HB 42 ABSENTEE VOTING & USE OF FAX  TOM ANDERSON, legislative aide to Representative Martin, stated the bill was held in committee at the request of Senator Ellis to review the question of the potential for fraud. SENATOR TAYLOR asked if Senator Ellis had received the information he requested. MR. ANDERSON believed Senator Ellis' staff had discussed the matter with the Division of Election. MR. ANDERSON explained the Division of Elections has procedures and policies in place designed to prevent fraud. SENATOR TAYLOR noted he had a discussion with an individual who was concerned that by allowing others to waive their right to ballot privacy, his right to ballot privacy could also be eliminated. He illustrated his point by recounting the Roosevelt election results from the town of Douglas. All but two residents voted for Roosevelt, and other voters spent considerable time trying to influence the two voters to change their votes. He noted Senator Adams concern about the lack of privacy in small villages. Number 414 MR. ANDERSON explained the individual faxes the ballot; only one person on the receiving end would see the ballot, therefore he did not feel that concern was valid. SENATOR GREEN asked Senator Taylor if he was assuming that fax results would show up differently in the total. SENATOR TAYLOR thought that could happen in a very small, town such as Meyers Chuck. SENATOR MILLER commented the faxed ballots would be tallied with the other ballots from the precinct, and not separately. MR. ANDERSON clarified a person voting by electronic transmission must apply four days in advance. He added eight states have this function and there have been no problems. SENATOR GREEN moved CSHB 42 (STA)am with individual recommendations. There being no objections, the motion carried.