Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government Committee |
HB 1294
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Enhancing youth voter registration.
Sponsors: Representatives Bergquist, Stambaugh, S. Hunt, Appleton, Riccelli, Walkinshaw, Ortiz-Self, Blake, Wylie, Fitzgibbon, Carlyle, Moscoso, Goodman, Tarleton, Stanford, Senn, Pettigrew, Orwall, Jinkins, Sawyer, Tharinger, Cody, Lytton, Farrell, Gregerson, Moeller, Gregory, Robinson, Takko, Pollet, Sullivan, McBride, Reykdal, Dunshee, Sells, Kagi, Springer, Van De Wege, Kilduff, Peterson, Hudgins and Fey.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/29/15
Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) requires states to provide the opportunity to register to vote for federal elections. In response to that requirement, Washington adopted the Motor Voter Act requiring the Department of Licensing (DOL) to provide voter registration services when a person applies for or renews a driver's license or state identification card. It also allows the Governor, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to designate agencies that offer services to the public to provide an opportunity to register to vote. In addition to the DOL, the following agencies and programs offer voter registration as required by the NVRA:
the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Community Services Division;
the DSHS Aging and Long-Term Support Administration;
the DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation;
the DSHS Developmental Disabilities Administration;
the DSHS Aging and Disabilities Service Administration;
the Department of Services for the Blind;
the Health Care Authority; and
the Health Benefits Exchange.
In Washington, any qualified person may register to vote at the age of 17 if he or she will be 18 at the time of the next election. Six states and the District of Columbia have passed laws to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote. Those seven states are Delaware, Hawaii, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, and Rhode Island.
Summary of Bill:
Agencies authorized to provide voter registration through the Motor Voter Act may preregister a person to vote at the age of 16. Information contained in the voter preregistration application is exempt from public inspection and copying.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.