(1) In accordance with the provisions of RCW 29A.53.020, the legislative body of a qualifying city may, for a specific election or elections, adopt instant runoff voting as the method for electing candidates for all nonpartisan city offices.

     (2)(a) After adoption of instant runoff voting by the legislative body of a qualifying city for a specific election or elections as provided for by subsection (1) of this section, the city shall, before conducting an election using the instant runoff voting method, notify the county auditor and the secretary of state of its intent to hold such an election.

     (b) If the county auditor notifies the city that existing election equipment of the county is insufficient for conducting an election under the instant runoff voting method, the city and the auditor shall negotiate an agreement for the purchase of any new equipment specifically required for this election method. Nothing in this subsection precludes the auditor from canvassing the returns of an instant runoff voting election by hand.

     (3) The date of any election conducted under the instant runoff voting method must be consistent with the timeline required by RCW 29A.53.020.

[2005 c 153 § 7.]