Bill would bar counties from stripping election-administration duties midterm; Secretary of State backs measure

Senator Jeremy Trebus (sponsor) told the Senate Local Government committee that Senate Bill 128 prevents a county governing body from removing election-administration duties from an elected county clerk and recorder during that clerk’s current term. The bill permits a governing body to change election administration for future terms and allows an incumbent clerk to voluntarily relinquish those duties during a term.

Austin James, appearing on behalf of Secretary of State Christy Jacobson, said the secretary’s office strongly supports the bill. James told the committee that when voters elect a clerk and recorder with election administration duties, removing those duties midterm undermines the will of the voters and can produce local dispute. He described one county (Cascade County) where commissioners reassigned election-administration duties to another official soon after an election, which prompted concern from voters and committee members.

Committee members pressed witnesses on how the bill would work in practice if an election administrator committed serious misconduct or if administrative problems required immediate government intervention. Witnesses said disciplinary avenues exist under state law, including possible judicial or recall remedies; the Department of Justice or courts might be involved in extreme cases, and staff agreed to follow up with additional research on statutory remedies.

Sponsor Trebus said the bill is meant to protect voters’ expectations and fairness, while preserving options for counties to change administration between terms. After questions and a brief sponsor close, the committee closed the hearing on SB128.