Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington Senate Bill SB5890

Introduced
1/8/24  
Refer
1/8/24  
Report Pass
1/12/24  
Engrossed
1/24/24  
Refer
2/5/24  
Report Pass
2/16/24  
Refer
2/19/24  
Enrolled
3/8/24  
Chaptered
3/26/24  

Caption

Reducing ballot rejection rates through updates to ballot curing, canvassing, reporting, and outreach processes.

Impact

The impact of SB5890 on state laws primarily concerns the procedural approaches to handling ballots during elections. By enforcing standardized procedures for ballot curing and canvassing, the bill seeks to align local election practices with state guidelines. This is expected to ensure that voters have clearer instructions and opportunities to correct any issues with their ballots, potentially leading to a decrease in the number of rejected ballots and increased voter confidence.

Summary

SB5890 aims to reduce ballot rejection rates by implementing comprehensive updates to ballot curing, canvassing, reporting, and outreach processes. This legislation is designed to enhance voter participation by ensuring that more ballots are correctly counted, thereby promoting a more equitable electoral process. The bill outlines specific measures to be adopted, which may include improved notification systems for voters regarding ballot errors and more effective canvassing techniques to verify ballot information.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB5890 appears to be largely positive among proponents, who argue that the reforms will make the electoral process more inclusive and fair. Supporters emphasize that reducing ballot rejections is essential for enhancing voter trust and participation in the democratic process. However, there may be some opposition concerning concerns about the implementation costs or the balance of state versus local control over election procedures.

Contention

Notable points of contention in discussions around SB5890 stem from differing opinions on how best to manage election processes. While many advocate for the bill's provisions as a necessary move to improve election integrity and accessibility, critics may raise questions about the effectiveness of proposed outreach efforts or express doubt about the feasibility of implementing such comprehensive reforms effectively at the local level without sufficient funding.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WA HB1816

Prohibiting the forwarding of election ballots.

WA HB1475

Increasing access to elections by allowing certain populations to return ballots using an online ballot portal.

WA LB390

Change provisions relating to ballots for early voting under the Election Act

WA HB1708

Requiring each ballot to have a unique serial number that permits a voter to view their voted ballot through an online portal.

WA LB764

Change provisions relating to selection of and ballots cast by presidential electors

WA LB808

Provide for counting and recounting ballots under the Election Act by hand count

WA HB1030

Concerning the conduct of limited audits of counted ballots during the election certification period.

WA HB212

Election Law - Signature Verification of Absentee Ballots and Absentee Ballot Applications and Ballot Canvassing

WA SB5112

Updating processes related to voter registration.

WA HB1229

Updating processes related to voter registration.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.