Valdez bill to expand voter registration services passes Senate

Senate Bill 5077, championed by Sen. Javier Valdez, has successfully passed the Washington Senate, marking a significant step toward expanding voter registration services across the state. The legislation aims to allow various agencies—state, local, federal, and tribal—to facilitate automatic voter registration, thereby enhancing participation rates among historically underserved communities. Valdez highlighted the bill's potential to simplify the registration process, stating it would help remove barriers that prevent individuals from engaging in democracy. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange to share enrollment information with the secretary of state, contingent on federal approval.

This move reflects Washington state’s commitment to ensuring accessible voting for all eligible citizens. Furthermore, the secretary of state will have the authority to implement online voter registration through approved government and third-party websites. The bill is now set to progress to the House for consideration, where further discussions will take place regarding its implications. As voting access continues to be a critical issue, this legislation could play a pivotal role in shaping future electoral participation in Washington.