The bill aims to enhance access to voting services for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters in Washington State by establishing new requirements for county auditors and the Secretary of State. It mandates that county auditors hold meetings with federally recognized Indian tribes to discuss the establishment and operation of voting centers and ballot drop boxes, including details such as size requirements, election dates, and recruitment of election officers. Additionally, the Secretary of State is required to meet biennially with these tribes to address barriers to voting and provide support for voter registration and outreach efforts.
Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the Secretary of State to study the feasibility of an electronic ballot portal for covered voters, which includes service members, overseas voters, disabled voters, and members of federally recognized tribes residing on reservations. The study must ensure security, voter privacy, and the ability to produce an auditable paper record. The section regarding the electronic ballot portal will expire 30 days after the Secretary submits a report to the legislature on the study's findings. The bill establishes a new chapter in Title 29A RCW, incorporating these provisions into Washington's election laws.