Washington State Republican Party joins effort to end vote-by-mail system

The Washington State Republican Party is mobilizing to dismantle the state's vote-by-mail system, led by State Rep. and GOP Chairman Jim Walsh. Walsh filed an initiative on May 20, requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, asserting that this will restore trust in elections. The initiative will be presented for discussion during the 2026 Legislative session and focuses on reinstating in-person voting with hand-counted ballots and enforcing voter ID requirements. Additionally, the party advocates for declaring Election Day a national holiday.

This initiative is part of a broader movement inspired by efforts in Oregon to eliminate vote-by-mail systems. Walsh's proposals aim to address concerns about election integrity and voter confidence. The push for these changes reflects ongoing debates about voting processes across the U. S. The outcome of this initiative could significantly influence Washington's electoral landscape.