Bill > HB2064

This bill authorizes the Washington Secretary of State to develop and test an electronic ballot return portal specifically for certain voter groups who may have difficulty returning ballots through standard mail, including service members, overseas voters, disabled voters, and some incarcerated individuals (collectively termed "covered voters"). The bill requires that any electronic ballot portal must be highly secure, protecting against electronic monitoring and interference, while maintaining voter privacy and ensuring only one vote per voter. The Secretary of State must develop rules governing the portal's use, including availability times and conditions for use, and must establish standards for examining and testing the portal. County election offices using the portal must keep detailed records of all ballot return attempts and submit reports to the Secretary of State, who will then create an annual statewide report. Importantly, the bill stipulates that no electronic ballot portal can be approved or deployed without explicit statutory authorization, and requires the Secretary of State to submit progress reports to legislative committees, with the final report due on December 1, 2028. The bill aims to improve ballot accessibility for voters who might face challenges with traditional mail-in voting methods while maintaining the integrity and security of the electoral process.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2064&Year=2025&Initiative=false