Bill > SB5050

This bill addresses privacy concerns during presidential primary elections by proposing changes to how voters' party preference selections are handled on ballot envelopes. Currently, voters have expressed concerns that their party preference is visible on the outside of ballot envelopes, potentially revealing their presidential candidate choice. The bill requires that party declarations be placed in a location on the ballot envelope that can only be seen after the envelope is opened, thereby protecting voter privacy. Additionally, the ballot envelope must prominently display a reminder to voters that a political party declaration is required for their ballot to be counted. The legislature's intent is to ensure that a voter's party preference is kept as secret as the rest of their ballot, preventing outside observers from potentially identifying a voter's candidate choice based on party preference. This change aims to maintain the confidentiality of voting preferences and alleviate voter concerns about the visibility of their political selections during presidential primaries.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5050&Year=2025&Initiative=false