The bill amends Washington's voter registration laws to improve the management of voter registration challenges and ensure the accuracy of voter registration lists. A significant change is the requirement that the registrations of deceased voters can only be canceled upon receipt of a signed statement from a registered voter, which must be confirmed by the county auditor or secretary of state. The bill also outlines new procedures for county auditors to reactivate inactive voters and specifies conditions for canceling inactive registrations, such as confirmation of death or registration in another state.

Additionally, the bill introduces stricter requirements for challenging a voter's registration, mandating that challenges be based on personal knowledge and supported by detailed evidence. It establishes a clearer notification process for challenged voters and outlines penalties for false statements, including fines for false swearing. The bill also specifies that if a challenge is sustained, the voter's registration will be canceled, and their ballot will not be counted unless they correct their address before election certification. These amendments aim to enhance the integrity of the voter registration process while protecting legitimate voters from disenfranchisement.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 29A.08.510, 29A.08.630, 29A.08.810, 29A.08.820, 29A.08.835, 29A.08.840, 29A.08.850, 29A.08.135
Substitute Bill: 29A.08.510, 29A.08.630, 29A.08.810, 29A.08.820, 29A.08.835, 29A.08.840, 29A.08.850, 29A.08.135