This bill aims to clarify the existing prohibition against voting more than once in an election, specifically addressing the issue of voting in both Washington and another state on the same election date. It seeks to affirm the law that prohibits individuals from casting votes in both jurisdictions during the same election, thereby correcting a previous court interpretation from the Washington Court of Appeals in the case of State v. Padrta. The bill includes a new section that defines what constitutes the "same election" and specifies that a special election held on the same day as a general or primary election does not count as the same election, allowing voters to participate in both.

The bill amends RCW 29A.84.650 to establish that any person who intentionally votes more than once in the same election, or in both Washington and another state during the same election, is guilty of a class C felony. It also introduces definitions for "election" and clarifies that the term refers to any general, primary, or special election, with specific criteria for determining when elections are considered the same. Additionally, it states that reckless or negligent violations of this section will result in a class 1 civil infraction. The act is declared necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, and takes effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 29A.84.650