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County Canvassing Board Training. 2012. Certification and Training Program Elections Division Office of the Secretary of State (360) 902-4180. The Canvassing Board. RCW 29A.60 WAC 434-262-010. The County Auditor conducts elections The Board canvasses the returns.
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County CanvassingBoard Training 2012 Certification and Training Program Elections Division Office of the Secretary of State (360) 902-4180
The Canvassing Board RCW 29A.60 WAC 434-262-010 The County Auditor conducts elections The Board canvasses the returns
Canvassing Board Membership • Chair of County Legislative Authority • Board of County Commissioners • County Council • Prosecuting Attorney • County Auditor RCW 29A.60.140
If a Member Cannot Serve • Designate an alternate • In writing • At least one day prior to assuming any duties • Permanently, or for a single election • File designation with the County Auditor RCW 29A.60.140
Board Alternates RCW 29A.60.140
When Member is a Candidate The member designates an alternate. If unable to designate, the member • May determine the validity of an entire ballot • May not determine validity for his/her race RCW 29A.60.150
When Member is a Candidate If remaining members can’t agree, and the vote affects the outcome of the race, then The Secretary of State may break the tie. RCW 29A.60.150
Board Procedures • Officially adopt written procedures • Comply with Open Public Meetings Act RCW 29A.60.150 & 42.30.080
Rules and Written Procedures Canvassing Board written procedures should include: • Board policies and delegation • Compliance with state laws and rules • Consistency between elections • Include examples of Board decisions
Open Public Meetings • Notify media • Publish public meeting notices • In the Notice of Election • On the county website • Make available for public disclosure • All Board meeting records • All Board actions or adopted rules WAC 434-262-025 RCW 29A.60.140 RCW 42.30
Exclusive Duties of the Board RCW 29A.60, 29A.08.820 WAC 434-262-010 Rejecting ballots Canvassing and Certify elections Hearing voter registration challenges
Delegating Duties RCW 29A.60.140 WAC 434-262-015 Any duty not exclusive to the Board • Processing ballots • Researching provisional ballots • Conducting logic & accuracy tests • Determining voter intent
Voter Intent Determination of voter intent is often delegated, subject to the Statewide Standards of What is a Vote. Only the Board may reject a ballot. WAC 434-261-120
Voter Intent Committee Secretary of State’s Office County Auditors Attorney General’s Office
Rejection of Ballots The Board may review ballots • Individually • In batches The Board shall review voter intent marks not addressed in the Statewide Standards on What is a Vote. RCW 29A.60.140 WAC 434-261-086 WAC 434-262-015
Rejection of Ballots or Parts of Ballots RCW 29A.60.140 WAC 434-261-086 WAC 434-262-015
When Certifying the Election Canvassing Board should verify: • Reconciliation report • Auditor’s Abstract of Votes • Any reports explaining errors & discrepancies • Amended abstracts • Certificate of election RCW 29A.60.230 RCW 29A.60.235
Verify the Auditor’s Abstract of Votes • Number of registered voters • Votes cast in each race • Precinct vote totals • Ballot vote totals • Legislative district vote totals • Congressional district vote totals • Countywide vote totals RCW 29A.60.200 WAC 434-262-040
Administering Election Recounts The Board shall: • Determine time and place • Establish guidelines for public observation • Open sealed ballot containers • Direct ballot counting RCW 29A.64.030RCW 29A.64.041 RCW 29A.60.110
Duties: Voter Challenges Voter Registration Challenges Challenged by: • A registered voter • The County Prosecuting Attorney Voted ballot is held if challenge is filed before the voted ballot is returned RCW 29A.08.810-850
Duties: Voter Challenges Basis for Challenge Challenger must allege voter is: • Not 18 • Not a U.S. citizen • Not a resident • Not eligible due to mental incompetence • Not eligible due to a felony conviction RCW 29A.08.810-850
Duties: Voter Challenges Felony Convictions 2009 Legislation states that voting rights are restored when the person is no longer under DOC custody. There is not requirement for a document restoring voting rights.
Duties: Voter Challenges Hearing Registration Challenges • Burden of proof is on challenger • If challenge is based on residency, the voter is allowed to correct the address • Challenger and voter may appear at hearing either in person or by affidavit RCW 29A.08.810 - .850
Duties: Voter Challenges Board’s Decision • Challenge must be resolved before certification of the election • Superior Court may review Canvassing Board’s decision RCW 29A.08.810-850
Military & Overseas Voter Voter without WA address votes only on county-wide races & issues Electronic access to ballots Date of signature is the valid receipt date If the voter only casts a Federal Write-in Ballot, it is valid
Board Members’ Role As judge and jury, you are the guardian of voters’ rights, election integrity, and the legal process.
County CanvassingBoard Training 2012 Questions regarding this training may be addressed to: Certifying and Training Program Office of the Secretary of State elections@sos.wa.gov (360) 902-4180