EVERETT—In an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 45-4, the Washington State Senate passed Substitute House Bill 1241, on February 22, making it a Class C Felony to harass an election worker. The amended bill now moves back to the House, where it originally passed 86-11, for final approval. Governor Jay Inslee is expected to sign it into law after final passage.

“I thank our state lawmakers for approving increased protections for election workers,” Snohomish County Auditor Garth Fell released in a statement. “Safe, fair elections are the foundation of our democracy, making it vital that we protect those trained and entrusted to accurately count our votes.  Advancing HB 1241 sends a clear message that threatening election workers will not be tolerated, and we stand united in safeguarding our elections as voters head to the ballot box this year.”

In addition to the bill creating the Class C felony of harassing election officials, an election worker and anyone residing with them who are the targets of felony harassment, will be eligible for the address confidentiality program. HB-1241 is sponsored by Mari Leavitt (D- University Place).

The Snohomish County Auditor’s Office registers voters and conducts elections.