reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-235 - Service and overseas voters › Section 434-235-040 - Processing ballots

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) Any
			 abbreviation, misspelling, or other minor variation in the form of the name of
			 a candidate or a political party shall be disregarded in determining the
			 validity of a federal write-in absentee ballot or a special absentee ballot if
			 the intention of the voter can be ascertained.
(2) For service and overseas voters, the date
			 on the ballot declaration associated with the voter's signature determines the
			 validity of the ballot. The signature on the ballot declaration must be dated
			 no later than election day.
(3)
			 Voted ballots returned by fax or e-mail must be received no later than 8:00
			 p.m. on election day.
(4) The
			 county auditor must provide statistics on voting by 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.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   29A.04.611,
				  29A.04.620, and
				  29A.04.630. 11-24-064, §
				  434-235-040, filed 12/6/11, effective 1/6/12. Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   29A.04.611,
				  29A.04.255. 11-05-008, §
				  434-235-040, filed 2/3/11, effective 3/6/11. Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   29A.04.611. 07-20-074, § 434-235-040,
				  filed 10/1/07, effective 11/1/07.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-025 - Broken or missing seals

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
If a seal is missing or broken without authority, all
				subsequent steps taken must be documented and included in a report to the
				canvassing board.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611. 06-14-050, § 434-250-025,
				  filed 6/28/06, effective 7/29/06.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-030 - Special absentee ballots

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) 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. The form must include:
(a) A space for the voter to print the
			 voter's name and address where registered to vote;
(b) A postal or mailing address;
(c) A space for an overseas or service voter
			 not registered to vote in Washington to indicate the voter's last residential
			 address in Washington;
(d) A
			 checkbox indicating that the voter will be unable to vote and return a regular
			 ballot by normal delivery within the period provided for regular ballots;
			 and
(e) A checkbox requesting that
			 a regular ballot be forwarded as soon as possible.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-035 - Protected records voters

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) At
			 least eighteen days before every special, primary, or general election,
			 authorized personnel shall review all protected records voter files and forward
			 the appropriate ballot for each protected records voter via the substitute
			 mailing address.
(2) The ballot,
			 ballot security envelope, and return envelope must be placed in an envelope
			 addressed to the substitute address. The return envelope shall be marked in a
			 manner that ensures that the returned ballot will be segregated and routed to
			 the authorized personnel for processing.
(3) The voted ballot for a protected records
			 voter shall be processed by county authorized personnel. The authorized
			 personnel shall maintain a record of ballots sent to protected records voters
			 and a record of ballots returned. This record shall be maintained in accordance
			 with WAC 434-324-034.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611,
				  29A.04.620, and
				  29A.04.630. 11-24-064, §
				  434-250-035, filed 12/6/11, effective 1/6/12. Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611. 09-03-110, § 434-250-035,
				  filed 1/21/09, effective 2/21/09.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-037 - Mail ballot certification

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Pursuant to
				RCW
				 29A.40.070, the county auditor shall certify
				to the secretary of state the date ballots were mailed:
(1) On the day of mailing or forty-five or
			 thirty days before election day, whichever deadline is applicable, certify that
			 ballots were sent to service and overseas voters. For elections that include a
			 federal office, the certification must include the number of ballots mailed or
			 issued to service and overseas voters;
(2) On the day of mailing or eighteen days
			 before election day, certify that ballots were mailed or issued to regular
			 voters;
(3) That ballots issued via
			 electronic ballot delivery systems were proofed and checked for accuracy prior
			 to the mailing deadline for service and overseas ballots; and
(4) If any ballots were not mailed or issued
			 by the applicable deadlines, the reason for the delay and steps taken to remedy
			 the delay.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-045 - Voters requiring verification of identity

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) If the voter registration record is
			 flagged as requiring verification of identity, a notice must be sent at the
			 time of the election explaining that a photocopy of identification must be
			 provided in order for the ballot to be counted, and listing what forms of
			 identification are acceptable. The county auditor may provide an inner envelope
			 separate from the security envelope for return of the photocopy of the
			 identification.
(2) The notice to
			 the voter must be in substantially the following form:
Dear Voter:
[date]
Based on your recent registration, federal law
							 requires that you provide identification with your ballot.
If you fail to
							 provide identification, your ballot will not be counted.
Please provide your driver's license number,
							 Washington state identification card number, the last four digits of your
							 Social Security number, or a photocopy of one of the following:
Valid photo identification;
A valid enrollment card of a federally recognized
							 tribe in Washington;
A current utility bill;
A current bank statement;
A current government check;
A current paycheck; or
A government document, other than a voter
							 registration card, that shows both your name and address.
You may return a photocopy with your ballot but, in
							 order to protect the secrecy of your ballot, do not place the photocopy inside
							 the security envelope.
If you do not provide a copy of your
							 identification, your ballot will not be counted.
If you have any questions, please feel free to
							 contact the County Auditor's Office at.
(3) If
			 the voter provides one of the acceptable forms of identification no later than
			 the day before certification of the election, the flag on the voter
			 registration record must be removed and the ballot must be counted.
(4) If the voter fails to provide one of the
			 acceptable forms of identification by the day prior to certification of the
			 election, the ballot shall not be counted. If the voter provides one of the
			 acceptable forms of identification at a later date, the ballot cast in that
			 election shall not be counted but the flag on the voter registration record
			 must be removed.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611,
				  29A.04.620, and
				  29A.04.630. 11-24-064, §
				  434-250-045, filed 12/6/11, effective 1/6/12. Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611. 09-03-110, § 434-250-045,
				  filed 1/21/09, effective 2/21/09; 07-02-100, § 434-250-045, filed 1/3/07,
				  effective 2/3/07.
Reviser's note:
The brackets and enclosed
				  material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the
				  agency.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-070 - Forwarding ballots

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) The county
			 auditor must utilize postal service endorsements that allow ballots to be
			 forwarded, allow the county auditor to receive the updated address information
			 for forwarded ballots, and allow the return of ballots not capable of being
			 forwarded. A voter may only vote a ballot specific to the address where he or
			 she is currently registered to vote, rather than a ballot specific to a new
			 address.
(2) If a ballot is
			 returned or forwarded, the county auditor must, following certification of the
			 election, either:
(a) Transfer the voter
			 registration and send the voter an acknowledgment notice, if the updated
			 address is within the county; or
(b) Place the voter on inactive status and
			 send the voter a confirmation notice to all known addresses, if no updated
			 address information was received or the updated address is outside the
			 county.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-080 - Replacement and reissued ballots

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
The county auditor shall issue a replacement ballot, as
				authorized by
				RCW
				 29A.40.070, if the request is received prior
				to 8:00 p.m. on election day. Requests may be made in person, in writing, by
				telephone, or electronically, by the voter, a family member, or a registered
				domestic partner.
The request for a replacement ballot does not update the
				voter's ballot type or style. The replacement ballot becomes the voter's
				current ballot and the original ballot is suspended. However, should the
				original ballot be received first, it shall be processed.
The county auditor shall reissue a new ballot when the
				registered voter has taken action to update their voter registration and the
				ballot type or style has changed. After the deadline for mail and online
				registration, a person who is already registered to vote in Washington must
				request a reissued ballot in person. The reissued ballot becomes the current
				ballot and all other ballots are suspended.
No additional ballot may be issued to a voter whose ballot has
				already been accepted. If the voter asserts they have not voted and requests a
				ballot, then a provisional ballot must be issued pursuant to WAC
				434-262-032.
Each county auditor shall allow access to an electronic ballot
				system to both active and inactive voters for replacement ballots no later than
				the eighth day prior to election day.
If a voter appears in person at a county auditor's office
				before 8:00 p.m. election day and requests a ballot, the county auditor must
				determine if the voter is registered to vote in Washington.
(1) If the voter is registered in the same
			 county, issue a replacement or reissued ballot.
(2) If the voter is registered in another
			 county, and the voter does not wish to update their registration, access and
			 print a replacement ballot from that county, if the electronic ballot system is
			 available.
(3) If the voter is not
			 registered within the state, the county auditor shall register the voter and
			 issue a current ballot.
The current ballot shall be accepted for initial processing if
				the ballot meets all requirements for tabulation. If the auditor receives
				additional ballots from a voter, as indicated by the fact that the voter's cast
				ballot has been accepted, the additional ballots shall not be counted and shall
				be forwarded to the county canvassing board for informational purposes
				only.
(4) When a voter's
			 ballot has been accepted, additional ballots are considered invalid and shall
			 not be rejected by the county canvassing board.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   29A.04.611,
				  29A.04.620, and
				  29A.04.630. 11-24-064, §
				  434-250-080, filed 12/6/11, effective 1/6/12. Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   29A.04.611. 05-17-145, § 434-250-080,
				  filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-095 - Direct recording electronic voting devices

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) Before a direct recording electronic
			 voting device may be used by a voter, an election officer must verify:
(a) The paper printer or paper canister is
			 secured so that the paper record may not be removed from the device by anyone
			 other than an election officer;
(b)
			 Only a blank portion of the paper record is visible to the voter as he or she
			 approaches the device; and
(c) The
			 paper printer or paper canister is sealed with a numbered seal to ensure the
			 paper tape cannot be removed by the voter.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-100 - Ballot deposit sites

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
If a location only receives ballots and does not issue
				ballots, it is considered a ballot deposit site. Ballot deposit sites may be
				staffed or unstaffed.
(1) A staffed
			 ballot deposit site 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. Deposit site persons, appointed by the county auditor, shall be
			 representatives of different major political parties whenever possible. Deposit
			 site staff or appointees shall subscribe to an oath regarding the discharge of
			 their duties. Staffed deposit sites open on election day must be open until
			 8:00 p.m. Staffed deposit sites may be open according to dates and times
			 established by the county auditor. Staffed deposit sites must have a ballot box
			 secured in the manner described in WAC
			 434-261-045.
(2) Unstaffed ballot deposit sites consist of
			 secured ballot boxes that allow return envelopes, once deposited, to only be
			 removed by authorized staff or appointees. 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. Unstaffed ballot deposit sites must accept ballots beginning eighteen
			 days prior to election day until 8:00 p.m. on election day. The county auditor
			 must empty each ballot box with sufficient frequency to prevent damage and
			 unauthorized access to the ballots.
(3) Unstaffed ballot boxes must be locked and
			 sealed in the manner described in WAC
			 434-261-045. At exactly 8:00 p.m.
			 on election day, all unstaffed ballot boxes must be emptied or secured to
			 prevent the deposit of additional ballots. The box must be closed and secured
			 by one or two people. One person may secure an unstaffed ballot box only if:
(a) The person does not have access to the
			 deposited ballots; and
(b) Before
			 sealing the deposit slot, the person records the seal number on a log and
			 places the log inside the ballot box. The slot is then closed and secured with
			 the numbered seal; and
(c) A team
			 of two removes the ballots from the box and verifies the seal and log.
The county auditor shall remove the deposited ballots and
				transport them to the counting center by either:
(i) Two employees of or two persons appointed
			 by the county auditor; or
(ii)
			 Secured transport carrier containing ballots removed and sealed by two
			 employees of or two persons appointed by the county auditor. Sealed transport
			 carriers may be delivered to the counting center by one person. Ballots shall
			 be secured in this manner when transported by vehicle.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-110 - Processing ballots

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) Ballot
			 processing definitions:
(a) "Initial
			 processing" means all steps taken to prepare ballots for tabulation.
(b) "Final processing" means the reading of
			 ballots by an optical scan voting system for the purpose of producing returns
			 of votes cast, but does not include tabulation.
(c) "Tabulation" means the production of
			 returns of votes cast for candidates or ballot measures in a form that can be
			 read by a person, whether as precinct totals, partial cumulative totals, or
			 final cumulative totals.
(d)
			 "Conditional" means a ballot issued when the voter registration system is
			 unable to process an application submitted in person. The voter is
			 conditionally registered and the voter's current ballot shall be accepted only
			 after the application has been processed.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-120 - Verification of the signature and return date

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) A ballot shall be counted if:
(a) The voter has not already cast a ballot
			 that has been accepted in the election;
(b) The voter signed the ballot declaration
			 with a valid signature, as determined by WAC
			 434-261-051 through
			 434-261-053, or the voter has
			 provided identification at a voting center; and
(c) The envelope is returned in one of the
			 following methods:
(i) The envelope is
			 postmarked not later than the day of the election and received not later than
			 close of business the day before certification of the election. A postmark is
			 any official mark, imprint, or application that verifies when a ballot entered
			 the U.S. postal system. The mailing date of a ballot sent through a commercial
			 mailing service, such as FedEx or UPS, may be considered a postmark. The
			 postmark on the envelope is the official date of mailing. If there are multiple
			 postmarks, the earliest postmark is the date of mailing. A hand cancellation by
			 an agent of the U.S. Postal Service is a postmark.
If the postmark is illegible or missing, the date of the
				voter's signature is the date of mailing as per
				RCW
				 29A.40.110. If the postmark is illegible or
				missing and the voter did not include a date with their signature, county
				auditors may use available U.S. Postal Service tools to verify the date of
				mailing;
(ii) The ballot is
			 deposited in a ballot drop box no later than 8:00 p.m. on election day;
			 or
(iii) For service and overseas
			 voters, the ballot is received by fax or email no later than 8:00 p.m. on
			 election day. Only service and overseas voters can submit ballots by fax or
			 email.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-130 - Maintenance of an audit trail

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Each county auditor shall maintain an audit trail with respect
				to the processing of ballots, which shall include, but not be limited to, the
				following:
(1) A record of the date
			 the ballot was mailed or issued, and the date the ballot was
			 received;
(2) The number of ballots
			 issued and returned by precinct;
(3) A record of the disposition of each
			 request for a ballot that was not honored;
(4) A record of the disposition of each
			 returned ballot that was not counted;
(5) A record of the time and place each time
			 the county canvassing board met; and
(6) Documentation of the security procedures
			 undertaken to protect the integrity of all ballots after receipt, including the
			 seal numbers used to secure the ballots during all facets of the
			 process.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   29A.04.611,
				  29A.04.620, and
				  29A.04.630. 11-24-064, §
				  434-250-130, filed 12/6/11, effective 1/6/12. Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   29A.04.611. 07-12-032, § 434-250-130,
				  filed 5/30/07, effective 6/30/07; 05-17-145, § 434-250-130, filed 8/19/05,
				  effective 9/19/05.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-140 - Ballot process to be expedited

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
All election officials charged with any duties or
				responsibilities with respect to ballots shall ensure that those duties are
				performed in an expeditious manner, in order to maximize the opportunity for
				voters to receive, vote, and return the ballots in time to be
				counted.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611,
				  29A.04.620, and
				  29A.04.630. 11-24-064, §
				  434-250-140, filed 12/6/11, effective 1/6/12. Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611. 05-17-145, § 434-250-140,
				  filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-200 - Return postage

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
The United States Postal Service Domestic Mail Manual requires
				each county auditor to include on the ballot, ballot instructions, mailing
				instructions, or return envelope the specific amount of first-class postage
				necessary to return the ballot by mail. This is not required:
(1) For ballots issued to service and
			 overseas voters;
(2) For ballots
			 returned using the business reply mail service;
(3) For ballots returned with postage prepaid
			 by stamps, meter, or permit reply mail; or
(4) If the county auditor has an account with
			 the post office guaranteeing payment of return postage due.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-320 - Locations to deposit ballots

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
A county auditor must provide at least two locations to
				deposit ballots beginning eighteen days prior to election day and ending at
				8:00 p.m. on election day. These locations may be either a ballot deposit site,
				as defined in WAC
				434-250-100, or a voting center,
				as defined in WAC
				434-250-105. 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.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   29A.04.611,
				  29A.04.620, and
				  29A.04.630. 11-24-064, §
				  434-250-320, filed 12/6/11, effective 1/6/12. Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   29A.04.611. 07-20-074, § 434-250-320,
				  filed 10/1/07, effective 11/1/07; 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.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-350 - Student engagement hubs

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Pursuant to
				RCW
				 29A.40.180, the county auditor and any
				educational institution within the county that are statutorily required to host
				a hub must enter a contract to operate a student engagement hub.
(1) For all institutions operating student
			 engagement hubs, the contract must include:
(a) A method for voters to download and print
			 the voter's ballot for the exact precinct and precinct split from the voter's
			 county of registration from an online portal;
(b) Provisions for protecting the privacy and
			 secrecy of any voted ballot;
(c)
			 Provision of instruction for voters on how to return a ballot;
(d) Provision of services to those in line at
			 8:00 p.m. on election day to obtain a ballot, vote, and deposit their voted
			 ballot;
(e) Provision of a secured
			 ballot drop box at the hub, following current ballot drop box procedures for
			 emptying the contents and closing the box at the conclusion of hub
			 operations;
(f) Ensuring that when
			 a voter is in line at the hub at 8:00 p.m. or earlier on election day, their
			 ballot may be deposited in the drop box after 8:00 p.m., but no other voters
			 can use the drop box after 8:00 p.m.
(g) Ensuring operation of the hub in a
			 nonpartisan manner while allowing no campaign materials or campaigning within a
			 minimum of at least 25 feet of the entrances and exits of the hub facility, or
			 within the hub;
(h) Provision of
			 accessible facilities compliant with the Americans with Disabilities
			 Act.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-370 - Hub reimbursement program

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1) Each year that funding has been made
			 available by the legislature for support of student engagement hubs, a county
			 that is required to operate a student engagement hub under
			 RCW
			  29A.40.180, may request reimbursement from
			 the secretary of state. Reimbursement under this section is limited to the
			 operation of a student engagement hub during any portion of the in-person voter
			 registration period associated with each general election.
(2) Reimbursement may be requested as either:
(a) Direct costs identified in the election
			 cost reimbursement submitted pursuant to chapter 29A.04 RCW and compliant with
			 the
BARS Manual
requirements related to cost reimbursement;
			 or
(b) A reimbursement request
			 separate from the election cost reimbursement request. This must be accompanied
			 by supporting documentation, which may include invoices, written narratives,
			 cost allocation, or other information, for each billed cost, a description of
			 hub operations, dates and hours of operation, and a copy of the hub
			 agreement.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-250 - Elections by mail › Section 434-250-380 - Disclosure of voter signatures

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
(1)
			 In-person inspection of unredacted ballot return envelopes, ballot
			 declarations, and signature correction forms is authorized, so long as
			 photocopying, photographs, and other types of image reproduction of voter
			 signatures, phone numbers, and email addresses are prohibited.
(2) Upon receiving a public records request
			 for ballot return envelopes, ballot declarations, or signature correction
			 forms, an agency should offer the requestor the option of receiving redacted
			 copies or inspecting unredacted versions in-person.
(3) For purposes of this regulation,
			 "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.
(4) For purposes of this section, "voter
			 signature" means any original handwritten signature or image of the voter's
			 signature.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-260 - Election review process and certification of election administrators › Section 434-260-010 - Intent

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
It is the intent of this chapter to provide procedures to be
				followed in the conduct of election reviews and procedures to be followed for
				the certification and training of election administrators, assistant election
				administrators, and county canvassing board members as required by chapter
				29A.04 RCW.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611. 09-18-098, § 434-260-010,
				  filed 9/1/09, effective 10/2/09. Statutory Authority: RCW  29A.04.610.
				  04-15-089, § 434-260-010, filed 7/16/04, effective 8/16/04. Statutory
				  Authority: RCW  29.60.020. 99-12-004, § 434-260-010, filed 5/19/99,
				  effective 6/19/99. 98-08-010, recodified as § 434-260-010, filed 3/18/98,
				  effective 3/18/98. Statutory Authority: RCW  29.60.020. 93-18-053, §
				  434-60-010, filed 8/30/93, effective
				  9/30/93.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-260 - Election review process and certification of election administrators › Section 434-260-030 - Scheduled reviews - Auditor request

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Not later than May 1, any county auditor may request that the
				secretary of state designate his or her county for an election review. The
				secretary of state shall, whenever practical, honor that
				request.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611, 2006 c 344. 07-09-035, §
				  434-260-030, filed 4/11/07, effective 5/12/07. Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611. 05-17-145, § 434-260-030,
				  filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05. Statutory Authority: RCW  29.60.020.
				  99-12-004, § 434-260-030, filed 5/19/99, effective 6/19/99. 98-08-010,
				  recodified as § 434-260-030, filed 3/18/98, effective 3/18/98. Statutory
				  Authority: RCW  29.60.020. 93-18-053, § 434-60-030, filed 8/30/93,
				  effective 9/30/93.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-260 - Election review process and certification of election administrators › Section 434-260-040 - Election reviews - Secretary of state to designate

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Not later than thirty days prior to the start of an election
				review the secretary of state shall notify, in writing, the counties selected
				for an election review. Whenever possible, election reviews shall be conducted
				on dates that are mutually agreeable to the secretary and to the county auditor
				allowing the reviewer to observe all election procedures. In designating
				counties to be reviewed, the secretary shall take into consideration any
				complaints filed with his or her office pursuant to the provisions of
				RCW
				 29A.04.570(1)(b).
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611,
				  29A.04.620, and
				  29A.04.630. 11-24-064, §
				  434-260-040, filed 12/6/11, effective 1/6/12. Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611. 09-18-098, § 434-260-040,
				  filed 9/1/09, effective 10/2/09. Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				   29A.04.611, 2006 c 344. 07-09-035, §
				  434-260-040, filed 4/11/07, effective 5/12/07. Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611. 05-17-145, § 434-260-040,
				  filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05. Statutory Authority: RCW  29A.04.610.
				  04-15-089, § 434-260-040, filed 7/16/04, effective 8/16/04. Statutory
				  Authority: RCW  29.60.020. 99-12-004, § 434-260-040, filed 5/19/99,
				  effective 6/19/99. 98-08-010, recodified as § 434-260-040, filed 3/18/98,
				  effective 3/18/98. Statutory Authority: RCW  29.60.020. 93-18-053, §
				  434-60-040, filed 8/30/93, effective
				  9/30/93.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-260 - Election review process and certification of election administrators › Section 434-260-050 - Notice of special review

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Notice of a special review shall be provided to the county
				auditor by telephone and e-mail not later than twenty-four hours after the
				determination has been made to conduct the special review.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611,
				  29A.04.620, and
				  29A.04.630. 11-24-064, §
				  434-260-050, filed 12/6/11, effective 1/6/12. Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611. 05-17-145, § 434-260-050,
				  filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05. Statutory Authority: RCW  29.60.020.
				  99-12-004, § 434-260-050, filed 5/19/99, effective 6/19/99. 98-08-010,
				  recodified as § 434-260-050, filed 3/18/98, effective 3/18/98. Statutory
				  Authority: RCW  29.60.020. 93-18-053, § 434-60-050, filed 8/30/93,
				  effective 9/30/93.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-260 - Election review process and certification of election administrators › Section 434-260-060 - Notification of review process

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
At least five days prior to an election review, or as soon as
				possible prior to a special review, the review staff shall notify the county
				auditor of the number of persons conducting the review, any policies and
				procedures of special interest, and of any needs incidental to their review.
				The county auditor will provide adequate working accommodations, and copies of
				any county election policies or procedures, at the time scheduled for the
				review. Review staff will make every effort to minimize any disruption to the
				normal work of the county during the review process.
Statutory Authority: RCW 29.60.020. 99-12-004, §
				  434-260-060, filed 5/19/99, effective 6/19/99. 98-08-010, recodified as §
				  434-260-060, filed 3/18/98, effective 3/18/98. Statutory Authority: RCW
				   29.60.020. 93-18-053, § 434-60-060, filed 8/30/93, effective
				  9/30/93.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-260 - Election review process and certification of election administrators › Section 434-260-080 - Special review - Legislative district race

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
A special review shall be conducted in any legislative district
				contained entirely within one county whenever the unofficial returns from a
				legislative race indicate that a mandatory recount is likely. Such a review may
				be as extensive as an election review or may, at the secretary of state's
				discretion, concentrate only on those aspects of the election process dealing
				with ballot accountability, audit trail procedures, and ballot security. In any
				legislative district encompassing more than one county where the unofficial
				returns indicate that a mandatory recount is likely for a legislative district
				race, the secretary of state may direct a partial review in each county or may
				prioritize the review process. In prioritizing the review process, the
				secretary shall take into consideration the following factors:
(1) The date and results of the last election
			 review held in each county;
(2) Any
			 request from a county auditor for a special review;
(3) Any written complaints filed with the
			 secretary pursuant to the provisions of
			 RCW
			  29A.04.570(1)(b);
(4) Any written complaints, from any resident
			 of the county regarding the specific election in question;
(5) Any media stories or reports alleging
			 election irregularities with respect to the election in question;
(6) The date on which the determination is
			 made that a special review is required.
Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.610. 04-15-089, §
				  434-260-080, filed 7/16/04, effective 8/16/04. Statutory Authority: RCW
				   29.60.020. 99-12-004, § 434-260-080, filed 5/19/99, effective 6/19/99.
				  98-08-010, recodified as § 434-260-080, filed 3/18/98, effective 3/18/98.
				  Statutory Authority: RCW  29.60.020. 93-18-053, § 434-60-080, filed
				  8/30/93, effective 9/30/93.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-260 - Election review process and certification of election administrators › Section 434-260-090 - Special review of congressional or statewide races

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
In conducting special reviews for congressional or statewide
				offices, the secretary of state may prioritize the review process, using the
				same criteria as is used in prioritizing special reviews in joint legislative
				districts.
98-08-010, recodified as § 434-260-090, filed 3/18/98,
				  effective 3/18/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 29.60.020. 93-18-053, §
				  434-60-090, filed 8/30/93, effective
				  9/30/93.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-260 - Election review process and certification of election administrators › Section 434-260-100 - Expense of reviews

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
The expenses of reviews, including review staff salaries and
				travel expenses, will not be charged to the county being reviewed. However
				reasonable and necessary office expenses incidental to the review process, such
				as copying charges, computer printouts, and telephones, will be provided by the
				county being reviewed.
98-08-010, recodified as § 434-260-100, filed 3/18/98,
				  effective 3/18/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 29.60.020. 93-18-053, §
				  434-60-100, filed 8/30/93, effective
				  9/30/93.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-260 - Election review process and certification of election administrators › Section 434-260-110 - Election review checklist

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
The secretary of state shall develop an election review
				checklist, which shall be the basis for any election review and which shall
				also serve, in whole or in part, as the basis for any special review. The
				checklist for a regular review shall be provided to the county auditor at least
				one week prior to the beginning of the reviews.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611,
				  29A.04.620, and
				  29A.04.630. 11-24-064, §
				  434-260-110, filed 12/6/11, effective 1/6/12. Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611. 09-18-098, § 434-260-110,
				  filed 9/1/09, effective 10/2/09. Statutory Authority: RCW  29.60.020. 99-12-004,
				  § 434-260-110, filed 5/19/99, effective 6/19/99. 98-08-010, recodified as
				  § 434-260-110, filed 3/18/98, effective 3/18/98. Statutory Authority: RCW
				   29.60.020. 93-18-053, § 434-60-110, filed 8/30/93, effective
				  9/30/93.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-260 - Election review process and certification of election administrators › Section 434-260-130 - Preliminary review report of findings and recommendations

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
The review staff shall verbally relay any recommendations found
				during observation of the county's procedures by certification of the election.
				As soon as practical, but in any event not later than ninety days following the
				certification of the election, the review staff shall issue a preliminary
				review report of a findings and recommendations. The report shall be made to
				the county auditor.
The preliminary review report of findings and recommendations
				is exempt from public inspection and copying, as provided by
				RCW
				 42.56.280.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611,
				  29A.04.620, and
				  29A.04.630. 11-24-064, §
				  434-260-130, filed 12/6/11, effective 1/6/12. Statutory Authority: RCW
				   29.60.020. 99-12-004, § 434-260-130, filed 5/19/99, effective 6/19/99.
				  98-08-010, recodified as § 434-260-130, filed 3/18/98, effective 3/18/98.
				  Statutory Authority: RCW  29.60.020. 93-18-053, § 434-60-130, filed
				  8/30/93, effective 9/30/93.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-260 - Election review process and certification of election administrators › Section 434-260-140 - Draft election review report

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
As soon as practicable, but in any event not later than thirty
				days after the issuance of the preliminary report of findings and
				recommendations, the review staff shall issue a draft of the election review
				report to the county auditor and the designated members of the county
				canvassing board as provided in chapter 29A.60 RCW, and shall include, but not
				be limited to, the following:
(1) A
			 narrative description of recommendations made by the review staff;
(2) Any other information the review staff
			 deems pertinent;
(3) A preliminary
			 conclusion/evaluation of the county's election procedures.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611. 05-17-145, § 434-260-140,
				  filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05. Statutory Authority: RCW  29A.04.610.
				  04-15-089, § 434-260-140, filed 7/16/04, effective 8/16/04. Statutory
				  Authority: RCW  29.60.020. 99-12-004, § 434-260-140, filed 5/19/99,
				  effective 6/19/99. 98-08-010, recodified as § 434-260-140, filed 3/18/98,
				  effective 3/18/98. Statutory Authority: RCW  29.60.020. 93-18-053, §
				  434-60-140, filed 8/30/93, effective
				  9/30/93.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-260 - Election review process and certification of election administrators › Section 434-260-145 - Response to draft election review report

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
The county auditor and/or county canvassing board must respond,
				in writing, to the draft election review report, listing the steps that will be
				taken to correct any problems listed in the report. Such response shall be
				submitted to the review staff not later than fifteen business days following
				the issuance of the draft election review report.
Nothing in this section shall prevent the review staff from
				modifying or amending its recommendations, based on the response received from
				the county auditor or canvassing board.
Any county auditor or other member of the county canvassing
				board may appeal the recommendations or the conclusion of any draft election
				review report to the election administration and certification board. Any
				appeal must be in writing, must detail specific exceptions made to the draft
				election review report, and must be filed with the board not later than thirty
				days following the issuance of the report.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611. 09-18-098, § 434-260-145,
				  filed 9/1/09, effective 10/2/09; 05-17-145, § 434-260-145, filed 8/19/05,
				  effective 9/19/05. Statutory Authority: RCW  29.60.020. 99-12-004, §
				  434-260-145, filed 5/19/99, effective
				  6/19/99.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-260 - Election review process and certification of election administrators › Section 434-260-150 - Final election review report

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
As soon as practicable, but in any event not later than ten
				business days after the receipt of the county's response, the review staff
				shall issue a final election review report. The report shall be made to the
				county canvassing board, and shall include, but not be limited to, the
				following:
(1) A narrative description
			 of any general observations by the review staff;
(2) A narrative description of any
			 recommendations made by the review staff;
(3) A response by the county auditor or the
			 county canvassing board;
(4) A
			 conclusion by the review staff.
A copy of the final review report shall be provided to the
				chairperson of the election administration and certification board and a copy
				shall also be kept on file by the secretary of state.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611,
				  29A.04.620, and
				  29A.04.630. 11-24-064, §
				  434-260-150, filed 12/6/11, effective 1/6/12. Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611. 09-18-098, § 434-260-150,
				  filed 9/1/09, effective 10/2/09; 05-17-145, § 434-260-150, filed 8/19/05,
				  effective 9/19/05. Statutory Authority: RCW  29.60.020. 99-12-004, §
				  434-260-150, filed 5/19/99, effective 6/19/99. 98-08-010, recodified as §
				  434-260-150, filed 3/18/98, effective 3/18/98. Statutory Authority: RCW
				   29.60.020. 93-18-053, § 434-60-150, filed 8/30/93, effective
				  9/30/93.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-260 - Election review process and certification of election administrators › Section 434-260-155 - County review follow-up

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Within one year following the issuance of the final review
				report, the secretary of state shall verify that the county has taken the steps
				listed in the response to correct the problems noted in the report. The
				secretary of state shall send a letter to the county canvassing board listing
				the results of the follow-up interview. A copy of the letter shall be provided
				to the county auditor and kept on file with the secretary of
				state.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611,
				  29A.04.620, and
				  29A.04.630. 11-24-064, §
				  434-260-155, filed 12/6/11, effective 1/6/12. Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611. 09-18-098, § 434-260-155,
				  filed 9/1/09, effective 10/2/09; 05-17-145, § 434-260-155, filed 8/19/05,
				  effective 9/19/05.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-260 - Election review process and certification of election administrators › Section 434-260-160 - Special review recommendations

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
After conducting a special review, the review staff shall make
				any recommendations to the county auditor and the county canvassing board that
				they deem necessary to minimize the possibilities of any administrative errors
				being made either prior to or during the conduct of a mandatory recount. Such
				recommendations shall be made orally to the county auditor not later than
				twenty-four hours in advance of the conduct of a mandatory recount. A draft
				report of findings and recommendations shall be issued to the county auditor
				and the other members of the canvassing board not later than ten business days
				after the completion of the mandatory recount.
Statutory Authority:
				  RCW
				  29A.04.611. 09-18-098, § 434-260-160,
				  filed 9/1/09, effective 10/2/09. Statutory Authority: RCW  29.60.020. 99-12-004,
				  § 434-260-160, filed 5/19/99, effective 6/19/99. 98-08-010, recodified as
				  § 434-260-160, filed 3/18/98, effective 3/18/98. Statutory Authority: RCW
				   29.60.020. 93-18-053, § 434-60-160, filed 8/30/93, effective
				  9/30/93.
Washington Administrative Code › Title 434 - Secretary of State › Chapter 434-260 - Election review process and certification of election administrators › Section 434-260-190 - Processing of appeal

Current through Register Vol. 24-14, July 15, 2024
Within thirty days of an appeal being filed, the election
				administration and certification board shall meet to consider the appeal. The
				board may request that the county auditor, the review staff, or any other
				persons they deem appropriate, appear before them and assist them in their
				consideration of the appeal. The board shall have access to all written
				material prepared by the review staff, including a copy of the preliminary
				election review report and draft review report. The board, by majority vote,
				may accept the draft report, may modify all or part of the draft report, or may
				reject the report in total. In the event the board rejects the report, they
				shall direct that a new review be conducted and shall detail, in writing, the
				reasons for rejecting the original report. The board shall issue a written
				summary of its findings following any consideration of any appeal. The summary
				shall include the minutes of any meeting of the board to consider the appeal, a
				summary of the testimony of any witnesses appearing before them, and the
				reasons for any decision made.
Statutory Authority: RCW 29.60.020. 99-12-004, §
				  434-260-190, filed 5/19/99, effective 6/19/99. 98-08-010, recodified as §
				  434-260-190, filed 3/18/98, effective 3/18/98. Statutory Authority: RCW
				   29.60.020. 93-18-053, § 434-60-190, filed 8/30/93, effective
				  9/30/93.