The secretary of state shall produce and furnish envelopes and instructions for overseas voters and service voters. The information on the envelopes or instructions must explain that:

     (1) Return postage is free if the ballot is mailed through the United States postal service, United States armed forces postal service, or the postal service of a United States foreign embassy;

     (2) The date of the signature is considered the date of mailing;

     (3) The envelope must be signed by election day;

     (4) The signed declaration on the envelope is the equivalent of voter registration;

     (5) A voter may fax a voted ballot and the accompanying envelope if the voter agrees to waive secrecy. The ballot will be counted if the original documents are received before certification of the election; and

     (6) A voter may obtain a ballot via electronic mail, which the voter may print out, vote, and return by mail. In order to facilitate the electronic acquisition of ballots by overseas and service voters, the ballot instructions shall include the web site of the office of the secretary of state.

[2006 c 206 § 7; 2005 c 245 § 1; 2003 c 111 § 1015; 1993 c 417 § 7; 1987 c 346 § 19; 1983 1st ex.s. c 71 § 8. Formerly RCW 29.36.360, 29.36.150.]

NOTES:

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