OLYMPIA — A bill to increase access to the ballot for uniform and overseas citizen voters was heard in the Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee Tuesday.
Senate Bill 5017, sponsored by Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest), ensures continued participation in Washington’s elections for service members, military families, and expatriates while aligning the state’s voting processes with federal standards.
“Ensuring every eligible voter can participate in our democracy is one of the most important responsibilities we have as legislators,” Nobles said. “This bill balances accessibility and accountability, providing essential updates to our voting system without reducing the high-quality service Washington voters expect.”
Washington state has been a leader in supporting uniformed and overseas citizen voters, providing ballots for every election once they are registered. Unlike many states, which require voters to request ballots for specific elections, Washington’s approach ensures consistent access. The legislation introduces necessary updates to maintain accurate voter rolls when individuals leave military service or pass away, addressing gaps in the current system.
“This is about making sure the process works for everyone while maintaining our commitment to accessibility and fairness,” Nobles said. “It’s a practical step forward that supports those who serve our country and Washingtonians living abroad.”
Follow its progress here.