The delivery of an absentee ballot for any primary or election shall be subject to the following qualifications:

     (1) Only the registered voter personally, or a member of the registered voter's immediate family may pick up an absentee ballot for the voter at the office of the issuing officer unless the voter is a resident of a health care facility, as defined by RCW 70.37.020(3), on election day and applies by messenger for an absentee ballot. In this latter case, the messenger may pick up the voter's absentee ballot.

     (2) Except as noted in subsection (1) of this section, the issuing officer shall mail or deliver the absentee ballot directly to each applicant.

[2003 c 111 § 1008. Prior: 2001 c 241 § 7; 1984 c 27 § 2; 1965 c 9 § 29.36.035; prior: 1963 ex.s. c 23 § 4. Formerly RCW 29.36.280, 29.36.035.]