This bill clarifies the prohibition against voting more than once in an election, specifically addressing the circumstances under which a person may not vote in both Washington and another state if the elections occur on the same date. It aims to affirm existing law and correct a previous court decision that misinterpreted these voting regulations. 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 on the same election date, is guilty of a class C felony. It also introduces definitions for "election" and clarifies the conditions under which voting in multiple elections is permissible. 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
Bill as passed Legislature: 29A.84.650
Session law: 29A.84.650