a special election held in February or April, ten days after a presidential primary held pursuant to chapter 29A.56 RCW, fourteen days after a primary, or twenty-one days after a general election, the county canvassing board shall complete the canvass and certify the results. Each ballot that was returned before 8:00 p.m. on the day of the special election, general election, primary, or presidential primary, and each ballot bearing a postmark on or before the date of the special election, general election, primary, or presidential primary and received no later than the day before certification, must be included in the canvass report.[ 2019 c 7 § 5; 2015 c 146 § 4. Prior: 2011 c 349 § 21; (2011 c 349 § 20 expired July 1, 2013); 2011 c 10 § 58; (2011 c 10 § 57 expired July 1, 2013); 2006 c 344 § 17; (2006 c 344 § 16 expired July 1, 2013); prior: 2005 c 243 § 16; (2005 c 153 § 12 expired July 1, 2013); 2004 c 266 § 18; 2003 c 111 § 1519.]NOTES:Effective date—2011 c 349 § 21: "Section 21 of this act takes effect July 1, 2013." [ 2011 c 349 § 31.]Expiration date—2011 c 349 § 20: "Section 20 of this act expires July 1, 2013." [ 2011 c 349 § 32.]Effective date—2011 c 349: See note following RCW 29A.04.255.Effective date—2011 c 10 §§ 53 and 58: See note following RCW 29A.60.160.Expiration date—2011 c 10 §§ 52 and 57: See note following RCW 29A.60.160.Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.Effective date—2006 c 344 § 17: "Section 17 of this act takes effect July 1, 2013." [ 2006 c 344 § 43.]Expiration date—2006 c 344 § 16: "Section 16 of this act expires July 1, 2013." [ 2006 c 344 § 42.]Effective date—2006 c 344 §§ 1-16 and 18-40: See note following RCW 29A.04.311.Expiration date—2005 c 153 §§ 11 and 12: See note following RCW 29A.60.160.Effective date—2004 c 266: See note following RCW 29A.04.575.
WA Rev Code § 29A.60.195 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 29A - Elections|Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing.|29A.60.195 - Provisional ballots—Disposition.

RCW 29A.60.195 Provisional ballots—Disposition.Before certification of the primary or election, the county auditor must examine and investigate all received provisional ballots to determine whether the ballot can be counted. The auditor shall provide the disposition of the provisional ballot and, if the ballot was not counted, the reason why it was not counted, on a free access system such as a toll-free telephone number, website, mail, or other means. The auditor must notify the voter in accordance with RCW 29A.60.165 when the declaration is unsigned or when the signatures do not match.[ 2011 c 10 § 59; 2005 c 243 § 9.]NOTES:Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
WA Rev Code § 29A.60.200 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 29A - Elections|Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing.|29A.60.200 - Canvassing board—Canvassing procedure—Penalty.

RCW 29A.60.200 Canvassing board—Canvassing procedure—Penalty.Before canvassing the returns of a primary or election, the chair of the county legislative authority or the chair's designee shall administer an oath to the county auditor or the auditor's designee attesting to the authenticity of the information presented to the canvassing board. This oath must be signed by the county auditor or designee and filed with the returns of the primary or election.The county canvassing board shall proceed to verify the results from the ballots received. The board shall execute a certificate of the results of the primary or election signed by all members of the board or their designees. Failure to certify the returns, if they can be ascertained with reasonable certainty, is a crime under RCW 29A.84.720.[ 2011 c 10 § 60; 2003 c 111 § 1520; 1990 c 59 § 63; 1965 c 9 § 29.62.040. Prior: 1957 c 195 § 17; prior: (i) 1919 c 163 § 21, part; Code 1881 § 3095, part; 1868 p 20 § 1, part; 1865 p 39 § 6, part; RRS § 5340, part. (ii) 1893 c 112 § 2; RRS § 5342. (iii) 1903 c 85 § 1, part; Code 1881 § 3094, part; 1865 p 38 § 4, part; RRS § 5339, part. Formerly RCW 29.62.040.]NOTES:Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
WA Rev Code § 29A.60.210 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 29A - Elections|Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing.|29A.60.210 - Recanvass—Generally.

RCW 29A.60.210 Recanvass—Generally.Whenever the canvassing board finds during the initial counting process, or during any subsequent recount thereof, that there is an apparent discrepancy or an inconsistency in the returns of a primary or election, or that election staff has made an error regarding the treatment or disposition of a ballot, the board may recanvass the ballots or voting devices in any precincts of the county. The canvassing board shall conduct any necessary recanvass activity on or before the last day to certify or recertify the results of the primary, election, or subsequent recount and correct any error and document the correction of any error that it finds.[ 2005 c 243 § 17; 2003 c 111 § 1521; 1990 c 59 § 64; 1965 c 9 § 29.62.050. Prior: 1951 c 193 § 1; 1917 c 7 § 1, part; 1913 c 58 § 15, part; RRS § 5315, part. Formerly RCW 29.62.050.]NOTES:Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.Voting systems: Chapter 29A.12 RCW.
WA Rev Code § 29A.60.221 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 29A - Elections|Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing.|29A.60.221 - Tie in primary or final election.

RCW 29A.60.221 Tie in primary or final election.(1) If the requisite number of any federal, state, county, city, or district offices have not been nominated in a primary by reason of two or more persons having an equal and requisite number of votes for being placed on the general election ballot, the official empowered by state law to certify candidates for the general election ballot shall give notice to the several persons so having the equal and requisite number of votes to attend at the appropriate office at the time designated by that official, who shall then and there proceed publicly to decide by lot which of those persons will be declared nominated and placed on the general election ballot.(2) If the requisite number of any federal, state, county, city, district, or precinct officers have not been elected by reason of two or more persons having an equal and highest number of votes for one and the same office, the official empowered by state law to issue the original certificate of election shall give notice to the several persons so having the highest and equal number of votes to attend at the appropriate office at the time to be appointed by that official, who shall then and there proceed publicly to decide by lot which of those persons will be declared duly elected, and the official shall make out and deliver to the person thus duly declared elected a certificate of election.[ 2004 c 271 § 176.]NOTES:Tie vote for executive branch officer: State Constitution Art. III § 4.
WA Rev Code § 29A.60.230 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 29A - Elections|Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing.|29A.60.230 - Abstract by election officer—Transmittal to secretary of state.

RCW 29A.60.230 Abstract by election officer—Transmittal to secretary of state.Immediately after the official results of a state primary or general election in a county are ascertained, the county auditor or other election officer shall make an abstract of the number of registered voters in each precinct and of all the votes cast in the county at such state primary or general election for and against state measures and for each candidate for federal, state, and legislative office or for any other office which the secretary of state is required by law to canvass. The cumulative report of the election and a copy of the certificate of the election must be transmitted to the secretary of state immediately. The county auditor or other election official may aggregate results from more than one precinct if the auditor, pursuant to rules adopted by the secretary of state, finds that reporting a single precinct's ballot results would jeopardize the secrecy of a person's ballot. To the extent practicable, precincts for which results are aggregated must be contiguous.[ 2011 c 10 § 61; 2003 c 111 § 1523; 2001 c 225 § 2; 1999 c 298 § 21; 1990 c 262 § 1; 1977 ex.s. c 361 § 96; 1965 c 9 § 29.62.090. Prior: (i) 1895 c 156 § 12; Code 1881 § 3101; 1865 p 40 § 12; RRS § 5346. (ii) Code 1881 § 3103; 1865 p 41 § 14; RRS § 5348. Formerly RCW 29.62.090.]NOTES:Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.Effective date—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 361: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.
WA Rev Code § 29A.60.240 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 29A - Elections|Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing.|29A.60.240 - Secretary of state—Primary returns—State offices, etc.

RCW 29A.60.240 Secretary of state—Primary returns—State offices, etc.The secretary of state shall, as soon as possible but in any event not later than seventeen days following the primary, canvass and certify the returns of all primary elections as to candidates for statewide offices, United States senators and representatives in Congress, and all legislative and judicial candidates whose district extends beyond the limits of a single county.[ 2013 c 11 § 64; 2011 c 349 § 22; 2003 c 111 § 1524; 1977 ex.s. c 361 § 97; 1965 c 9 § 29.62.100. Prior: 1961 c 130 § 11; prior: 1907 c 209 § 24, part; RRS § 5201, part. Formerly RCW 29.62.100.]NOTES:Effective date—2011 c 349: See note following RCW 29A.04.255.Effective date—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 361: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.
WA Rev Code § 29A.60.250 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 29A - Elections|Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing.|29A.60.250 - Secretary of state—Final returns—Scope.

RCW 29A.60.250 Secretary of state—Final returns—Scope.As soon as the returns have been received from all the counties of the state, but not later than the thirtieth day after the election, the secretary of state shall canvass and certify the returns of the general election as to candidates for statewide offices, the United States senate, congress, and all legislative and judicial candidates whose districts extend beyond the limits of a single county. The secretary of state shall transmit a copy of the certification to the governor, president of the senate, and speaker of the house of representatives.[ 2013 c 11 § 65; 2005 c 243 § 18; 2003 c 111 § 1525; 1965 c 9 § 29.62.120. Prior: Code 1881 § 3100, part; No RRS. Formerly RCW 29.62.120.]
WA Rev Code § 29A.60.260 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 29A - Elections|Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing.|29A.60.260 - Canvass on statewide measures.

RCW 29A.60.260 Canvass on statewide measures.The votes on proposed amendments to the state Constitution, recommendations for the calling of constitutional conventions and other questions submitted to the people must be counted, canvassed, and returned by each county canvassing board in the manner provided by law for counting, canvassing, and returning votes for candidates for state offices. The secretary of state shall, in the presence of the governor, within thirty days after the election, canvass the votes upon each question and certify to the governor the result. The governor shall forthwith issue a proclamation giving the whole number of votes cast in the state for and against such measure and declaring the result. If the vote cast upon an initiative or referendum measure is equal to less than one-third of the total vote cast at the election, the governor shall proclaim the measure to have failed.[ 2003 c 111 § 1526; 1965 c 9 § 29.62.130. Prior: (i) 1913 c 138 § 30; RRS § 5426. (ii) 1917 c 23 § 1; RRS § 5341. Formerly RCW 29.62.130.]
WA Rev Code § 29A.60.270 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 29A - Elections|Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing.|29A.60.270 - Local officers, beginning of terms—Organization of district boards of directors.

RCW 29A.60.270 Local officers, beginning of terms—Organization of district boards of directors.The term of every city, town, and district officer elected to office on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November of the odd-numbered years begins in accordance with *RCW 29A.20.040. However, a person elected to less than a full term shall assume office as soon as the election returns have been certified and he or she is qualified in accordance with RCW 29A.04.133.Each board of directors of every district shall be organized at the first meeting held after one or more newly elected directors take office.[ 2003 c 111 § 503; 1979 ex.s. c 126 § 14; 1965 c 123 § 6; 1965 c 9 § 29.13.050. Prior: 1963 c 200 § 8; 1959 c 86 § 1; prior: 1951 c 257 § 6. (i) 1949 c 161 § 9; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 5146-1. (ii) 1949 c 163 § 1; 1921 c 61 § 4; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 5146. Formerly RCW 29A.20.030, 29.13.050.]NOTES:*Reviser's note: RCW 29A.20.040 was recodified as RCW 29A.60.280 pursuant to 2013 c 11 § 93.Purpose—1979 ex.s. c 126: See RCW 29A.60.280(1).
WA Rev Code § 29A.60.280 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 29A - Elections|Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing.|29A.60.280 - Local elected officials, commencement of term of office—Purpose.

RCW 29A.60.280 Local elected officials, commencement of term of office—Purpose.(1) The legislature finds that certain laws are in conflict governing the assumption of office of various local officials. The purpose of this section is to provide a common date for the assumption of office for all the elected officials of counties, cities, towns, and special purpose districts other than school districts where the ownership of property is not a prerequisite of voting. A person elected to the office of school director begins his or her term of office at the first official meeting of the board of directors after certification of the election results. It is also the purpose of this section to remove these conflicts and delete old statutory language concerning such elections which is no longer necessary.(2) For elective offices of counties, cities, towns, and special purpose districts other than school districts where the ownership of property is not a prerequisite of voting, the term of incumbents ends and the term of successors begins after the successor is elected and qualified, and the term commences immediately after December 31st following the election, except as follows:(a) Where the term of office varies from this standard according to statute; and(b) If the election results have not been certified prior to January 1st after the election, in which event the time of commencement for the new term occurs when the successor becomes qualified in accordance with RCW 29A.04.133.(3) For elective offices governed by this section, the oath of office must be taken as the last step of qualification as defined in RCW 29A.04.133 but may be taken either:(a) Up to ten days prior to the scheduled date of assuming office; or(b) At the last regular meeting of the governing body of the applicable county, city, town, or special district held before the winner is to assume office.[ 2003 c 111 § 504; 1999 c 298 § 3; 1980 c 35 § 7; 1979 ex.s. c 126 § 1. Formerly RCW 29A.20.040, 29.04.170.]NOTES:Severability—1980 c 35: See note following RCW 28A.343.300.
WA Rev Code § 29A.60.290 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 29A - Elections|Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing.|29A.60.290 - Statewide election data and reporting standards—Secretary of state to develop, make rules.

RCW 29A.60.290 Statewide election data and reporting standards—Secretary of state to develop, make rules.(1) The secretary of state must develop statewide election data and reporting standards for how election-related data is maintained and reported by each county auditor. The secretary may make reasonable rules as necessary to develop statewide standards.(2) The statewide standards should focus on the goals of improving:(a) The types of data files and procedures used to collect and maintain election information;(b) The public's access to election data collected, reported, and made available by each county auditor including, but not limited to:(i) Records of voters who were issued a ballot and voters who voted in an election, pursuant to RCW 29A.40.130;(ii) Tabulation results made available pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160; and(iii) Information collected and reported in the county election reconciliation report, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.235; and(c) The efficient compilation of data from all counties for research and analysis of election practices and trends at a statewide level.(3) The secretary of state may convene a work group, including county auditors and other interested stakeholders to evaluate how county election data is collected and maintained and to develop and recommend ways for improving election data reporting.(4) The statewide standards must be made public with ongoing analysis on whether counties are in compliance with current standards.[ 2016 c 134 § 1.]
WA Rev Code § 29A.60.300 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 29A - Elections|Chapter 29A.60 - Canvassing.|29A.60.300 - Statewide survey of voted ballot rejection rates and reasons for rejections—Secretary of state to conduct and publish.

RCW 29A.60.300 Statewide survey of voted ballot rejection rates and reasons for rejections—Secretary of state to conduct and publish.Every odd-numbered year, the secretary of state must conduct and publish a statewide survey of voted ballot rejection rates and the reasons for those rejections by county auditors and canvassing boards. The secretary of state must collect data from reconciliation reports and county auditors in order to compare county and statewide averages for rates of rejected ballots and reasons for those ballots being rejected. The data collected must include rejection rates and reasons for rejection of voted ballots for all elections. The survey must include an analysis of current practices by county auditors and canvassing boards in the acceptance and rejection of ballots, and include recommendations for improvements that minimize rejections in those practices, with a goal of statewide standardization where applicable. The results must also be analyzed and compared with available national data and recognized best practices. The secretary of state's recommendations and reports must be made available to the public.[ 2016 c 134 § 3.]