ELECTION LAW IN WASHINGTON
Learn how to defend the
principles and procedures
underlying the democratic process.
(please
register for this event)
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Holiday Inn Seattle
SeaTac
(on the right, 12 Story Building, directly
across from
Seattle Tacoma International Airport)
Gateway Ballroom
17338 International Boulevard (map)
Seattle, WA 98188
206-248-1000 (Holiday Inn)
(directions on Registration form)
(WSBA approved for 6 CLE
credits including .75 ethics credit)
8:45 - 9:30
─ Introduction to Election Systems
Prof. Todd Donovan - Professor in the Political Science Department at Western Washington
University, published dozens of academic articles, including several on
initiatives, and has co-authored several books.
Todd's primary academic expertise is in the areas of direct
democracy, election systems, and representation.
9:30 - 10:15 ─ Election
Technologies and Mechanics
Ms. Pat McCarthy - Elected Pierce County Auditor 2003 to
Present. Certified Elections/Registration, Administrator-Auburn
University-August 2002 and Legislative Co-Chair of Washington State Association
of County Auditors
10:15 - 10:30 ─ Break
10:30 - 11:15 ─ Update On
HAVA and Other Federal Election Laws
Mr. Nick Handy, - Current Director of Elections in the Office of
Secretary of State. Appointed in May 2004, Mr. Handy served as Elections
Director through the 2004 general election. Mr. Handy is an attorney
with thirty years experience working in state and local government, including
fourteen years in the Washington State Attorney General's Office where he served
as Deputy Attorney General.
11:15
- 12:00 ─ Update On Washington State Election Laws
Ms. Katie Blinn - Assistant Director of Elections for the Office of the
Secretary of State and oversees the Secretary of State's Certification and
Training Program. Prior to coming to the Secretary of State’s office, Katie
worked for four years as nonpartisan staff counsel at the Washington State House
of Representatives and the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office.
12:00 - 1:15 ─ Lunch (on
your own)
1:15 – 2:00 ─ Election
Ethics
Prof. John Strait
- Associate Professor of Law, Seattle University School of
Law – graduate of Yale Law School; has taught, researched and written in the
field of professional responsibility and legal malpractice since 1976.
2:00 - 2:45 ─ Political
Parties: Their Role in Elections
Mr. John White – principal at the Kirkland law firm, Livengood
Fitzgerald & Alskog, PLLC. He is outside general counsel to the Washington
State Republican Party, and has represented individuals and organizations in
connection with election and campaign finance law since the early 1990s. His
practice focuses primarily on business, tax and estate planning matters.
2:45 - 3:00 ─ Break
3:00 - 3:45 ─ Election
Contests and Recalls
Mr. David McDonald - Senior
litigation partner at Preston Gates & Ellis in Seattle, WA. Since 1992, he has
represented the State of Washington at the Democratic National Committee. Since
January 7, 2005, he has also served as the Contest Manager for the Washington
State Democratic Party.
3:45 - 4:30 ─ Panel
Discussion - Restoring Voter Confidence in Public
Elections–
or,
“Are elections too important to
leave to elections officials?”
Prof. Todd
Donovan
Mr. Nick
Handy
Mr. David
McDonald
Mr. John
White
Other
panelists may participate.
Learn how
to defend the principles and procedures underlying the democratic process.
ü
Get updated on the current status of this evolving body of law
ü
Learn about the practical/political effect of different election systems
ü
Hear an overview of the mechanics of vote tabulation and accuracy
ü
Explore the various roles of voters, candidates and political parties in the
election process
ü
Hear a panel discussion about how to assure reliable election results.
Approved for 6.0 CLE Credits for Washington Attorneys: 5.25 General CLE
Credits and .75 Ethics Credit
