The bill aims to enhance the integrity of the voter registration process in Washington State by implementing stricter guidelines for voter registration challenges. Key provisions include requiring that a registered voter can only claim another voter is deceased after confirmation from the county auditor or secretary of state, which will lead to the removal of the voter's registration. Additionally, challenges to a voter's registration must be based on personal knowledge, and challengers are required to provide evidence of due diligence in verifying residency. The bill introduces penalties for those who knowingly submit false information or challenge a registration without reasonable cause, while also mandating that county auditors dismiss improperly filed challenges and conduct an initial review before notifying the challenged voter.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the process for individuals who have registered to vote in another state. It requires these individuals to provide necessary information to cancel their previous registration when applying for voter registration in Washington. County auditors are now obligated to send a notice to the voter and change their status to inactive rather than immediately canceling their registration. A voter's registration can only be removed if they do not respond to the notice and fail to vote or confirm their registration address during the next two general elections. The bill emphasizes that official information regarding a voter's registration must originate from a government or state-led interstate source.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 29A.08.510, 29A.08.630, 29A.08.810, 29A.08.840, 29A.08.850, 29A.08.135