Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government Committee

HB 1428

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: Concerning voter registration.

Sponsors: Representatives Fitzgibbon, S. Hunt, Jinkins, Tarleton, Bergquist, Gregerson, Goodman and Pollet.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Changes the mailing deadline for submitting a voter registration application from 29 to 28 days.

  • Changes the deadline for registering online or in person to 11 days for any election.

Hearing Date: 1/29/15

Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).

Background:

Every person must register in order to vote in any primary, special, or general election. To be eligible for an election, a voter must submit his or her registration application online or by mail no later than 29 days before the election date. A voter may also register in person at his or her county auditor's office no later than eight days before the election date.

A person may update his or her registration at least 29 days before an election for the change to be effective for that election. A voter who does not transfer his or her residential information by that deadline may still vote according to his or her previous address.

Summary of Bill:

A voter may register to vote in an upcoming primary, special, or general election by mail, no later than 28 days before the date of that primary or election. A person also may register online or in person at his or her county auditor's office, or alternate location, no later than 11 days before an election. A person may update his or her registration no later than 28 days before an election to be effective for that election.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.