Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee

HB 2205

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: Allowing eligible youth at least sixteen years of age to register to vote.

Sponsors: Representatives Billig, Zeiger, Fitzgibbon, Hudgins, Hunt, Green, Sells, McCoy, Maxwell, Probst, Jinkins, Pettigrew, Darneille, Eddy, Upthegrove, Hope, Ormsby, Blake, Miloscia, Hansen, Goodman, Carlyle, Kagi, Van De Wege, Pedersen, Tharinger, Kenney, Orwall, Moeller, Wylie, Appleton, Ladenburg, Lytton, Reykdal, Stanford, Pollet and Hasegawa.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Authorizes persons who are at least 16 years of age, and who meet all other voter registration requirements, to register to vote with the office of the Secretary of State.

  • Establishes that the voter registration of 16 and 17-year-olds will be withheld from entry into the statewide voter registration database until the voter reaches the age of 18 and is thus eligible to vote in the next election.

Hearing Date: 1/12/12

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

Eligibility for voter registration requires that a person be a United States citizen and at least 18 years of age on or before the next election.

Designated state agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Social and Health Services, are required to provide voter registration services to agency clients and/or the public.

Currently, eight states and the District of Columbia authorize individuals younger than 18 to preregister to vote. The eight states are:

Summary of Bill:

The act authorizes persons who are at least 16 years of age, and who meet all other voter registration requirements, to register to vote with the office of the Secretary of State. Such registration will be withheld from entry into the statewide voter registration database until the voter reaches the age of 18 and is eligible to vote in the next election. Once the voter turns 18, he or she will be sent notice confirming that his or her voter registration has been entered into the statewide voter registration database and that he or she is now eligible to vote.

In order to implement voter registration for qualifying 16 and 17-year-olds, the act revises the various voter registration application procedures utilized by designated state agencies.

The Secretary of State is authorized to adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions of the act.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 10, 2012.

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