OLYMPIA—A bill sponsored by 39th District Representative Sam Low to modernize Washington state’s voter registration system and strengthen election integrity was signed into law on Wednesday, March 13, by Governor Jay Inslee.
Representative Sam Low (R-Lake Stevens), the bill’s primary sponsor, emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration in getting the election integrity bill passed and signed into law.
“House Bill 1962 represents a significant step forward in safeguarding the integrity of our electoral process in Washington state,” said Representative Low. “Through this bill, we are taking concrete steps to maintain accurate voter rolls to ensure every voice is heard and every vote counts. I’m proud to have worked alongside colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as well as state auditors and the Office of the Secretary of State, to craft legislation that will modernize our voter registration system and improve voter confidence. I look forward to seeing the positive impact House Bill 1962 will have on our elections in Washington state next year and beyond.”
House Bill 1962, which garnered unanimous support in both the House and Senate, will introduce several key provisions to ensure accurate voter rolls and enhance voter confidence in the electoral process. The provisions were crafted with input from state auditors and the Office of the Secretary of State.
- Automatic address updates: Leveraging resources such as the Department of Licensing and postal services, the bill mandates automatic updates for voter addresses within the state, simplifying the process for individuals who relocate.
- Proactive verification: The legislation implements confirmation notices and subsequent procedures to identify and remove inactive registrations, ensuring the maintenance of accurate voter rolls.
- Seamless inter-county transfers: Streamlined protocols will facilitate the swift and accurate transfer of voter information when residents relocate between counties.
“It makes it a little easier on the voter,” House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee Chair Bill Ramos (D-Issaquah) said during the January 12, 2024, committee hearing. “When I move, there are so many things to change…this makes it easier…so you do stay up with your voting, that is a good thing for the voter. It also removes a number of administrative hurtles. Those auditors from different counties have to go back and forth verifying that someone has moved. It reduces some of the administrative work but keeps the accuracy there.”
House Bill 1962 is scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2025.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
