Bill > HB1116

This bill recognizes the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November as "election day" in Washington state, aiming to highlight the importance of voting and democratic participation. The legislation adds election day to the list of state-recognized days, though it is not a legal holiday for all purposes. The bill emphasizes Washington's strong history of protecting voting rights and encouraging civic engagement, with the legislature believing that celebrating election day will increase awareness and participation in the democratic process. Specifically, the bill amends existing state law (RCW 1.16.050) to include election day in the list of recognized days and adds a new section to chapter 29A.04 RCW that encourages state governmental entities, local governments, schools, higher education institutions, and cultural organizations to recognize election day and develop educational programming about democracy and voting. The legislature's intent is to commemorate elections as a foundational American institution and to inspire more citizens to understand and participate in the democratic process.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1116&Year=2025&Initiative=false