WAC 434-250-100   Ballot deposit sites and voting centers.  (1) If a location only receives ballots and does not issue any ballots, it is considered a ballot deposit site. Ballot deposit sites may be staffed or unstaffed.

     (a) If a ballot deposit site is staffed, it must be staffed by at least two people. Deposit site staff may be employees of the county auditor's office or persons appointed by the auditor. If a deposit site is staffed by two or more persons appointed by the county auditor, the appointees shall be representatives of different major political parties whenever possible. Deposit site staff shall subscribe to an oath regarding the discharge of their duties. Staffed deposit sites open on election day must be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Staffed deposit sites may be open prior to the election according to dates and times established by the county auditor. Staffed deposit sites must have a secure ballot box that is constructed in a manner to allow return envelopes, once deposited, to only be removed by the county auditor or by the deposit site staff. If a ballot envelope is returned after 8:00 p.m. on election day, deposit site staff must note the time and place of deposit on the ballot envelope, and such ballots must be referred to the canvassing board.

     (b) Unstaffed ballot deposit sites consist of secured ballot boxes that allow return envelopes, once deposited, to only be removed by authorized staff. Ballot boxes located outdoors must be constructed of durable material able to withstand inclement weather, and be sufficiently secured to the ground or another structure to prevent their removal. From eighteen days prior to election day until 8:00 p.m. on election day, two people who are either employees of or appointed by the county auditor must empty each ballot box with sufficient frequency to prevent damage and unauthorized access to the ballots.

     (2) If a location offers replacement ballots, provisional ballots, or voting on a direct recording electronic device, it is considered a voting center. The requirements for staffed ballot deposit sites apply to voting centers. Each voting center must:

     (a) Be posted according to standard public notice procedures;

     (b) Be an accessible location consistent with chapters 29A.16 RCW and 434-257 WAC;

     (c) Be marked with signage outside the building indicating the location as a place for voting;

     (d) Offer disability access voting;

     (e) Offer provisional ballots, which may be sample ballots that meet provisional ballot requirements;

     (f) Record the name, signature and other relevant information for each voter who votes on a direct recording electronic voting device in such a manner that the ballot cannot be traced back to the voter;

     (g) Request identification, consistent with RCW 29A.44.205 and WAC 434-253-024, from each voter voting on a direct recording electronic voting device or voting a provisional ballot;

     (h) Issue a provisional ballot to each voter who is unable to provide identification in accordance with (g) of this subsection;

     (i) Have electronic or telephonic access to the voter registration system consistent with WAC 434-250-095 if voters are voting on a direct recording electronic voting device;

     (j) Provide either a voters' pamphlet or sample ballots;

     (k) Provide voter registration forms;

     (l) Display a HAVA voter information poster;

     (m) Display the date of that election;

     (n) Provide instructions on how to properly mark the ballot;

     (o) Provide election materials in alternative languages if required by the Voting Rights Act; and

     (p) Use an accountability form to account for all ballots issued.

     (3) Ballot boxes must be locked and sealed at all times, with seal logs that document each time the box is opened and by whom. Ballots must be placed into sealed transport carriers and returned to the county auditor's office or another designated location. At exactly 8:00 p.m. on election day, all ballot boxes must be emptied or sealed to prevent the deposit of additional ballots.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 08-05-120, § 434-250-100, filed 2/19/08, effective 3/21/08; 07-20-074, § 434-250-100, filed 10/1/07, effective 11/1/07; 06-23-094, § 434-250-100, filed 11/15/06, effective 12/16/06; 06-14-047, § 434-250-100, filed 6/28/06, effective 7/29/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611, 29A.04.530. 06-02-028, § 434-250-100, filed 12/28/05, effective 1/28/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 05-17-145, § 434-250-100, filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05.]