COMMENTARY: Hands off our ballots! Secretary Hobbs on USPS new proposed ballot mail rule
As Secretary of State of Washington, I submit the following comments in response to the United States Postal Service proposal titled Ballot Mail for Federal Elections as noticed on May 29, 2026. The Constitution is clear that authority over federal elections rests with states and Congress. My authority to administer elections is written in the […]
Hobbs leads trade mission to Japan to strengthen multibillion-dollar aerospace ties
OLYMPIA — Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is leading a trade mission to Japan starting Saturday to strengthen business ties and build new connections between the state and one of its top trading partners. The trip to Tokyo runs May 16-27. Japan is the largest foreign investor in the United States, and the bilateral […]
Trump signs new citizenship verification and mail ballot tracking executive order, Hobbs objects
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald J Trump signed an executive order on March 31 directing federal agencies to compile lists of confirmed U.S. citizens for each state and to impose new tracking requirements on mail-in and absentee ballots sent through the U.S. Postal Service. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs responded the same day, saying […]
SAVE America Act could cost Washington $40M and block eligible voters, Hobbs warns
Election officials warned Thursday that the SAVE America Act could saddle the state with tens of millions of dollars in new costs and erect fresh barriers for eligible voters already accustomed to convenient mail-in balloting. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs joined U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla of California and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, along with […]
SOS Hobbs responds to DOJ’s request for sensitive voter information, partially
OLYMPIA — Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs responded to the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) request for all fields of Washington’s voter registration data today, September 21, but only the publicly disclosable information permitted under state law. Earlier this month, on September 8, the Washington State Secretary of State’s Office received a letter from the U.S. Department […]
DOJ requests sensitive information on WA voters from Secretary of State but Hobbs refuses
OLYMPIA— On Monday, September 8, the Washington State Secretary of State’s Office received a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) requesting a full copy of the Washington state voter registration data within 14 days. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, and his office, assessed the request and ultimately decided they would not release […]
Hobbs rebukes Trump’s vow to eliminate mail-in voting nationwide
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a bold move that will likely be met with fierce legal opposition, President Donald J Trump announced on Monday, August 18, on Truth Social that he will be signing an executive order to “get rid of MAIL-IN BALLOTS,” calling the mail-in voting system a “scam” that facilitates voter fraud. “The president’s announcement should […]
Supreme Court upholds signature verification process in Vet Voice v. Hobbs
OLYMPIA – The Washington Supreme Court issued its ruling today in Vet Voice v. Hobbs, unanimously affirming the constitutionality of the state’s signature verification process for vote-by-mail ballots. In a majority opinion, the court ruled in favor of the defendants, upholding the longstanding process that ensures the integrity of Washington’s vote-by-mail system. The plaintiffs challenged […]
Hobbs named new Treasurer of National Association of Secretaries of State
OLYMPIA—Secretary of State Steve Hobbs has been elected the Treasurer of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the nation’s oldest nonpartisan professional organization for elected officials. Secretary Steve Hobbs was sworn in Friday, July 12, at the NASS 2024 Summer Conference in Puerto Rico. Founded in 1904, NASS includes secretaries of state, lieutenant […]
Secretary Hobbs praises Legislature for passing elections security bills and reinforcing important public services
OLYMPIA—During the 2024 legislative session, the Legislature approved several bills and $33.3 million in funding requested by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs that will enhance the integrity of Washington elections and improve support for charities and libraries statewide. “These bills and critical funding will go a long way toward reducing barriers to voter registration, enhancing […]
