Legislation advances for Washington voters

In a significant move to boost voter participation in Washington state, legislation is advancing that focuses on expanding voter registration services. Senator Javier Valdez is sponsoring Senate Bill 5077, which seeks to designate additional agencies—state, local, federal, and tribal—to facilitate automatic voter registration. This bill aims to particularly support historically underserved communities by making the registration process more accessible. Included in the legislation is a provision for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange to share enrollment information with the Secretary of State, pending federal approval. Valdez emphasized that this initiative is about removing barriers and making it easier for citizens to participate in democracy.

The bill passed through the Senate on February 12 and is now moving to the House for further consideration. Additionally, Senator T’wina Nobles is advocating for legislation to increase ballot access for uniformed and overseas voters, further enhancing voter accessibility. This legislative effort underscores Washington's dedication to fostering a more inclusive electoral process.