A ballot shall be counted only if:
(1) It is returned in the return envelope, or a similar envelope if it contains the same information and signed affidavit and is approved by the auditor;
(2) The affidavit is signed with a valid signature in the place afforded for the signature on the envelope;
(3) The signature has been verified pursuant to WAC
434-379-020, or if the voter is unable to sign his or her name, two other persons have witnessed the voter's mark;
(4) It is postmarked not later than the day of the election or deposited in the auditor's office, a polling location, or a designated deposit site not later than 8:00 p.m. on election day; and
(5) The ballot is received prior to certification of the election.
The signature on the return envelope, or on a copy of the return envelope, must be compared with the signature in the voter's voter registration file using the standards established in WAC
434-379-020. The signature on a return envelope may not be rejected merely because the name in the signature is a variation of the name on the voter registration record. The canvassing board may designate in writing representatives to perform this function. All personnel assigned to the duty of signature verification shall subscribe to an oath administered by the county auditor regarding the discharge of his or her duties. Personnel shall be instructed in the signature verification process prior to actually canvassing any signatures. Local law enforcement officials may instruct those employees in techniques used to identify forgeries.
The signature verification process shall be open to the public, subject to reasonable procedures adopted and promulgated by the canvassing board to ensure that order is maintained and to safeguard the integrity of the process.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611, 29A.04.530. 06-02-028, § 434-250-120, filed 12/28/05, effective 1/28/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. 05-17-145, § 434-250-120, filed 8/19/05, effective 9/19/05.]