The registration files of all precincts shall be closed against transfers for thirty days immediately preceding every primary, special election, and general election to be held in such precincts.

     The county auditor shall give notice of the closing of the precinct files for transfer and notice of the special registration and voting procedure provided by RCW 29A.08.145 by one publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least five days before the closing of the precinct files.

     No person may vote at any primary, special election, or general election in a precinct polling place unless he or she has registered to vote at least thirty days before that primary or election and appears on the official statewide voter registration list. If a person, otherwise qualified to vote in the state, county, and precinct in which he or she applies for registration, does not register at least thirty days before any primary, special election, or general election, he or she may register and vote by absentee ballot for that primary or election under RCW 29A.08.145.

[2006 c 97 § 1; 2004 c 267 § 112; 2003 c 111 § 212. Prior: 1993 c 383 § 2; 1980 c 3 § 4; 1974 ex.s. c 127 § 4; 1971 ex.s. c 202 § 20; 1965 c 9 § 29.07.160; prior: 1947 c 68 § 2; 1933 c 1 § 9; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5114-9. Formerly RCW 29.07.160.]

NOTES:

     Effective dates -- 2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.651.