SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5414
As of February 7, 2023
Title: An act relating to providing voters with information regarding elections law violations within the voters' pamphlet.
Brief Description: Providing voters with information regarding elections law violations within the voters' pamphlet.
Sponsors: Senators Wilson, J. and Fortunato.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: State Government & Elections: 2/10/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires that a statement specifying various acts which violate Washington State laws relating to voting and contact information for the Secretary of State's office to report suspected election law violations appear in the voters' pamphlet.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT & ELECTIONS
Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)
Background:

The Secretary of State (SOS) must print and distribute a voters' pamphlet to each household in the state, public libraries, and other locations the SOS deems appropriate whenever a statewide ballot measure or office is scheduled to appear on the general election ballot.  The state voters' pamphlet must contain:

  • information about advisory votes and ballot measures, and arguments for their approval and rejection;
  • statements from and photographs of candidates for statewide and judicial office;
  • contact information for the Public Disclosure Commission;
  • contact information for major political parties;
  • a list of student engagement hubs; and
  • any additional information deemed informative to voters by the SOS.
Summary of Bill:

The inside cover of the state voters' pamphlet must contain a statement that:

  • informs that it is illegal to vote if a person is not a United States citizen, has been convicted of a felony and not had their voting rights restored, or to cast a ballot or sign a ballot declaration on behalf of another;
  • lists certain violations by voters which are punishable by a felony; and
  • provides contact information for the SOS to report suspected incidents of election law violations.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 2, 2023.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.