(1) The opening and subsequent processing of return envelopes for any primary or election may begin upon receipt. The tabulation of absentee ballots must not commence until after 8:00 p.m. on the day of the primary or election.

     (2) All received absentee return envelopes must be placed in secure locations from the time of delivery to the county auditor until their subsequent opening. After opening the return envelopes, the county canvassing board shall place all of the ballots in secure storage until after 8:00 p.m. of the day of the primary or election. Absentee ballots that are to be tabulated on an electronic vote tallying system may be taken from the inner envelopes and all the normal procedural steps may be performed to prepare these ballots for tabulation.

     (3) Before opening a returned absentee ballot, the canvassing board, or its designated representatives, shall examine the postmark, statement, and signature on the return envelope that contains the security envelope and absentee ballot. All personnel assigned to verify signatures must receive training on statewide standards for signature verification. Personnel shall verify that the voter's signature on the return envelope is the same as the signature of that voter in the registration files of the county. Verification may be conducted by an automated verification system approved by the secretary of state. For any absentee ballot, a variation between the signature of the voter on the return envelope and the signature of that voter in the registration files due to the substitution of initials or the use of common nicknames is permitted so long as the surname and handwriting are clearly the same.

     (4) For registered voters casting absentee ballots, the date on the return envelope to which the voter has attested determines the validity, as to the time of voting for that absentee ballot if the postmark is missing or is illegible. For out-of-state voters, overseas voters, and service voters stationed in the United States, the date on the return envelope to which the voter has attested determines the validity as to the time of voting for that absentee ballot.

[2006 c 207 § 4; 2006 c 206 § 6; 2005 c 243 § 5; 2003 c 111 § 1011. Prior: 2001 c 241 § 10; 1991 c 81 § 32; 1987 c 346 § 14; 1977 ex.s. c 361 § 78; 1973 c 140 § 1; 1965 c 9 § 29.36.060; prior: 1963 ex.s. c 23 § 5; 1955 c 167 § 7; 1955 c 50 § 2; prior: 1933 ex.s. c 41 § 5, part; 1921 c 143 § 6, part; 1917 c 159 § 4, part; 1915 c 189 § 4, part; RRS § 5285, part. Formerly RCW 29.36.310, 29.36.060.]

NOTES:

     Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2006 c 206 § 6 and by 2006 c 207 § 4, each without reference to the other. Both 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 -- 1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.

     Legislative intent -- Effective date -- 1987 c 346: See notes following RCW 29A.40.010.

     Effective date -- Severability -- 1977 ex.s. c 361: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

County canvassing board, meeting to process absentee ballots, canvass returns: RCW 29A.60.160.

Unsigned absentee or provisional ballots: RCW 29A.60.165.