Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government Committee |
HB 1866
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: Improving voter registration by providing new residential tenants with voter registration information.
Sponsors: Representatives Bergquist, S. Hunt, Walkinshaw, Robinson, Pollet, Moscoso, Peterson and Tarleton.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/17/15
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.
Voter registration forms are produced by the Secretary of State and distributed to the county auditors and the Department of Licensing. Each county auditor must make registration forms available to the public, and keep a supply of forms at the auditor's office for political parties and others interested in assisting with voter registration. Each county auditor also must provide registration forms to city and town clerks, state offices, schools, fire stations, public libraries, and other appropriate locations.
A person may register electronically on the Secretary of State's website. The Governor may designate agencies to provide voter registration services, including allowing a person to register when applying for services or assistance with the agency. A person may also register to vote when applying for or renewing his or her driver's license.
Summary of Bill:
A landlord must provide each new residential tenant with a voter registration form or a link to the Secretary of State's voter registration website. The information must be provided at the time the tenant signs a lease. The landlord's failure to provide voter registration information may not be construed to affect the validity of a lease.
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.