reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.220 - County auditor—Public notice of availability of services.

RCW 29A.04.220
County auditor—Public notice of availability of services.
The county auditor shall provide public notice of the availability of registration and voting aids, assistance to elderly and disabled persons, and procedures for voting calculated to reach elderly and disabled persons not later than public notice of the closing of registration for a primary or election.
[ 2011 c 10 § 7; 2003 c 111 § 135; 1999 c 298 § 18; 1985 c 205 § 10. Formerly RCW 29.57.140.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Effective dates—1985 c 205: "(1) Sections 1, 2, and 13 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.
(2) Sections 15 and 16 of this act shall take effect as provided by Article II, section 1(c) of the state Constitution.
(3) Sections 3 through 12 and 14 of this act shall take effect on January 1, 1986." [ 1985 c 205 § 18.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.223 - Vote by mail impacts on voters with disabilities—Mitigation—Advisory committee, plan.

RCW 29A.04.223
Vote by mail impacts on voters with disabilities—Mitigation—Advisory committee, plan.
(1) The legislature finds that the elimination of polling places resulting from the transition to vote by mail creates barriers that restrict the ability of many voters with disabilities from achieving the independence and privacy in voting provided by the accessible voting devices required under the help America vote act. Counties must take appropriate steps to mitigate these impacts and to address the obligation to provide voters with disabilities an equal opportunity to vote independently and privately, to the extent that this can be achieved without incurring undue administrative and financial burden.
(2) Each county shall establish and maintain an advisory committee that includes persons with diverse disabilities and persons with expertise in providing accommodations for persons with disabilities. The committee shall assist election officials in developing a plan to identify and implement changes to improve the accessibility of elections for voters with disabilities. The plan shall include recommendations for the following:
(a) The number of voting centers that will be maintained in order to ensure that people with disabilities have reasonable access to accessible voting devices, and a written explanation for how the determination was made;
(b) The locations of ballot drop-off facilities, voting centers, and other election-related functions necessary to maximize accessibility to persons with disabilities;
(c) Outreach to voters with disabilities on the availability of disability accommodation, including in-person disability access voting;
(d) Transportation of voting devices to locations convenient for voters with disabilities in order to ensure reasonable access for voters with disabilities; and
(e) Implementation of the provisions of the help America vote act related to persons with disabilities.
Counties must update the plan at least annually. The election review staff of the secretary of state shall review and evaluate the plan in conformance with the review procedure identified in RCW 29A.04.570.
(3) Counties may form a joint advisory committee to develop the plan identified in subsection (2) of this section if no more than one of the participating counties has a population greater than seventy thousand.
[ 2011 c 10 § 44; 2010 c 215 § 5; 2006 c 207 § 7. Formerly RCW 29A.46.260.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Findings—2010 c 215: See note following RCW 50.40.071.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.230 - Secretary of state as chief election officer.

RCW 29A.04.230
Secretary of state as chief election officer.
The secretary of state through the election division shall be the chief election officer for all federal, state, county, city, town, and district elections that are subject to this title. The secretary of state shall keep records of elections held for which he or she is required by law to canvass the results, make such records available to the public upon request, and coordinate those state election activities required by federal law.
[ 2003 c 111 § 137; 1994 c 57 § 4; 1965 c 9 § 29.04.070. Prior: 1963 c 200 § 23; 1949 c 161 § 12; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 5147-2. Formerly RCW 29.04.070.]
NOTES:
Severability—1994 c 57: See note following RCW 29A.16.040.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.235 - Election laws for county auditors.

RCW 29A.04.235
Election laws for county auditors.
The secretary of state shall ensure that each county auditor is provided with the most recent version of the election laws of the state, as contained in this title. Where amendments have been enacted after the last compilation of the election laws, he or she shall ensure that each county auditor receives a copy of those amendments before the next primary or election.
[ 2011 c 10 § 8; 2003 c 111 § 138; 1965 c 9 § 29.04.060. Prior: (i) 1907 c 209 § 16; RRS § 5193. (ii) 1889 p 413 § 34; RRS § 5299. Formerly RCW 29.04.060.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.250 - Toll-free media and web page.

RCW 29A.04.250
Toll-free media and web page.
The secretary of state shall provide a toll-free media and web page designed to allow voter communication with the office of the secretary of state.
[ 2003 c 111 § 141. Prior: 2001 c 41 § 5. Formerly RCW 29.04.091.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.255 - Electronic documents—Acceptance.

RCW 29A.04.255
Electronic documents—Acceptance.
The secretary of state or a county auditor shall accept and file in his or her office electronic transmissions of the following documents:
(1) Declarations of candidacy;
(2) County canvass reports;
(3) Voters' pamphlet statements;
(4) Arguments for and against ballot measures that will appear in a voters' pamphlet;
(5) Requests for recounts;
(6) Certification of candidates and measures by the secretary of state;
(7) Direction by the secretary of state for the conduct of a recount;
(8) Requests for ballots;
(9) Any other election related document authorized by rule adopted by the secretary of state under RCW 29A.04.611.
The acceptance by the secretary of state or the county auditor is conditional upon the document being filed in a timely manner, being legible, and otherwise satisfying the requirements of state law or rules with respect to form and content.
The secretary may by rule require that the original of any document, a copy of which is filed by electronic transmission under this section, also be filed by a deadline established by the secretary by rule.
[ 2011 c 349 § 1; 2011 c 348 § 1; 2011 c 10 § 9; 2004 c 266 § 5; 2003 c 111 § 142; 1991 c 186 § 1. Formerly RCW 29.04.230.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2011 c 10 § 9, 2011 c 348 § 1, and by 2011 c 349 § 1, each without reference to the other. All amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Effective date—2011 c 349: "Except for sections 10 through 12, 21, 27, 28, and 30 of this act, this act takes effect January 1, 2012." [ 2011 c 349 § 33.]
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Effective date—2004 c 266: See note following RCW 29A.04.575.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.260 - Exemptions from disclosure—In-person inspection.

RCW 29A.04.260
Exemptions from disclosure—In-person inspection.
(1) In accordance with RCW 42.56.420, the following are exempt from disclosure:
(a) Voter signatures on ballot return envelopes, ballot declarations, and signature correction forms, including the original documents, copies, and electronic images; and
(b) A voter's phone number and email address contained on ballot return envelopes, ballot declarations, or signature correction forms.
(2) The secretary of state may, by rule, authorize in-person inspection of unredacted ballot return envelopes, ballot declarations, and signature correction forms. Except as provided under subsection (3) of this section, a person may not photocopy, photograph, or otherwise reproduce an image of the ballot return envelope, ballot declaration, or signature correction form. When inspecting a ballot return envelope, ballot declaration, or signature correction form in person, a person may not carry with them any materials or devices that could be used to record any voter information found on the ballot return envelope, ballot declaration, or signature correction form.
(3) Nothing in this section or *RCW 42.56.420(7)(a)(iii) prevents disclosure of any information on ballot return envelopes, ballot declarations, or signature correction forms, other than a voter's signature, phone numbers, and email addresses. Nothing in this section prevents election officials from disclosing information listed in subsection (1) of this section for official purposes. The secretary of state may adopt rules identifying official purposes for which a voter's signature, phone numbers, and email addresses may be disclosed.
(4) For purposes of this section, "signature correction form" means any form submitted by a voter for the purpose of curing a missing or mismatched signature on a ballot declaration or otherwise updating the voter signature.
[ 2022 c 140 § 2.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 42.56.420 was amended by 2023 c 404 § 3, deleting subsection (7).
Application—2022 c 140 §§ 1 and 2: "The exemptions in sections 1 and 2 of this act apply to any public records request made prior to March 24, 2022, for which disclosure of records has not already been completed." [ 2022 c 140 § 3.]
Effective date—2022 c 140: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 24, 2022]." [ 2022 c 140 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.311 - Primaries.

RCW 29A.04.311
Primaries.
Primaries for general elections to be held in November, and the election of precinct committee officers, must be held on the first Tuesday of the preceding August.
[ 2011 c 349 § 2; 2006 c 344 § 1; 2004 c 271 § 105.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2011 c 349: See note following RCW 29A.04.255.
Effective date—2006 c 344 §§ 1-16 and 18-40: "Sections 1 through 16 and 18 through 40 of this act take effect January 1, 2007." [ 2006 c 344 § 41.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.340 - Elections in certain first-class school districts.

RCW 29A.04.340
Elections in certain first-class school districts.
(1) In each county with a population of two hundred ten thousand or more, first-class school districts containing a city of the first-class shall hold their elections biennially as provided in RCW 29A.04.330.
(2) Except as provided in RCW 28A.343.610, the directors to be elected may be elected for terms of six years and until their successors are elected, qualified, and assume office in accordance with *RCW 29A.20.040.
(3) If the board of directors of a school district pursuant to subsection (1) of this section reduces the length of the term of office for school directors in the district from six to four years, the reduction in the length of term must not affect the term of office of any incumbent director without his or her consent, and a provision must be made to appropriately stagger future elections of school directors.
[ 2009 c 107 § 4.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 29A.20.040 was recodified as RCW 29A.60.280 pursuant to 2013 c 11 § 93.
Retroactive application—2009 c 107 §§ 1-4: See note following RCW 28A.343.300.
Effective date—2009 c 107: See note following RCW 28A.343.300.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.410 - Costs borne by constituencies.

RCW 29A.04.410
Costs borne by constituencies.
Every county, city, town, and district, and the state is liable for its proportionate share of the costs when such elections are held in conjunction with other elections held under RCW 29A.04.321 and 29A.04.330.
Whenever any county, city, town, or district, or the state holds any primary or election, general or special, on an isolated date, all costs of such elections must be borne by the county, city, town, or district concerned, or the state as appropriate.
The purpose of this section is to clearly establish that the county is not responsible for any costs involved in the holding of any city, town, district, state, or federal election.
In recovering such election expenses, including a reasonable proration of administrative costs, the county auditor shall certify the cost to the county treasurer with a copy to the clerk or auditor of the city, town, or district concerned, or the secretary of state as appropriate. Upon receipt of such certification relating to a city, town, or district, the county treasurer shall make the transfer from any available and appropriate city, town, or district funds to the county current expense fund or to the county election reserve fund if such a fund is established. Each city, town, or district must be promptly notified by the county treasurer whenever such transfer has been completed. However, in those districts wherein a treasurer, other than the county treasurer, has been appointed such transfer procedure does not apply, but the district shall promptly issue its warrant for payment of election costs. State and federal offices are to be considered one entity for purposes of election cost proration and reimbursement.
[ 2020 c 337 § 1; 2013 c 11 § 10; 2003 c 111 § 146; 1965 c 123 § 5; 1965 c 9 § 29.13.045. Prior: 1963 c 200 § 7; 1951 c 257 § 5. Formerly RCW 29.13.045.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2020 c 337: "This act takes effect July 1, 2021." [ 2020 c 337 § 7.]
Diking districts, election to authorize, costs: RCW 85.38.060.
Diking or drainage district, reorganization into improvement district
1917 act, election to authorize: RCW 85.38.060.
1933 act, election to authorize: RCW 85.38.060.
Expense of printing and mailing ballots, envelopes, and instructions: RCW 29A.36.220.
Port districts, formation of, election on, expense of: RCW 53.04.070.
Public utility district elections, expense of: RCW 54.08.041.
Reclamation districts of one million acres, election to form, expense: RCW 89.30.115.
Soil and water conservation district, election to form, expense: RCW 89.08.140.
Water-sewer districts
annexation of territory by, election on, expense: RCW 57.24.050.
formation of, expense: RCW 57.04.055.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.420 - State share.

RCW 29A.04.420
State share.
(1) Whenever federal officers, state officers, or measures are voted upon at a state primary or general election held under RCW 29A.04.321, the state of Washington shall assume a prorated share of the costs of that state primary or general election for the federal and state offices and measures, including the prorated cost of return postage, required to be included on return envelopes pursuant to RCW 29A.40.091.
(2) Whenever a primary or vacancy election is held to fill a vacancy in the position of United States senator or United States representative under chapter 29A.28 RCW, the state of Washington shall assume a prorated share of the costs of that primary or vacancy election.
(3) The county auditor shall apportion the state's share of these expenses when prorating election costs under RCW 29A.04.410 and in accordance with the state budgeting, accounting, and reporting system, shall file such expense claims with the secretary of state.
(4) The secretary of state shall include in his or her biennial budget requests sufficient funds to carry out this section. Reimbursements for election costs shall be from appropriations specifically provided by law for that purpose.
(5) State and federal offices are to be considered one entity for purposes of election cost proration and reimbursement.
[ 2020 c 337 § 2; 2019 c 161 § 2; 2013 c 11 § 11; 2003 c 111 § 147. Prior: 1985 c 45 § 2; 1977 ex.s. c 144 § 4; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 4 § 1; 1973 c 4 § 2. Formerly RCW 29.13.047.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2020 c 337: See note following RCW 29A.04.410.
Findings—Effective date—2019 c 161: See notes following RCW 29A.40.091.
Legislative intent—1985 c 45: "It is the intention of the legislature that sections 2 through 7 of this act shall provide an orderly and predictable election procedure for filling vacancies in the offices of United States representative and United States senator." [ 1985 c 45 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.430 - Reimbursement payment—Availability of funds.

RCW 29A.04.430
Reimbursement payment—Availability of funds.
(1) For any reimbursement of election costs under RCW 29A.04.420, the secretary of state shall pay within thirty days after the receipt of a properly executed and documented voucher for such expenses and the entry of an allotment from specifically appropriated funds for this purpose until those funds are exhausted. If funds appropriated for this purpose are not sufficient to pay all claims, the secretary of state shall include a budget request to the legislature during the next legislative session for sufficient funds for reimbursement of all remaining claims and shall pay all properly executed and documented vouchers to the counties within thirty days of allotment of specifically appropriated funds for this purpose. The secretary of state shall promptly notify any county that submits an incomplete or inaccurate voucher for reimbursement under RCW 29A.04.420.
(2) Funding provided in this section to counties for election costs in even-numbered years is retrospective and prospective reimbursement under RCW 43.135.060 for any new or increased responsibilities under this title.
[ 2020 c 337 § 4; 2003 c 111 § 148; 1986 c 167 § 7. Formerly RCW 29.13.048.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2020 c 337: See note following RCW 29A.04.410.
Severability—1986 c 167: See note following RCW 29A.16.040.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.440 - Election account.

RCW 29A.04.440
Election account.
(1) The election account is created in the state treasury.
(2) The following receipts must be deposited into the account:
Amounts received from the federal government under Public Law 107-252 (October 29, 2002), known as the "Help America Vote Act of 2002," including any amounts received under subsequent amendments to the act;
amounts appropriated or otherwise made available by the state legislature for the purposes of carrying out activities for which federal funds are provided to the state under Public Law 107-252, including any amounts received under subsequent amendments to the act;
and such other amounts as may be appropriated by the legislature to the account.
(3) Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be made only to facilitate the implementation of Public Law 107-252.
[ 2004 c 266 § 2. Prior: 2003 c 48 § 1. Formerly RCW 29.04.260.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2004 c 266: See note following RCW 29A.04.575.
Effective date—2003 c 48: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [April 17, 2003]." [ 2003 c 48 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.450 - Local government grant program.

RCW 29A.04.450
Local government grant program.
The secretary of state shall establish a competitive local government grant program to solicit and prioritize project proposals from county election offices. Potential projects [project] proposals must be new projects designed to help the county election office comply with the requirements of the Help America Vote Act (P.L. 107-252). Grant funds will not be allocated to fund existing statutory functions of local elections [election] offices, and in order to be eligible for a grant, local election offices must maintain an elections budget at or above the local elections budget by July 1, 2004.
[ 2004 c 267 § 201.]
NOTES:
Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.460 - Grant program—Administration.

RCW 29A.04.460
Grant program—Administration.
The secretary of state will administer the grant program and disburse funds from the election account established in the state treasury by the legislature in chapter 48, Laws of 2003. Only grant proposals from local government election offices will be reviewed. The secretary of state and any local government grant recipient shall enter into an agreement outlining the terms of the grant and a payment schedule. The payment schedule may allow the secretary of state to make payments directly to vendors contracted by the local government election office from Help America Vote Act (P.L. 107-252) funds. The secretary of state shall adopt any rules necessary to facilitate this section.
[ 2004 c 267 § 202.]
NOTES:
Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.470 - Grant program—Advisory committee.

RCW 29A.04.470
Grant program—Advisory committee.
(1) The secretary of state shall create an advisory committee and adopt rules governing project eligibility, evaluation, awarding of grants, and other criteria for administering the local government grant program, which may include a preference for grants that include a match of local funds.
(2) The advisory committee shall review grant proposals and establish a prioritized list of projects to be considered for funding by the third Tuesday in May of each year beginning in 2004 and continuing as long as funds in the election account established by RCW 29A.04.440 are available. The grant award may have an effective date other than the date the project is placed on the prioritized list, including money spent previously by the county that would qualify for reimbursement under the Help America Vote Act (P.L. 107-252).
(3) Examples of projects that would be eligible for local government grant funding include, but are not limited to the following:
(a) Replacement or upgrade of voting equipment, including the replacement of punch card voting systems;
(b) Purchase of additional voting equipment, including the purchase of equipment to meet the disability requirements of the Help America Vote Act (P.L. 107-252);
(c) Purchase of new election management system hardware and software capable of integrating with the statewide voter registration system required by the Help America Vote Act (P.L. 107-252);
(d) Development and production of election worker training materials;
(e) Voter education programs;
(f) Publication of a local voters' pamphlet;
(g) Toll-free access system to provide notice of the outcome of provisional ballots; and
(h) Training for local election officials.
[ 2011 c 10 § 10; 2004 c 267 § 203.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.510 - Election administration and certification board—Generally.

RCW 29A.04.510
Election administration and certification board—Generally.
(1) The Washington state election administration and certification board is established and has the responsibilities and authorities prescribed by this chapter. The board is composed of the following members:
(a) The secretary of state or the secretary's designee;
(b) The state director of elections or the director's designee;
(c) Four county auditors appointed by the Washington state association of county auditors or their alternates who are county auditors designated by the association to serve as such alternates, each appointee and alternate to serve at the pleasure of the association;
(d) One member from each of the two largest political party caucuses of the house of representatives designated by and serving at the pleasure of the legislative leader of the respective caucus;
(e) One member from each of the two largest political party caucuses of the senate designated by and serving at the pleasure of the legislative leader of the respective caucus; and
(f) One representative from each major political party, designated by and serving at the pleasure of the chair of the party's state central committee.
(2) The board shall elect a chair from among its number; however, neither the secretary of state nor the state director of elections nor their designees may serve as the chair of the board. A majority of the members appointed to the board constitutes a quorum for conducting the business of the board. Chapter 42.30 RCW, the Open Public Meetings Act, and RCW 42.30.035 regarding minutes of meetings, apply to the meetings of the board.
(3) Members of the board shall serve without compensation. The secretary of state shall reimburse members of the board, other than those who are members of the legislature, for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. Members of the board who are members of the legislature shall be reimbursed as provided in chapter 44.04 RCW.
[ 2017 3rd sp.s. c 25 § 31; 2003 c 111 § 149; 1992 c 163 § 3. Formerly RCW 29.60.010.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.520 - Appeals.

RCW 29A.04.520
Appeals.
The board created in RCW 29A.04.510 shall review appeals filed under RCW 29A.04.550 or 29A.04.570. A decision of the board regarding the appeal must be supported by not less than a majority of the members appointed to the board. A decision of the board regarding an appeal filed under RCW 29A.04.570 concerning an election review conducted under that section is final. If a decision of the board regarding an appeal filed under RCW 29A.04.550 includes a recommendation that a certificate be issued, the secretary of state, upon the recommendation of the board, shall issue the certificate.
[ 2003 c 111 § 150.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.525 - Complaint procedures.

RCW 29A.04.525
Complaint procedures.
The state-based administrative complaint procedures required in the Help America Vote Act (P.L. 107-252) and detailed in administrative rule apply to all primary, general, and special elections administered under this title.
[ 2004 c 267 § 401.]
NOTES:
Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.530 - Duties of secretary of state.

RCW 29A.04.530
Duties of secretary of state.
The secretary of state shall:
(1) Establish and operate, or provide by contract, training and certification programs for state and county elections administration officials and personnel, including training on election laws, the various types of election law violations, and discrimination;
(2) Administer tests for state and county officials and personnel who have received such training and issue certificates to those who have successfully completed the training and passed such tests;
(3) Maintain a record of those individuals who have received such training and certificates; and
(4) Provide the staffing and support services required by the board created under RCW 29A.04.510.
[ 2009 c 415 § 8; 2006 c 206 § 1; 2005 c 243 § 2; 2003 c 111 § 151. Prior: 2001 c 41 § 11; 1992 c 163 § 5. Formerly RCW 29.60.030.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1992 c 163 §§ 5-13: "Sections 5 through 13 of this act shall take effect July 1, 1993." [ 1992 c 163 § 15.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.540 - Training of administrators.

RCW 29A.04.540
Training of administrators.
A person having responsibility for the administration or conduct of elections shall, within eighteen months of undertaking those responsibilities, receive general training regarding the conduct of elections and specific training regarding their responsibilities and duties as prescribed by this title or by rules adopted by the secretary of state under this title. Included among those persons for whom such training is mandatory are the following:
(1) Secretary of state elections division personnel;
(2) County elections administrators under RCW 36.22.220; and
(3) Any other person or group charged with election administration responsibilities if the person or group is designated by rule adopted by the secretary of state as requiring the training.
Neither this section nor RCW 29A.04.530 may be construed as requiring an elected official to receive training or a certificate of training as a condition for seeking or holding elective office or as a condition for carrying out constitutional duties.
[ 2011 c 10 § 11; 2009 c 415 § 9; 2003 c 111 § 152; 1992 c 163 § 6. Formerly RCW 29.60.040.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Effective date—1992 c 163 §§ 5-13: See note following RCW 29A.04.530.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.550 - Denial of certification—Review and appeal.

RCW 29A.04.550
Denial of certification—Review and appeal.
(1) A decision of the secretary of state to deny certification under RCW 29A.04.530 must be entered in the manner specified for orders under the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW. Such a decision is not effective for a period of twenty days following the date of the decision, during which time the person denied certification may file a petition with the secretary of state requesting the secretary to reconsider the decision and to grant certification. The petitioner shall include in the petition, an explanation of the reasons why the initial decision is incorrect and certification should be granted, and may include a request for a hearing on the matter. The secretary of state shall reconsider the matter if the petition is filed in a proper and timely manner. If a hearing is requested, the secretary of state shall conduct the hearing within sixty days after the date on which the petition is filed. The secretary of state shall render a final decision on the matter within ninety days after the date on which the petition is filed.
(2) Within twenty days after the date on which the secretary of state makes a final decision denying a petition under this section, the petitioner may appeal the denial to the board created in RCW 29A.04.510. In deciding appeals, the board shall restrict its review to the record established when the matter was before the secretary of state. The board shall affirm the decision if it finds that the record supports the decision and that the decision is not inconsistent with other decisions of the secretary of state in which the same standards were applied and certification was granted. Similarly, the board shall reverse the decision and recommend to the secretary of state that certification be granted if the board finds that such support is lacking or that such inconsistency exists.
(3) Judicial review of certification decisions will be as prescribed under RCW 34.05.510 through 34.05.598, but is limited to the review of board decisions denying certification.
[ 2003 c 111 § 153; 1992 c 163 § 7. Formerly RCW 29.60.050.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1992 c 163 §§ 5-13: See note following RCW 29A.04.530.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.560 - Election review section.

RCW 29A.04.560
Election review section.
An election review section is established in the elections division of the office of the secretary of state. Permanent staff of the elections division, trained and certified as required by RCW 29A.04.540, shall perform the election review functions prescribed by RCW 29A.04.570. The staff may also be required to assist in training, certification, and other duties as may be assigned by the secretary of state to ensure the uniform and orderly conduct of elections in this state.
[ 2003 c 111 § 154. Prior: 1992 c 163 § 8. Formerly RCW 29.60.060.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1992 c 163 §§ 5-13: See note following RCW 29A.04.530.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.575 - Visits to elections offices, facilities.

RCW 29A.04.575
Visits to elections offices, facilities.
The secretary of state, or any staff of the elections division of the office of secretary of state, may make unannounced on-site visits to county election offices and facilities to observe the handling, processing, counting, or tabulation of ballots.
[ 2004 c 266 § 1. Prior: 2003 c 109 § 1. Formerly RCW 29.04.075.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2004 c 266: "This act takes effect July 1, 2004." [ 2004 c 266 § 25.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.580 - County auditor and review staff.

RCW 29A.04.580
County auditor and review staff.
The county auditor may designate any person who has been certified under this chapter, other than the auditor, to participate in a review conducted in the county under this chapter. Each county auditor and canvassing board shall cooperate fully during an election review by making available to the reviewing staff any material requested by the staff. The reviewing staff shall have full access to the county's election material. If ballots are reviewed by the staff, they shall be reviewed in the presence of the canvassing board or its designees. Ballots shall not leave the custody of the canvassing board. During the review and after its completion, the review staff may make appropriate recommendations to the county auditor or canvassing board, or both, to bring the county into compliance with the training required under this chapter, and the laws or rules of the state of Washington, to safeguard election material or to preserve the integrity of the elections process.
[ 2011 c 10 § 12; 2003 c 111 § 156. Prior: 1992 c 163 § 10. Formerly RCW 29.60.080.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Effective date—1992 c 163 §§ 5-13: See note following RCW 29A.04.530.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.590 - Election assistance and clearinghouse program.

RCW 29A.04.590
Election assistance and clearinghouse program.
The secretary of state shall establish within the elections division an election assistance and clearinghouse program, which shall provide regular communication between the secretary of state, local election officials, and major and minor political parties regarding newly enacted elections legislation, relevant judicial decisions affecting the administration of elections, and applicable attorney general opinions, and which shall respond to inquiries from elections administrators, political parties, and others regarding election information. This section does not empower the secretary of state to offer legal advice or opinions, but the secretary may discuss the construction or interpretation of election law, case law, or legal opinions from the attorney general or other competent legal authority.
[ 2003 c 111 § 157. Prior: 1992 c 163 § 11. Formerly RCW 29.60.090.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1992 c 163 §§ 5-13: See note following RCW 29A.04.530.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.620 - Rules.

RCW 29A.04.620
Rules.
The secretary of state as chief election officer may make rules in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW to facilitate the operation, accomplishment, and purpose of the presidential primary authorized in RCW * 29A.56.010 through 29A.56.060. The secretary of state shall adopt rules consistent with this chapter to comply with national or state political party rules.
[ 2003 c 111 § 162; 1995 1st sp.s. c 20 § 4; 1989 c 4 § 7 (Initiative Measure No. 99). Formerly RCW 29.19.070.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 29A.56.010 was decodified pursuant to 2019 c 7 § 8.
Effective date—1995 1st sp.s. c 20: See note following RCW 29A.56.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.630 - Joint powers and duties with board.

RCW 29A.04.630
Joint powers and duties with board.
(1) The secretary of state and the board created in RCW 29A.04.510 shall jointly adopt rules, in the manner specified for the adoption of rules under the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW, governing:
(a) The training of persons officially designated by major political parties as elections observers under this title, and the training and certification of election administration officials and personnel;
(b) The policies and procedures for conducting election reviews under RCW 29A.04.570; and
(c) The policies and standards to be used by the board in reviewing and rendering decisions regarding appeals filed under RCW 29A.04.570.
(2) The board created in RCW 29A.04.510 may adopt rules governing its procedures.
[ 2003 c 111 § 163; 1992 c 163 § 4. Formerly RCW 29.60.020.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.900 - Continuation of existing law.

RCW 29A.04.900
Continuation of existing law.
The provisions of this title insofar as they are substantially the same as statutory provisions repealed by this chapter, and relating to the same subject matter, shall be construed as restatements and continuations, and not as new enactments.
[ 2003 c 111 § 158. Prior: 1965 c 9 § 29.98.010. Formerly RCW 29.98.010.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.901 - Headings and captions not part of law.

RCW 29A.04.901
Headings and captions not part of law.
Chapter headings, part, subpart, and section or subsection captions, as used in this title do not constitute any part of the law.
[ 2003 c 111 § 159; 1965 c 9 § 29.98.020. Formerly RCW 29.98.020.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.04 - General Provisions. › 29A.04.902 - Invalidity of part not to affect remainder.

RCW 29A.04.902
Invalidity of part not to affect remainder.
If any provision of this title, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the title, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
[ 2003 c 111 § 160. Prior: 1965 c 9 § 29.98.030. Formerly RCW 29.98.030.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.05 - Government Of, By, and for the People Act. › 29A.05.010 - Short title—2017 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 735).

RCW 29A.05.010
Short title—2017 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 735).
Chapter 1, Laws of 2017 is known and may be cited as the "government of, by, and for the people act."
[ 2017 c 1 § 9 (Initiative Measure No. 735, approved November 8, 2016).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.05 - Government Of, By, and for the People Act. › 29A.05.020 - Intent.

RCW 29A.05.020
Intent.
Chapter 1, Laws of 2017 declares that the people of Washington state support amending the Constitution of the United States to eliminate the undue influence of concentrated money and political power on elections and governmental policy. The amendment would overturn decisions by the supreme court of the United States extending constitutional rights to corporations and other artificial legal entities as well as those decisions equating the spending of money with free speech. It also provides for the regulation and disclosure of political contributions and spending.
[ 2017 c 1 § 1 (Initiative Measure No. 735, approved November 8, 2016).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.05 - Government Of, By, and for the People Act. › 29A.05.030 - Findings.

RCW 29A.05.030
Findings.
(1) Free and fair elections, as well as honest representation, are essential to self-determination and self-governance as described in the Declaration of Independence and established in the Constitution of the United States.
(2) The American people have lost faith in the political process because their voices are not heard and their interests are not represented. Thus, an ever smaller percentage of Americans is motivated to vote.
(3) The U.S. Constitution makes no mention of corporations or other artificial entities; there are no provisions extending rights to such entities. However, through a series of decisions equating a "corporation" with a "person," the U.S. supreme court extended to corporations the constitutional rights and protections intended for people only.
(4) Unlike human beings, corporations can exist in perpetuity and in many countries at the same time. As a result many large corporations, both foreign and domestic, invest in campaigns to invalidate or bypass regulatory law intended to protect the public. Thus, corporate participation in the political process often conflicts with the public interest.
(5) Money is property; it is not speech. Nowhere in the U.S. Constitution is money equated with speech. Because advertising is limited and costly, equating the spending of money with free speech gives those with the most money the most speech.
(6) Whenever special interests, including very wealthy individuals, are able to spend unlimited amounts of money on political speech, candidates and officeholders can be corrupted and intimidated, and the free speech of most citizens is drowned out and denied. Monopolizing public speech neither promotes nor protects free speech.
(7) Anonymous contributions and spending for political gain promote dishonesty and corruption, preventing voters from assessing the motives of the speaker. The public must be able to hold funders of political speech accountable when their messages prove false or misleading. Full and prompt disclosure of funding sources is essential to an informed electorate, fair elections, and effective governance.
(8) Article V of the U.S. Constitution empowers the people and the states to use the amendment process to correct egregious decisions by the U.S. supreme court that subvert our representative government.
[ 2017 c 1 § 2 (Initiative Measure No. 735, approved November 8, 2016).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.05 - Government Of, By, and for the People Act. › 29A.05.040 - Joint resolution for amendment to United States Constitution.

RCW 29A.05.040
Joint resolution for amendment to United States Constitution.
The voters of the state of Washington urge immediate action by the current and future Washington state congressional delegations to propose a joint resolution for an amendment to the Constitution of the United States clarifying that:
(1) The rights listed and acknowledged in the Constitution of the United States are the rights of individual human beings only.
(2) The judiciary shall not construe the spending of money to be free speech under the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. Federal, state, and local governments shall be fully empowered to regulate political contributions and expenditures to ensure that no person or artificial legal entity gains undue influence over government and the political process.
(3) All political contributions and expenditures shall be disclosed promptly and in a manner accessible to voters prior to elections.
(4) Chapter 1, Laws of 2017 does not limit the people's rights to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, free exercise of religion, or freedom of association.
[ 2017 c 1 § 3 (Initiative Measure No. 735, approved November 8, 2016).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.05 - Government Of, By, and for the People Act. › 29A.05.050 - Recommendation to congress.

RCW 29A.05.050
Recommendation to congress.
In accordance with the U.S. Constitution, the voters of the state of Washington urge the Washington state congressional delegation, and the U.S. congress generally, to include an amendment ratification method which will best ensure that the people are heard and represented during the ratification process.
[ 2017 c 1 § 4 (Initiative Measure No. 735, approved November 8, 2016).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.05 - Government Of, By, and for the People Act. › 29A.05.060 - Recommendation to state legislature.

RCW 29A.05.060
Recommendation to state legislature.
The voters of the state of Washington urge our current and future Washington state legislatures to ratify such an amendment when passed by congress and delivered to the states for ratification.
[ 2017 c 1 § 5 (Initiative Measure No. 735, approved November 8, 2016).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.05 - Government Of, By, and for the People Act. › 29A.05.070 - Secretary of state to deliver copies.

RCW 29A.05.070
Secretary of state to deliver copies.
The Washington secretary of state is authorized and directed to immediately deliver copies of this initiative, when enacted, to the following persons: The governor of the state of Washington, all current members of the Washington state legislature, all current members of the United States congress, and the president of the United States.
[ 2017 c 1 § 6 (Initiative Measure No. 735, approved November 8, 2016).]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.05 - Government Of, By, and for the People Act. › 29A.05.900 - Construction—2017 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 735).

RCW 29A.05.900
Construction—2017 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 735).
The provisions of chapter 1, Laws of 2017 are to be liberally construed to effectuate the intent, policies, and purposes of chapter 1, Laws of 2017.
[ 2017 c 1 § 7 (Initiative Measure No. 735, approved November 8, 2016).]