Election Day is nearly here. With all the attention in the media on voting by mail, election integrity, and voter suppression, it is now more important than ever for you to know residents’ voting rights.
Fortunately, the Office of the Secretary of State has released new guidelines for Voting in Assisted Living Facilities. While it says assisted living, the guidelines apply to employees and family members who provide assistance to voters who are living in skilled nursing facilities and other long term care settings.
Copies of this 'Dear Resident' letter from CMS should be provided throughout the facility for your residents.
Please note a resident's family member may try and vote for them if they are the resident's guardian/have power of attorney. However, guardianship/power of attorney does not extend to voting. RCW11.88.010 (5)
If a resident's family member/guardian/POA has voted for them, you may follow these steps to ensure the individual has an opportunity to cast a ballot. Contact the county elections office where the resident is registered to vote.
Let elections officials know what happened and follow their instructions. The county elections offices are in charge of receiving and tabulating ballots. They can flag the resident’s ballot before it gets tabulated.
Work with the county elections office on getting a new ballot re-issued to the resident.
If a family member has voted for a resident, it is most likely in good faith and ignorance of the law, however, they should be made aware of RCW29A.84.610
If you have any questions please contact Paul Raines: [email protected]
