MOSES LAKE - The election box, holding ballots for the Dec. 13 Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation election, will have two locks instead of one.

This change was approved recently by the district's board of directors, according to Ron Covey, the board's chairman.

"We decided it could be done without compromising the RCW's (Revised Code of Washington) for the election process," Covey told the Columbia Basin Herald.

The idea, along with six others, were proposed by board director Rich Archer, in October "to help create the appearance of fairness in the upcoming election," he stated during an October board meeting.

Archer previously said he thought his ideas would be efficient, making him and the public more comfortable with the election.

The election is handled by the district because of how the state law is written.

Archer's other ideas not approved were:

1. A master sheet of all mail-in ballots will be kept at the office.

Covey said the district doesn't keep a master sheet, as one would compromise the integrity of the ballots in regards to anonymity.

2. Having a 24-hour video of the ballot box.

The district has an office video that oversees everything and will continue to use the existing video, Covey said.

3. Having directors in charge of counting the absentee ballots.

The election committee is approved by the board and uses an inspector and five or six judges to count the ballots on election day, Covey said.

During absentee ballot counting, the board is present and overseeing election activity as ballots are opened.

If the ballots are unsealed or torn open, someone has to be responsible, Covey said.

4. Numbering absentee ballots.

This is illegal, Covey said.

5. Not spending money on advertisements during the campaign without board approval.

Covey said this requirement has always been the case, but the district is required by state law to announce the election publicly.

At the district's last board meeting Covey mentioned the idea of bringing in an "elections advocate" to assist the board secretary.

Archer asked if he would be involved in selecting that person.

Covey said, "sure," as Archer is a director.

Hansen expressed his concerns about ballots sitting in the district's office.

"We're trying to talk about the appearance of fairness" he commented.

Covey said packages containing ballots were not left out last year.

Hansen suggested having former state Sen. Harold Hochstatter, R-Moses Lake, assist with the election. Hansen said he holds Hochstatter in high esteem regarding his credibility.

Archer agreed, called Hochstatter a "great guy" and "very honorable person."

Hochstatter was not at the meeting to comment.

Hansen said another issue that was downplayed during the Nov. 1 board meeting concerned how mailed ballots were handled.

Covey said the board will continue the direction previously used.

The Dec. 13 election is from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 211 N Elder Street in Moses Lake.