WAC 434-250-040   Instructions to voters.  (1) Instructions that accompany an absentee ballot must include:

     (a) How to cancel a vote by drawing a line through the text of the candidate's name or ballot measure response;

     (b) Notice that, unless specifically allowed by law, more than one vote for an office or ballot measure will be an overvote and no votes for that office or ballot measure will be counted;

     (c) Notice that, if a voter has signed or otherwise identified himself or herself on a ballot, the ballot will not be counted;

     (d) An explanation of how to complete and sign the affidavit on the return envelope;

     (e) An explanation of how to make a mark, witnessed by two other people, if unable to sign the affidavit;

     (f) An explanation of how to place the ballot in the security envelope and place the security envelope in the return envelope;

     (g) An explanation of how to obtain a replacement ballot if the original ballot is destroyed, spoiled, or lost;

     (h) Notice that postage is required, if applicable;

     (i) Notice that, in order for the ballot to be counted, it must be either postmarked or deposited at a designated deposit site no later than election day;

     (j) An explanation of how to learn about the locations, hours, and services of voting centers and ballot deposit sites, including the availability of accessible voting equipment;

     (k) For a primary election that includes a partisan office, a notice on a separate insert printed on colored paper explaining:

     "Washington has a new primary. You do not have to pick a party. In each race, you may vote for any candidate listed. The two candidates who receive the most votes in the August primary will advance to the November general election.

     Each candidate for partisan office may state a political party that he or she prefers. A candidate's preference does not imply that the candidate is nominated or endorsed by the party, or that the party approves of or associates with that candidate."

     (l)(i) For a general election that includes a partisan office, the following explanation:

     "Washington has a new election system. In each race for partisan office, the two candidates who receive the most votes in the August primary advance to the November general election.

     Each candidate for partisan office may state a political party that he or she prefers. A candidate's preference does not imply that the candidate is nominated or endorsed by the party, or that the party approves of or associates with that candidate."

     (ii) In a year that president and vice-president appear on the general election ballot, the following must be added to the statement required by (l)(i) of this subsection:

     "The election for president and vice-president is different. Candidates for president and vice-president are the official nominees of their political party."

     (m) Any other information the county auditor deems necessary.

     (2) Instructions that accompany a special absentee ballot must also include:

     (a) A listing of all offices and measures that will appear upon the ballot, together with a listing of all persons who have filed for office or who have indicated their intention to file for office; and

     (b) Notice that the voter may request and subsequently vote a regular absentee ballot, and that if the regular absentee ballot is received by the county auditor prior to certification of the election, it will be tabulated and the special absentee ballot will be voided.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 09-03-110, § 434-250-040, filed 1/21/09, effective 2/21/09; 08-15-052, § 434-250-040, filed 7/11/08, effective 8/11/08; 07-24-044, § 434-250-040, filed 11/30/07, effective 12/31/07; 07-09-036, § 434-250-040, filed 4/11/07, effective 5/12/07; 06-23-094, § 434-250-040, filed 11/15/06, effective 12/16/06; 05-17-145, § 434-250-040, filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05.]