The proposed bill seeks to enhance local representation and ensure fair elections in Washington by permitting jurisdictions to adopt alternative election methods, specifically ranked choice voting and proportional representation, for a six-year period. This initiative responds to evolving federal voting rights protections and aims to empower local governments to implement these methods while maintaining existing rights under state law, including those in the Washington Voting Rights Act. Key provisions include the establishment of ranked choice voting for local entities such as counties, cities, and school districts, with guidelines for implementation and ballot design, and a requirement for jurisdictions to adopt these methods by December 31, 2032.

The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to facilitate the use of ranked choice voting in elections for positions like county commissioners and city council members. It introduces provisions for conducting elections using methods such as instant runoff voting and single transferable vote, while mandating public education on the new voting process to ensure accessibility for all voters. Additionally, the bill clarifies financial responsibilities for implementing ranked choice voting, stating that costs will be apportioned to the jurisdictions using this method. It emphasizes the importance of voter secrecy and the certification of voting devices, and the bill takes effect immediately to address urgent public needs.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 29A.60.221, 29A.36.131, 29A.52.220, 36.32.040, 29A.92.040, 35A.12.040, 28A.343.320, 29A.04.410, 29A.12.080, 29A.36.121, 29A.04.127
Substitute bill: 29A.60.221, 29A.36.131, 29A.52.220, 36.32.040, 29A.92.040, 35A.12.040, 28A.343.320, 29A.04.410, 29A.12.080, 29A.36.121, 29A.04.127