Immediately after their tabulation, all ballots counted at a ballot counting center must be sealed in containers that identify the primary or election and be retained for at least sixty days or according to federal law, whichever is longer. All ballots tallied by poll-site ballot counting devices must be returned to the elections department in sealed ballot containers on election day. Counties composed entirely of islands or portions of counties composed of islands shall collect the ballots within twenty-four hours of the close of the polls.

     Ballots tabulated in poll-site ballot counting devices must be sealed by two of the election precinct officers at the polling place, and a log of the seal and the names of the people sealing the container must be completed. One copy of this log must be retained by the inspector, one copy must be placed in the ballot transfer case, and one copy must be transported with the ballots to the elections department, where the seal number must be verified by the county auditor or a designated representative. Ballots may be transported by one election employee if the container is sealed at the poll and then verified when returned to the elections department. Auditors using poll-site ballot counting devices may conduct early pickup of counted ballots on election day.

     In the presence of major party observers who are available, ballots may be removed from the sealed containers at the elections department and consolidated into one sealed container for storage purposes. The containers may only be opened by the canvassing board as part of the canvass, or to conduct recounts, or under RCW 29A.60.170(3), or by order of the superior court in a contest or election dispute. If the canvassing board opens a ballot container, it shall make a full record of the additional tabulation or examination made of the ballots. This record must be added to any other record of the canvassing process in that county.

[2003 c 111 § 1511; 1999 c 158 § 14; 1990 c 59 § 59. Formerly RCW 29.54.075.]

NOTES:

     Intent -- Effective date -- 1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.