AGO Opinion Topics: QUALIFICATIONS VOTERS

Except in the case of ownership of more than ten acres of land in an irrigation district, as provided for by RCW 87.03.045, the fact that the same person holds a number of qualifying legal or equitable interests in one or more parcels of qualified land located in an irrigation district does not entitle that person to cast a multiple number of votes, equal to the number of his interests, at a single irrigation district election.

(1) A contract purchaser of land in an irrigation district under an ordinary contract for the sale of real property holds evidence of title to such land and therefore, if otherwise qualified, is entitled to vote in an irrigation district election. (2) A contract vendor of land in an irrigation district holds title to such land, and therefore, if otherwise qualified, is entitled to vote in an irrigation district election until such time as he does, by appropriate delivery of a deed, pass title to the purchaser. (3) The executor or administrator of the estate of a deceased holder of title to land in an irrigation district does not hold title or evidence of title to such land, and therefore is not entitled to vote in an irrigation district election. (4) The heirs or devisees of a deceased holder of title to land in an irrigation district do hold title to such land and therefore, if otherwise qualified, are entitled to vote in an irrigation district election. …