Section 434-219-235 - Statewide standards on what is a vote-Presidential primaryThe following standards determine the validity of political party declarations on a presidential primary return envelope and ballot. All standards listed in WAC 434-261-086 apply to ballots.
(1) In order for a ballot to be valid and included in the ballot count, the ballot must contain one marked political party declaration, if a declaration has been provided by the party, a valid voter signature, and meet other requirements in law and rule. Only a vote on the ballot within the party the voter selected shall be included in the ballot count. Ballots must be rejected by the county canvassing board for the following reasons: (a) Political party declarations.(i) The voter selects both political party declarations.(ii) The voter fails to provide a marked and signed political party declaration by the day before certification of the primary.(b) Ballots. (i) The voter votes for a candidate on the ballot not matching the political party declaration.(ii) The voter votes for candidates in more than one party.(2) When the voter modifies a party name or wording of a selected political party declaration, the party checkbox is considered unmarked and the voter must be contacted per WAC 434-219-230. Such alterations may include:(a) Modification of a party name or wording of a selected political party declaration.(b) A strike through a party name or wording of a selected party declaration without also making another party choice.(3) When a voter makes a correction to a political party selection, the canvassing board shall consider the voter's intent.(a) If the voter strikes through a party name or wording of a party declaration, it is considered a correction only when the voter clearly selects another party declaration. Corrections may be resolved in the same manner as marks made on a ballot according to WAC 434-261-086(1)(c), (d), and (e).(b) If the voter does not mark inside a party checkbox, a mark or written instruction made outside the party checkbox may still indicate a choice when one declaration is clearly selected. Voter intent issues for marks made outside the party checkbox may be resolved in the same manner as marks made on a ballot according to WAC 434-261-086(1)(b) and (e). Exception: One mark that strikes through a party name or wording of the party declaration does not indicate a selection.
Wash. Admin. Code § 434-219-235
Adopted by WSR 15-24-001, Filed 11/18/2015, effective 12/19/2015Amended by WSR 19-20-115, Filed 10/2/2019, effective 11/2/2019