Bill > HB1916

This bill modifies existing laws concerning voter registration challenges and the management of voter registration lists in Washington State. It clarifies the process for removing deceased voters from registration lists, allowing for cancellation based on official vital statistics, information from government agencies or obituaries, or a signed statement from another registered voter, which now requires confirmation by the county auditor or secretary of state. The bill also updates the conditions under which an "inactive voter" (a voter who has not voted or responded to confirmation notices for a period) can have their registration canceled, specifying that this can occur if the voter has died, registered in another state, or provided written notification of moving out of state or wishing to cancel their registration, with verification of the signature required. Furthermore, it refines the requirements for challenging a voter's registration, mandating that challengers provide specific evidence of due diligence, such as sending certified letters to the voter's addresses, and requiring separate, detailed challenge forms and affidavits subject to penalties of perjury, while also clarifying that voters whose registrations have been made inactive are not subject to challenges. The bill also adjusts timelines for filing challenges, specifies how challenges are handled if filed close to an election, and outlines new procedures for notifying challenged voters, including the possibility of initial reviews by the county auditor to dismiss challenges lacking merit and a requirement for the challenger to prove their case "beyond a reasonable doubt" at a hearing, with penalties for knowingly providing false information or making challenges without reasonable cause. Finally, it updates the process for canceling a voter's registration if they have registered to vote in another state, requiring verification of matching information.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1916&Year=2025&Initiative=false