The bill amends Washington State's irrigation district election laws to improve the voting process and clarify eligibility requirements. Key changes include allowing qualified district electors to vote by absentee ballot without needing to certify their inability to attend the election precinct on election day. The board of directors is also empowered to conduct elections solely by mail-in ballots, eliminating polling places. Additionally, the bill mandates that ballots be returned in a security envelope within an outer envelope to ensure voter anonymity and extends the absentee ballot submission deadline from five to seven days after the election. Other amendments clarify voting qualifications, such as confirming that both spouses in a community property situation may vote and adjusting the age requirement to 18 years old.

The bill further establishes new notice requirements for districts with designated treasurers, requiring annual notifications to qualified electors about board members, candidacy declarations, and voting procedures. It mandates the use of assessment rolls to notify qualified electors about elections and ensures that individuals who become qualified after the annual notice can still vote. Districts are also required to maintain a website with election information and adjust the canvassing meeting date to the second Wednesday after elections. Stringent election security protocols are introduced, including ballot handling and transparency during the canvassing process, with violations classified as gross misdemeanors. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the transparency, security, and accessibility of elections within irrigation districts.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 87.03.031, 87.03.032, 87.03.033, 87.03.045, 87.03.051, 87.03.071, 87.03.075, 87.03.085, 87.03.105
Bill as Passed Legislature: 87.03.031, 87.03.032, 87.03.033, 87.03.045, 87.03.051, 87.03.071, 87.03.075, 87.03.085, 87.03.105
Session Law: 87.03.031, 87.03.032, 87.03.033, 87.03.045, 87.03.051, 87.03.071, 87.03.075, 87.03.085, 87.03.105