Benton County Media 2010 Handbook November 2 2010 Ballots Mailed October 13th Election Results Ballot returns! updated online daily Accessible Voting Units Come observe today! Election Day at 8:00 pm are available!
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Table of Contents 3 Official Media Handbook Benton County, Washington 2010 Candidate Filing Week June 7-11, 2010 Highlights Disability Advisory Committee 11 Candidate Filing 17 Contents Introduction Information Election Department Web Site (Page 7) HAVA Grant (Page 9) Disability Access Committee (Page 11) What you need to know (Page 13) Offices up for Election (Page 15) Voter Registration Totals (Page 17) Public Disclosure Information (Page 19) Candidate Filing Information Filing for Office (Page 17) Election Day 27 WARNING: Election Information Ballot Return Trend (Page 23) Challenged Ballots (Page 25) Election Day (Page 27) After Election Day (Page 29)
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5 Brenda Chilton Benton County Auditor
6 AIGA s Get Out the Vote campaign is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors Good design makes choices clear. Get Out the Vote is a public service initiative of AIGA Design for Democracy. This poster is one in a series that encourages civic participation. See more than 200 different designs at www.aiga.org/getoutthevote. Design: Office, AIGA San Francisco the professional association for design
7 Section 1 Election Department Web Site Election Results After the drop boxes are closed at 8:00pm, the ballots are immediately tabulated, then election results are uploaded to our web site. Precinct results will be available online after the Election has been certified. For more information about Election Day, read the Election Day chapter on page 27. Online Voters Guide Benton County provides each candidate an opportunity to submit a candidate statement, photo, and video. This candidate information will be available in the Online Voters Guide. Information for Candidates The Benton County Election Department continues to build the Election Department web site into a one-stop location for all information that a candidate might need during their campaign. Archived Election Results Candidate Filing Information Campaigning Information Election Specific Information Submit Voter Information Requests Online Information for Voters Not only is the Election Department web site a great tool for candidates, but it is also a great tool for voters. When candidates are campaigning, it may be helpful to direct voters to the Election Department web site to answer any questions. Contact Information Drop Box Locations Military and Overseas Voter Assistance MyVote - Personalized Voter Information Online Voter Registration Online Voters Guide Request Replacement Ballot Online Election Department Web Site Media Handbook 2010
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9 Section 2 HAVA Grant HAVA Grant The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) allowed Benton County to enhance many functions within the Elections Department. To assist with those efforts, Congress authorized and appropriated more than $3 billion to all 50 states. Voter Registration System Conversion In 2009 Benton County converted to a new voter registration system that allows for greater accessibility for both our voters and our Election Staff. Among those is the ability to receive online voter registration forms and address changes electronically. Replacement Equipment In January of 2010 Benton County asked for HAVA grant funding to replace an envelope opener and 2 ballot scanners. The envelope opener has been in service for over 15 years and the ballot scanners are at the end of their maintenance life. Having this equipment replaced will help speed up ballot processing. Drop Boxes Benton County was able to purchase 3 drop boxes and install them at each of the Benton County Auditor s Offices. These boxes allow for voters to drop their ballot 24 hours a day for 20 days prior to Election Day. In March of 2010, Benton County asked for 2 additional drop boxes for those voters not already within a short distance of a drop box. Accessibility Grant In March of 2010, Benton County asked for 2 additional drop boxes as requested by our Disability Access Committee. The drop boxes will be located strategically in Benton City and at the Kennewick Justice Center. The drop box at the Justice Center will be installed as a drive up drop box to be even more accessible to all voters. Training Ballot Scanner: Stuart Holmes feeds ballots through ballot scanner. Benton County has been able to provide its Election Staff with necessary training opportunities to develop a well rounded knowledge of Washington State Election Laws, Best Practices, Software Specific Training, and other important training courses. These trainings have allowed the Benton County Election Department to have 3 Certified Election Administrators on staff as well as additional staff working towards certification. National Election Administrator Training HAVA Grant funding has allowed Brenda Chilton (Auditor) and Stuart Holmes (Election Supervisor) to attend National Election Administrator Training to become nationally certified election administrators. Benton County has 3 drop boxes available 24 hours a day. They are located outside the Auditor s Offices at: Prosser Kennewick Richland HAVA Grant Media Handbook 2010
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Section 3 Disability Access Committee 11 Accessible Voting Units are available starting 20 days prior to Election Day. What is the Disability Access Committee? The Disability Access Committee was established in August 2006. The Committee was formed to improve access to elections for voters with disabilities. The Committee consists of voters with disabilities, caregivers, representatives from disability organizations and service providers. The Committee meets to discuss issues, provide feedback, and carry out projects of importance to voters in Benton County. Can I become a member? If you are interested in getting involved or wish to become a member of the Disability Access Committee contact Stuart Holmes at 509-736-3085 or 509-786-5618, or by email at stuart.holmes@co.benton.wa.us. Where can I find more information? The Benton County Auditor s web site has a page dedicated to the Disability Access Committee. You will be able to find previous meeting minutes, disability access brochures, accessible voting unit information, and much more. Achievements Additional Drop Boxes Based on the Disability Access Committee s recommendation, we asked for 2 additional drop boxes. They will be installed in areas of Benton County that currently do not have a drop box or voting center. They will also be installed so that voters with disabilities can easily access them, preferably by car. Accessible Voting Units The accessible voting units that are in use in Benton County were tested and approved by members of the Disability Access Committee. The Benton County Election Department has used feedback from the Committee to improve procedures for issuing ballots on an accessible voting unit. Voters needing Assistance According to the 2000 Census Data, 12% to 18% of Benton County s population are disabled. This results in roughly 10,000 registered voters in need of voting assistance. Disability Access Committee Media Handbook 2010
12 This poster was designed by Tomorrow, Berkeley, California, tomorrowpartners.com.
13 Section 4 What you need to know Important Dates/Deadlines Primary Election Resolutions - Tuesday, May 25, 2010 Lot Drawing - June 14, 2010 Candidate Statement, Photo, and Video Deadline - July 14, 2010 Address Change Deadline - Monday, July 19, 2010 Ballots Mailed - Wednesday, July 28, 2010 Registration Deadline - Monday, August 9, 2010 (In-Person Only) General Election Resolutions - Tuesday, August 10, 2010 Primary Election Day - Tuesday, August 17, 2010 Certification Of Primary Election - Wednesday, September 1, 2010 Address Change Deadline - Monday, October 4, 2010 Ballots Mailed - Wednesday, October 13, 2010 Registration Deadline - Monday, October 25, 2010 (In-Person Only) General Election Day - Tuesday, November 2, 2010 Certification Of General Election - Tuesday, November 23, 2010 2010 Election Dates August 17, 2010 November 2, 2010 Common Candidate Requests 1. List of Registered Voters Price = Free by E-mail 2. Precinct by Precinct Results Price = Available online or free by email 3. Precinct/District Maps Price = Available online or $3/$6 for paper 4. List of Voters Who Have Returned Ballot Price = Free by E-mail Contact Information Benton County Auditor Brenda Chilton (509) 736-3085 or (509) 786-5618 brenda.chilton@co.benton.wa.us The Election Department is located on the 1st Floor of the Benton County Courthouse in the Auditor s Office. Election Supervisor Stuart Holmes (509) 736-3085 or (509) 786-5618 stuart.holmes@co.benton.wa.us Physical 620 Market St Prosser WA 99350 Mailing PO BOX 470 Prosser WA 99350 What you need to know Media Handbook 2010
14 This poster was designed by [designer name (first and last), city, state (spelled out), url (if applicable)].
15 Section 5 Offices up for Election Jurisdiction Office Term Incumbent County Filing Fee United States U.S. Senator (2) 6 Patty Murray Statewide $1,740.00 U.S. Congressional District 4 Representative 2 Doc Hastings AD,BE,CH,DG,FR,GR, KS,KT,SM,YA * - Current Holder was appointed by District $1,740.00 Legislative District 8 State Senator 4 Jerome Delvin BE $421.06 Legislative District 8 Legislative District 8 Legislative District 16 Legislative District 16 State Representative (1) State Representative (2) State Representative (1) State Representative (2) 2 Brad Klippert BE $421.06 2 Larry Haler BE $421.06 2 Maureen Walsh BE,CU,FR,WL $421.06 2 Terry R. Nealey BE,CU,FR,WL $421.06 Benton County Assessor 4 Barbara Wagner BE $947.88 Benton County Auditor 4 Brenda Chilton* BE $947.88 Benton County Clerk 4 Josie Delvin BE $947.88 Benton County Commissioner (2) 4 Max E Benitz Jr BE $947.88 Benton County Coroner 4 Rick Corson BE $947.88 Benton County Prosecuting Attorney 4 Andy Miller BE $1,488.30 Benton County Sheriff 4 Larry D Taylor BE $1,090.06 Benton County Treasurer 4 Duane A Davidson BE $947.88 Benton County Benton County Benton County Benton County Benton County District Court Judge (1) District Court Judge (2) District Court Judge (3) District Court Judge (4) District Court Judge (5) 4 Terry Tanner BE $1,417.10 4 Bob Ingvalson BE $1,417.10 4 Holly A Hollenbeck BE $1,417.10 4 Joseph M Burrowes* BE $1,417.10 4 Katharine Butler* BE $1,417.10 Benton County PUD Commissioner (1) 6 Lori Kays Sanders BE $168.00 Supreme Court Justice Position (1) 6 James M Johnson Statewide $1,642.21 Supreme Court Justice Position (5) 6 Barbara Madsen Statewide $1,642.21 Supreme Court Justice Position (6) 6 Richard Sanders Statewide $1,642.21 Court of Appeals, Division 3, District 2 Judge Position (1) 6 Dennis J. Sweeney AD,AS,BE,CU,FR, GA,GR,WL,WT $1,563.28 Offices up for Election Media Handbook 2010
16 This poster was designed by Brad Birmingham, Kansas City, Missouri
17 Section 6 Information as of May 13, 2010 Voter Registration Totals Jurisdiction # of Active Voters Legislative District Legislative 8 73,490 Legislative 16 12,621 County Commissioner District District 1 32,665 District 2 26,601 District 3 26,845 Public Utility District District 1 14,725 District 2 19,682 District 3 24,286 Cities Benton City 1,151 Kennewick 31,910 Prosser 2,456 Richland 27,418 West Richland 6,677 School Districts Kennewick School District #17 38,678 Paterson School District #50 174 Kiona-Benton City School District #52 4,027 Finley School District #53 2,438 Prosser School District #116 5,203 Grandview School District #200 172 Richland School District #400 35,419 Fire Protection Districts District 1 9,075 District 2 3,136 District 3 2,752 District 4 8,771 District 5 Revised 179 District 6 302 Port Districts Port of Benton 24,720 Port of Kennewick 61,391 Public Hospital Districts Kennewick Public Hospital District 51,338 Prosser Public Hospital District 8,181 Water Districts County Well Water District 46 Tri-City Estates Water District 230 Plymouth Water District 134 Voter Registration Totals Media Handbook 2010
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Section 7 Public Disclosure Information 19 Filings Required by the PDC Many local candidates are required to file campaign disclosure records with the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC). The PDC, a state agency, was created by an initiative of the people. It provides public access about finances of campaigns and candidates, including contributors and expenditures. Who Must File Each candidate or campaign should review the PDC rules to determine if they are required to file. Obtaining Rules And Forms Campaign rules and forms are available from the PDC website. Elections staff are not able to answer questions concerning PDC rules. Requesting Copies of PDC Forms The Benton County Auditor no longer retains copies of PDC forms submitted by the candidates or committees. The PDC is your sole source for information about candidates or committees. Contacting The PDC Public Disclosure Commission 711 Capitol Way #206 PO Box 40908 Olympia, WA 98504-0908 Phone - (360) 753-1111 Fax (360) 753-1112 Toll Free - 1-877-601-2828 Website: http://www.pdc.wa.gov/ Public Disclosure Commission Media Handbook 2010
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21 Section 8 Filing for Office Filing by Mail Starting May 21, 2010, filings made by mail may be received by the Election Department. All filings must be received by June 11th at 5:00 pm. Filings sent by fax/e-mail are also accepted during the filing period. However, the filing fee must be received in conjunction with any faxed or e-mailed filing no later than the end of filing week. Any acceptance of a fax/e-mail filing must be followed by the original Declaration of Candidacy no later than 7 calendar days after the receipt of the fax/e-mail filing. Filings received earlier than 10 days or after the filing period are invalid and will be returned. In-person Candidate Filing As always, candidates have the option to come into any of the three Auditor s Office locations to file their declaration of candidacy. The Auditor s Office will have all the forms you need to complete your candidate filing in-person. Online Candidate Filing New in 2010 is the candidate s ability to file online completely from home. This will eliminate the waiting in line and will allow the candidate to get notification when their filing has been approved and when candidates file for the same position. You can now File from home! File for office online at www.co.benton. wa.us Filing Hours In-Person Filing week begins June 7 at 8:00 am and ends on June 11 at 5:00 pm. Online Online filing begins June 7 at 9:00 am and ends on June 11 at 4:00 pm. Filing Fees Filing fees are based on the salary at the time of filing for office. Yearly salary over $1,000 1% of yearly salary $10.00 Yearly salary $1,000 or less If paid for attending meetings (per diem), with no fixed annual salary, then no filing fee is required. Filing fees are not refundable. Filing Fee Petition A candidate who lacks sufficient assets or income at time of filing may submit a filing fee petition in lieu of the filing fee. The filing fee petition must contain valid signatures of registered voters who support the candidate and are registered within the district. Each signature is equal to a dollar of the filing fee. You cannot submit part filing fee petition and part filing fee. Filing Information Media Handbook 2010 Continues on page 22
22 Filing for Office Registration Deadlines Voters will be eligible to vote in the August 17 Primary Election if they register online before July 26. Voters will be eligible to vote in the November 2 General Election if they register online before October 4. Additionally, new Washington State voters have until 8 days prior to the Election to register in-person at a Benton County Auditor s Office. Candidacy Qualifications Each candidate must be an elector of the jurisdiction for which they are filing. If the position is noted by district number, the candidate must be an elector of the jurisdiction and must live within the district for which they are filing. Candidate Filing Updates When a candidate files for office, if they provide their e-mail address, they will receive an automatic update when another candidate files for the same position. Also, candidate filing information will be updated as soon as any filing is accepted or withdrawn. Withdrawal of Declaration Any candidate may withdraw until 5:00 PM, Thursday, June 17, 2010. The withdrawal form can be submitted at any of the three Auditor s Office locations. No Filings for an Office If there is no filing in a partisan, judicial, or non-partisan office, a special three (3) day filing period will be called by the Secretary of State or County Auditor. If there are no filings after the special filing period, the office will be void and removed from the ballot. Primary All cities, towns and districts shall be subject to a Primary. All filing dates are the same. For Partisan offices, primaries are required. If more than two (2) candidates file for the same position only the two candidates with the most votes will advance to the General Election. If a candidate does not receive at least one percent of the votes cast, then they do not advance to the General Election. For Nonpartisan offices, primaries will be required if more than two (2) candidates file for the same position. Only those positions having more than two (2) candidates filing will be on the Primary ballot. The top two candidates with the most votes will advance to the General Election. Filing Information Media Handbook 2010 Continues on page 21
23 Filing for Office Order of Names on the Ballot Primary: Lot drawing on Monday, June 14, 2010 at 9:00AM General: Votes cast in Primary If no Primary: Lot drawing results Judicial Offices Judicial offices follow different election laws than any other office. The number of candidates that file dictates if the office appears on the ballot. Below is a simple breakdown of how to determine if the office will appear on the Primary or General ballot: # of Candidates Superior Court District Court 1 2 Primary General Primary General No. Elected immediately Yes No. Elected immediately No. Unless no majority 3 or more Yes No. Unless no majority No No Yes Yes Yes Yes. If majority only top voter get advances Filing Information Media Handbook 2010
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Edited by Foxit PDF Editor Copyright (c) by Foxit Software Company, 2004-2007 For Evaluation Only. What are these bar codes for? The bar codes on the ballots are for verifying the election date, ballot type, as well as for making sure no ballot is scanned and counted more than once. The codes on the back of the page let the scanner know that it is the second page of the same ballot. 25 Bar codes are created in a seperate system from voter records and there is no way to trace from bar code data back to an individual voter. Precinct Code Identifies for the scanning system the correct precinct code. Serial Number Allows the scanning system to verify that this ballot has not been counted more than once. Not traceable to an individual vote. Election Code Verifies to the scanning system that the ballot is for the correct election.
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27 Section 9 Ballot Return Trend Primary Election Facts Type: Top 2 Primary - Top 2 candidates move on to General Election, regardless of party preference. 12000 Primary Ballot Returns Amount Returned 10000 8000 6000 4000 2009 Primary 2008 Primary 2007 Primary 2006 Primary 2000 0 1 2 3 4 5 8 9 10 11 12 15 16 17 18 19 Days after mailing General Election Facts Returns: 50% of ballots are returned the week of the Election. 12000 General Election Ballot Returns Amount Returned 10000 8000 6000 4000 2008 General 2009 General 2007 General 2006 General 2000 0 1 2 3 4 5 8 9 10 11 12 15 16 17 18 19 Days after mailing Ballot Return Trend Media Handbook 2010
28 WAKE UP. WALK THE DOG. EAT BREAKFAST. DO THE DISHES. GO TO THE GYM. SHOWER. ATTEND CLASS. GO TO WORK. VOTE. BRING THE KIDS HOME. MAKE LUNCH. DO HOMEWORK. WATCH TV. TALK TO YOUR FAMILY. TAKE THE TRASH OUT. CLEAN THE HOUSE READ. DO THE LAUNDRY. FEED THE PETS. WASH THE CAR. PAY THE BILLS. BRUSH YOUR TEETH. GO TO SLEEP.
29 Section 10 Challenged Ballots What is a challenged ballot? As ballots are returned election staff compare the signature of each voter against the signature we have on file. Sometimes voters will forget to sign their envelope, their signature might have changed enough that it does not match what we have on file, or for other reasons we are unable to process their ballot. These ballots are put into challenged status. Voters have until the day before certification to resolve their challenged status. Challenged reasons No Signature In this case, the voter has forgotten to sign their voter affidavit so we can not compare their signature against what we have on file. The voter will receive a letter and a phone call to submit a signature for second review. Signature Discrepancy Sometimes signatures will change over time and we are unable to match the signature we have on file. If that happens, we will request the voter re-sign the voter affidavit or submit a new signature in person. Voters can also provide a copy of ID with their signature which is good for one election only. ID Required You are not required to provide ID to register to vote. However, before your ballot can be counted you need to provide ID. If the voter fails to provide ID before returning their ballot cannot be accepted until they provide proper ID. Postmarked too late When mailing ballots through the mail voters are cautioned that the envelope must be postmarked no later than Election Day. If an envelope is postmarked after Election Day the ballot cannot be accepted. Election Stats In the 2009 General Election, 90% of all challenged ballots were resolved and accepted. 189 ballots were postmarked too late. Challenged Resolved Percentage No Signature 124 83 66.93% Signature Discrepancy 223 198 88.79% ID Required 1 1 100%
30 Edited by Foxit PDF Editor Copyright (c) by Foxit Software Company, 2004-2007 For Evaluation Only. This poster was designed by Andrea Brennan, Kansas City, Missouri.
Section 11 Election Day 31 Election Results will be available at 8:15 pm Election Day Where can I find Election Results? Election results will be available at 8:15 pm. The tabulation process only takes a couple minutes but the election staff always takes a moment to verify the results have printed or uploaded correctly. Results will be released to the Media Center (Benton County Auditor s Office in Kennewick) first. This allows the Auditor to review the results prior to being released. Where is the Media Center? The Media Center is located at the Benton County Auditor s Office in Kennewick. The Benton County Auditor will be at the Election Media Center on Election Night to distribute election results to the media and candidates. The address for the Media Center is below: 5600 W Canal Dr Kennewick WA 99336 When will the results be updated again? The Election Department will process all newly returned ballots and update the results daily following Election Day. You can see when the next update is scheduled by viewing the Election Results online. At the top of the Election Results you will see the Next Update information. Can I come observe? The entire election process is completely open to the public and the candidates. You can come observe the Election Staff receive, open, and prepare the ballots to be scanned, as well as scan, resolve, and tabulate the ballots. You can even come observe the certification of the election results by the Canvassing Board. No need to make a reservation, our doors are always open. Ballot Returns Starting 15 days prior to Election Day, daily ballot returns will be available on the Benton County web site: Precinct Results After the election has been certified by the Canvassing Board, precinct results will be available online and by request. After Election Day Continue to page 29 for more information about what happens after Election Day. Election Stats In 2009, 50% of all ballots were returned during the week of the General Election. 40% were returned on Election Day and the day after. Election Day Media Handbook 2010 Total Returned Percentage Monday After Mailing 10/19/09 3801 9.20% Election Day 11/03/09 4715 11.41% Election Day + Day After 15975 38.66% Election Week 20713 50.12%
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33 Section 12 After Election Day It s the day after Election Day, who was elected? No one yet. Not until the results are certified by the Canvassing Board is anything official. Special and Primary Elections are certified 15 days after Election Day. General Elections are certified 21 days after Election Day. This time allows for Military and Overseas voters ballots to arrive. Voters also have the opportunity to clear up any challenged ballots prior to Certification Day. More information on challenged ballots is available on page 25. When do I take the Oath of Office? It depends on the office to which you were elected. After the election has been certified by the Canvassing Board the Benton County Election Department will issue each elected candidate an Oath of Office. Will there be a recount? By law a recount is mandatory if the margin is less than one-half of 1 percent and also less than 2,000 votes. (RCW 29A.64.021.) A manual recount, as opposed to a machine recount, is required if the gap is less than a quarter of 1 percent and also less than 1,000 votes. In regional and local offices, a manual recount is conducted if the margin is less than 150 votes and a quarter of 1 percent. For ballot measures, if the margin is less than 2,000 votes and less than one-half of 1 percent of the votes cast, then recount is mandatory. The state decides whether to use a machine or hand recount. Who certifies the results? The Canvassing Board certifies all election results. The Board is made up of the Benton County Auditor, the Chair of the County Commissioners, and the Prosecuting Attorney. The Board reviews all ballots challenged for no signature, signature discrepancy, postmarked too late, and any other reason. After Election Day Media Handbook 2010