Bill > HB1585

This bill introduces new requirements for verifying citizenship during voter registration in Washington State. By July 1, 2025, county auditors must check with the Department of Licensing to confirm that each registered voter has proven their U.S. citizenship, typically through documents like a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or an original certified birth certificate from a U.S. location with specific detailed requirements. If a voter cannot prove citizenship, they will receive multiple notices requiring them to appear in person at the county auditor's office with acceptable proof of citizenship. Voters who fail to provide such documentation by 14 days before the 2025 general election will have their voter registration canceled. The bill specifically excludes certain types of documentation, such as Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 2010 and Washington wallet-sized birth registrations. Additionally, the bill modifies existing voter registration forms and processes to incorporate these new citizenship verification steps, with provisions for electronic registration and requiring the Department of Licensing to transmit citizenship confirmation information. The bill is designed to take effect immediately and expires on January 1, 2027.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1585&Year=2025&Initiative=false