Bill > HB1713

This bill establishes a framework for automatic voter registration for members of federally recognized Indian tribes whose traditional lands included parts of Washington State. The legislation authorizes the Secretary of State to enter into state-tribal compacts that would enable automatic voter registration of tribal members. Within six months of July 1, 2025, the Secretary must create an application and approval process for these compacts, which can be initiated by a tribe's governing body submitting a resolution. When a compact is finalized, the tribe will provide voter registration information for its members through an automated process, with the requirement that each member meets voter registration criteria, including U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies detailed requirements for the information that must be provided, such as name, address, date of birth, and signature image. If a tribal member is registered automatically and later wishes to decline registration, they may do so within 15 days of receiving an acknowledgment notice. The legislation also includes provisions for handling cases where an ineligible person might be inadvertently registered, ensuring that such registration does not constitute a claim to citizenship and can be corrected. The overall goal is to streamline voter registration for tribal members while maintaining the integrity of the voter registration process.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1713&Year=2025&Initiative=false