Irrigation District Elections Work Group

The Irrigation District Elections Work Group was established in 2019 by the passage of ESB 5453, which reads: The Washington association of county officials must conduct a study of irrigation district election related practices and procedures and recommend best practices to standardize those procedures across all districts. Best practices are those that are equitable and ensure thorough governance of irrigation districts. In conducting this study, the Washington association of county officials may collaborate with the secretary of state, county assessors, county auditors, and other relevant stakeholders as necessary. (2) The Washington association of county officials must report its findings and recommendations to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2019. At minimum, recommendations for the standardization of election procedures must include procedures to: (a) Identify qualified voters and directors; (b) Notify qualified voters and directors; (c) Deliver and return ballots; (d) Identify and count official returns; and (e) Declare the winning candidate.