The bill, known as the "Free the Vote Act," amends various sections of Washington state law to restrict the revocation of voting rights to individuals convicted of a state crime punishable by death, defined as an "infamous crime." Specifically, it clarifies that neither juvenile adjudications nor convictions for misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or felonies not punishable by death are considered "infamous crimes." The bill establishes that a person's voting rights are revoked only if they are convicted of such a crime in a Washington state court and sentenced to total confinement. Furthermore, it mandates that voting rights are automatically restored once the individual is no longer serving a sentence of total confinement.

In addition to the above provisions, the bill includes several amendments to existing laws regarding voter registration and the voting process. It specifies that individuals whose voting rights have been revoked must re-register to vote after their rights are restored. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the Secretary of State in maintaining accurate voter registration lists and ensuring that individuals who are ineligible to vote due to their convictions are notified of their status. Overall, the legislation aims to simplify the process of restoring voting rights and to ensure that only those convicted of the most serious crimes lose their right to vote.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 29A.04.079, 29A.08.520, 29A.08.230, 29A.08.810, 29A.68.020, 29A.68.011, 9.94A.030