Five bills aimed at increasing voting access, representative government and exposing hidden money in elections were signed into law Monday by Gov. Jay Inslee.
The Access to Democracy package – which includes The Washington Voting Rights Act, automatic voter registration, same-day registration, 16-17 year old pre-registration and The DISCLOSE Act – were all part of the Senate Democrats’ early action agenda.
Same-Day Voter Registration
Voter apathy is a disturbing trend nationwide, fueled in part by some state laws that restrict voting rights. Same-day voter registration could increase voter turnout by up to 10 percent. This bill will ensure every eligible voter in Washington State can register and vote in person on Election Day. They’ll also be able to register electronically or by mail up to eight days before Election Day. (SB 6021)
Sen. Patty Kuderer, D-Bellevue: “We have all watched as voter participation has declined by double digits over the past decades, hitting a record low in 2017 with only 37 percent of voters casting a ballot. Today we send a strong signal around our state, and around the country, that when Democrats lead we fight for access to democracy and break down barriers to participation. Every voice matters.”
Washington Voting Rights Act
The Washington Voting Rights Act will remove barriers in existing law to ensure fair representation as well as authorize a collaborative process so that impacted communities and local governments can reach agreement without resorting to litigation. (SB 6002)
Sen. Rebecca Saldaña, D-Seattle: “The Washington Voting Rights Act puts power back into the hands of the people, where it belongs. It will empower disenfranchised communities and people of color to elect leaders who better reflect their concerns and the rich diversity of our state. This is a big step forward in achieving a truly representative government.”
Automatic Voter Registration
This bill provides automatic voter registration when citizens obtain enhanced driver’s licenses or identification cards through the Department of Licensing. Other state agencies that require citizenship will be able to provide automatic voter registration after they assess their capability and receive the governor’s approval. (HB 2595/SB 6353)
Sen. Sam Hunt, D-Olympia: “Voting is a right, not a privilege. A strong government is built on access to democracy, and the right to vote is the key. Automatic voter registration is one of the major steps Washington is taking to provide the most progressive, secure voter registration and election system in the country. This bill will make registering to vote as easy as saying ‘yes’ for anyone who is legally eligible to vote in our state.”
The DISCLOSE Act
The DISCLOSE Act is a nation-leading transparency effort to ensure campaign finance disclosure by nonprofits that participate in elections. Until now, political action committees must disclose their donors but other nonprofits have been exempt. The result has been a significant increase in campaign dark money flowing through these non-profit groups. (SB 5991)
Sen. Andy Billig, D-Spokane: “Voters have the right to know who’s paying for a campaign. Whatever you care about in your community, whether it be healthcare, education, or any other issue, it is vital to know who is paying to influence those who are making our laws,” said Billig. “The Washington DISCLOSE Act shines a light on dark money, which creates better informed voters, increases accountability, and reduces the opportunity for corruption, all of which results in a stronger democracy.”
Pre-Registration for 16 and 17 year olds
The biggest indicator as to whether or not a person engages in government is their status as a registered voter. The aim of this bill is to get people civically engaged early as 16 and 17 year olds, making them more likely to vote once they turn 18. (HB 1513/SB 5110)
Sen. Andy Billig, D-Spokane: “This package of bills will increase transparency and equity in our democracy. By increasing access for more voters alongside clear information, we can have a truly engaged and informed electorate.”
