HB 1739 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

     Declares that an election officer or voter registrar who intentionally disenfranchises an eligible citizen or discriminates against a person eligible to vote by denying voter registration is guilty of a class C felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.

     Requires that, in order to encourage the broadest possible voting participation by all eligible citizens, the secretary of state shall produce voter registration information in the foreign languages required of state agencies.  This information must be available no later than January 1, 2002.

     Directs the secretary of state to cause to be produced a "voter guide" detailing what constitutes voter fraud and discrimination under state election laws.  This voter guide must be provided to every county election officer and voter registrar, and any other person upon request, no later than January 1, 2002.

     Requires the secretary of state to provide a toll-free media and web page designed to allow voter communication with the office of the secretary of state.  The secretary of state shall forward every complaint of violations of voter registration laws or violations of election laws or election discrimination received to the county auditor or election officer within whose jurisdiction the incident is alleged to have occurred.  The county auditor or election officer shall notify the secretary of state of the findings and actions regarding each complaint.

     Requires that, when a person who has previously registered to vote in any jurisdiction applies for voter registration in a new jurisdiction, the person shall provide on the registration form, all information needed to cancel any previous registration.