The bill establishes an alternative voter verification options pilot project in Washington State, aimed at developing and testing methods beyond traditional signature verification to confirm that a ballot was filled out and returned by the intended voter. The Secretary of State is tasked with overseeing the project, which allows counties to apply for participation. Each application must detail the proposed verification methods, their implementation, and the specific election in which they will be used. The bill outlines criteria for acceptable verification methods, including the need for clear evidence of voter identity and compatibility with the statewide voter registration list. Additionally, counties can participate in the pilot project during designated special elections, and the Secretary of State has the authority to set rules regarding the application process and verification standards.

The bill also amends existing law to allow counties participating in the pilot project to accept ballots verified through alternative methods, even if they do not include a matching signature, while still ensuring that signature verification remains an option. It mandates that county auditors report on their participation and the effectiveness of the alternative methods used, with the Secretary of State required to provide annual updates and a final report by the end of 2028. The act is set to expire on January 1, 2029.