The bill amends RCW 29A.84.510 to establish prohibitions on electioneering activities within buildings that house the division of elections for county auditor offices, as well as in adjacent county-owned parking lots routinely used for voter access. It emphasizes the importance of creating "buffer zones" around polling places, ballot drop boxes, and election offices to prevent intimidation and ensure the integrity of the voting process. The new legal language specifies that during the voting period, individuals are prohibited from engaging in activities such as persuading voters, circulating materials, or obstructing access within designated areas.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the county auditor post signs at voting centers to inform the public of these prohibitions. Law enforcement officers are empowered to stop any prohibited activities and can arrest individuals who violate these rules, which are classified as gross misdemeanors. The legislation aims to balance the First Amendment rights of political campaigns with the need to protect voters from undue influence while casting their ballots.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 29A.84.510
Substitute Bill: 29A.84.510