(1) The minimum required information provided on a voter registration application in order to place a voter registration applicant on the voter registration rolls includes:

(a) Name;

(b) Residential address;

(c) Date of birth;

(d) A signature attesting to the truth of the information provided on the application;

(e) An address where the person receives mail, if different from the residence address; and

(f) Affirmation of citizenship which confirms the individual is a United States citizen, in one of the following forms:

(i) A check or indication in the box on a voter registration form confirming citizenship; or

(ii) Presentation of documents as part of another government transaction confirming citizenship.

(2) The residential address provided must identify the actual physical residence of the voter in Washington, as defined in RCW 29A.04.151, with detail sufficient to allow the voter to be assigned to the proper precinct and to locate the voter to confirm his or her residence for purposes of verifying qualification to vote under Article VI, section 1 of the state Constitution. A residential address may be either a traditional address or a nontraditional address.

(a) A traditional address consists of a street number and name, optional apartment number or unit number, and city or town, as assigned by a local government, which serves to identify the parcel or building of residence and the unit if a multiunit residence.

(b) A nontraditional address consists of a narrative description of the location of the voter's residence, and may be used when a traditional address has not been assigned or affixed to the voter's residence or when a voter resides on an Indian reservation or Indian lands, pursuant to the conditions in RCW 29A.08.112.

(3) All other information supplied is ancillary and not to be used as grounds for not registering an applicant to vote.

(4) Modification of the language of the official Washington state voter registration form by the voter will not be accepted and will cause the rejection of the registrant's application.

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: "(1) Sections 103, 104, and 115 through 118 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [March 31, 2004].

(2) Sections 119, 140, 201 through 203, 321, 401, 501, and 702 of this act take effect July 1, 2004.

(3) Sections 301 through 320 of this act take effect January 1, 2005.

(4) Sections 101, 102, 105 through 114, 120 through 139, 601, 701, and 704 of this act take effect January 1, 2006." [ 2004 c 267 § 707.]

Severability—1994 c 57: See note following RCW 29A.16.040.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, for voter registration applicants, the date the voter registration application is received by an election official will be used as the registration date for the purpose of registering and meeting the registration cutoff deadline.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—1994 c 57: See note following RCW 29A.16.040.

The definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Verification notice" means a notice sent by the county auditor or secretary of state to a voter registration applicant and is used to verify or collect information about the applicant in order to complete the registration. The verification notice must be designed to include a postage prepaid, preaddressed return form by which the applicant may verify or send information.

(2) "Acknowledgment notice" means a notice sent by nonforwardable mail by the county auditor or secretary of state to a registered voter to acknowledge a voter registration transaction, which can include initial registration, transfer, or reactivation of an inactive registration. An acknowledgment notice may be a voter registration card.

(3) "Identification notice" means a notice sent to a provisionally registered voter to confirm the applicant's identity.

(4) "Confirmation notice" means a notice sent to a registered voter by first-class forwardable mail at the address indicated on the voter's permanent registration record and to any other address at which the county auditor or secretary of state could reasonably expect mail to be received by the voter in order to confirm the voter's residence address. The confirmation notice must be designed to include a postage prepaid, preaddressed return form by which the registrant may verify the address information.

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

The definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Verification notice" means a notice sent by the county auditor or secretary of state to a voter registration applicant and is used to verify or collect information about the applicant in order to complete the registration. The verification notice must be designed to include a postage prepaid, preaddressed return form by which the applicant may verify or send information.

(2) "Acknowledgment notice" means a notice sent by nonforwardable mail by the county auditor or secretary of state to a registered voter to acknowledge a voter registration transaction or an automatic voter registration transaction, which can include initial registration, residential address change, or reactivation of an inactive registration, identifying the registrant's precinct and containing such other information as may be required by the secretary of state. An acknowledgment notice may be a voter registration card.

(3) "Automatic voter registration acknowledgment notice package" means a package of information sent by nonforwardable mail by the county auditor, to a registered voter who utilized the automatic voter registration process at the department of licensing, to acknowledge a voter registration transaction, which can include initial registration, residential address change, or reactivation of an inactive registration. The package must include:

(a) A postage prepaid, preaddressed return form by which the individual may decline to be registered to vote or decline the update;

(b) A statement explaining that the person has become registered to vote or signed up to register to vote, as appropriate, setting forth the qualifications to vote, stating that if the individual does not meet the qualifications to vote, the person shall return the notice and affirmatively decline in writing to register to vote, and that if the person wishes to cancel the voter registration at any time, that the person may contact their county auditor to do so;

(c) Instructions regarding how an individual can obtain more information about the notice and assistance in the individual's preferred language, including languages as set forth in RCW 29A.08.270;

(d) An acknowledgment notice; and

(e) Other information required by the secretary of state.

(4) "Identification notice" means a notice sent to a provisionally registered voter to confirm the applicant's identity.

(5) "Confirmation notice" means a notice sent to a registered voter by first-class forwardable mail at the address indicated on the voter's permanent registration record and to any other address at which the county auditor or secretary of state could reasonably expect mail to be received by the voter in order to confirm the voter's residence address. The confirmation notice must be designed to include a postage prepaid, preaddressed return form by which the registrant may verify the address information.

Effective date—2023 c 466 §§ 3, 4, 6, 11, 13-16, and 20-23: "Sections 3, 4, 6, 11, 13 through 16, and 20 through 23 of this act take effect July 15, 2024." [ 2023 c 466 § 37.]

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

(1) In compliance with the Help America Vote Act (P.L. 107-252), the centralized statewide voter registration list maintained by the secretary of state is the official list of eligible voters for all elections.

(2) In all counties, the county auditor shall be the chief registrar of voters for every precinct within the county.

(3) Requests for records from, or any existing standard reports generated by, the statewide voter registration database must be submitted to and fulfilled by the secretary of state per Title 42 RCW. If a county elections office receives a request for records from, or any existing standard reports generated by, the statewide voter registration database, the county elections office is not required to produce any records in response to the request, but shall, by the deadline set forth in RCW 42.56.520, direct the requestor to submit the request to the secretary of state.

Findings—Intent—2023 c 404: "The legislature finds that requests for records concerning voter registration information, election data, and systems and processes of election administration have increased exponentially over the last several years. The legislature further finds that public access to these requested records increases the public confidence in electoral processes through greater public transparency. The legislature intends to clarify responsibilities for producing records containing election information to improve the efficiency in which they are made available." [ 2023 c 404 § 1.]

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—1994 c 57: See note following RCW 29A.16.040.

Intent—1984 c 211: See note following RCW 29A.08.310.

(1) If the driver's license number, state identification card number, or last four digits of the social security number provided by the applicant match the information maintained by the Washington department of licensing or the social security administration, and the applicant provided all information required by RCW 29A.08.010, the applicant must be registered to vote.

(2) If the driver's license number, state identification card number, or last four digits of the social security number provided by the applicant do not match the information maintained by the Washington department of licensing or the social security administration, or if the applicant does not provide a Washington driver's license, a Washington state identification card, or a social security number, the applicant must be provisionally registered to vote. An identification notice must be sent to the voter to obtain the correct driver's license number, state identification card number, last four digits of the social security number, or one of the following forms of alternate identification:

(a) Valid photo identification;

(b) A valid enrollment card of a federally recognized Indian tribe in Washington state;

(c) A copy of a current utility bill;

(d) A current bank statement;

(e) A copy of a current government check;

(f) A copy of a current paycheck; or

(g) A government document, other than a voter registration card, that shows both the name and address of the voter.

(3) The ballot of a provisionally registered voter may not be counted until the voter provides a driver's license number, a state identification card number, or the last four digits of a social security number that matches the information maintained by the Washington department of licensing or the social security administration, or until the voter provides alternate identification. The identification must be provided no later than the day before certification of the primary or election. If the voter provides one of the forms of identification in subsection (2) of this section, the voter's registration status must be changed from provisionally registered to registered.

(4) A provisional registration must remain on the official list of registered voters through at least two general elections for federal office. If, after two general elections for federal office, the voter still has not verified his or her identity, the provisional registration may be canceled.

(5) The requirements of this section do not apply to an overseas or service voter who registers to vote by signing the return envelope of an absentee ballot, or to a registered voter transferring his or her registration.

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

(1) For persons registering under RCW 29A.08.120, 29A.08.123, 29A.08.170, 29A.08.330, 29A.08.340, 29A.08.362, and 29A.08.365, an application is considered complete only if it contains the information required by RCW 29A.08.010. The applicant is considered to be registered to vote as of:

(a) The original date of receipt;

(b) When the person will be at least eighteen years old by the next election; or

(c) When the person will be at least seventeen years old by the next primary election or presidential primary election and eighteen years old by the general election, whichever is applicable.

(2) As soon as practicable, the auditor shall record the appropriate precinct identification, taxing district identification, and date of registration on the voter's record in the state voter registration list. The secretary of state shall, pursuant to RCW 29A.04.611, establish procedures to enable new or updated voter registrations to be recorded on an expedited basis. Any mailing address provided shall be used only for mail delivery purposes, and not for precinct assignment or residency purposes. Within sixty days after the receipt of an application or transfer, the auditor shall send to the applicant, by first-class nonforwardable mail, an acknowledgment notice identifying the registrant's precinct and containing such other information as may be required by the secretary of state. The postal service shall be instructed not to forward a voter registration card to any other address and to return to the auditor any card which is not deliverable.

(3) If an application is not complete, the auditor shall promptly mail a verification notice to the applicant. The verification notice shall require the applicant to provide the missing information. If the applicant provides the required information within forty-five days, the applicant shall be registered to vote as of the original date of application. The applicant shall not be placed on the official list of registered voters until the application is complete.

(4) Once a future voter is no longer in pending status, as described in RCW 29A.08.615, his or her application to sign up to register to vote is no longer pending and is subject to this section.

Effective date—2020 c 208 §§ 3, 5, 6, and 13-17: See note following RCW 29A.08.210.

Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.

Effective date—2018 c 112 §§ 1-4: See note following RCW 29A.08.140.

Effective date—2018 c 110 §§ 101-107: See note following RCW 29A.08.355.

Short title—Findings—Intent—2018 c 110: See notes following RCW 29A.08.355.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 109: See notes following RCW 29A.08.170.

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

(1) For persons registering under RCW 29A.08.120, 29A.08.123, 29A.08.170, 29A.08.330, 29A.08.340, 29A.08.362, and 29A.08.365, an application is considered complete only if it contains the information required by RCW 29A.08.010. The applicant is considered to be registered to vote as of:

(a) The original date of receipt;

(b) When the person will be at least eighteen years old by the next election;

(c) When the person will be at least seventeen years old by the next primary election or presidential primary election and eighteen years old by the general election, whichever is applicable; or

(d) For voters utilizing automatic voter registration under RCW 29A.08.315 at the department of licensing, the date that an election official receives the information to register the person to vote, unless:

(i) The voter declines registration by the deadline in RCW 29A.08.359(4)(a); or

(ii) An election official receives the information to register the person to vote after the deadline to register to vote under RCW 29A.08.140(1)(a), in which case the applicant is considered to be registered to vote as of the day after the election.

(2) As soon as practicable, the auditor shall record the appropriate precinct identification, taxing district identification, and date of registration on the voter's record in the state voter registration list. The secretary of state shall, pursuant to RCW 29A.04.611, establish procedures to enable new or updated voter registrations to be recorded on an expedited basis. Any mailing address provided shall be used only for mail delivery purposes, and not for precinct assignment or residency purposes.

(3) The voter must be sent an acknowledgment notice using first-class nonforwardable mail:

(a) For voters utilizing automatic voter registration services at the department of licensing, within five business days after the receipt of an application or residential address change, or, if the application or residential address change is received after the deadline to register to vote or update a voter registration under RCW 29A.08.140 (1)(a) or (2)(a)(i), within five business days after the election, the auditor shall send an automatic voter registration acknowledgment notice package as required by RCW 29A.08.030.

(b) For all other voters, within 60 days after the receipt of an application or residential address change, the auditor shall send an acknowledgment notice as required by RCW 29A.08.030.

(4) If an application is not complete, the auditor shall promptly mail a verification notice to the applicant. The verification notice shall require the applicant to provide the missing information. If the applicant provides the required information within forty-five days, the applicant shall be registered to vote as of the original date of application. The applicant shall not be placed on the official list of registered voters until the application is complete.

(5) Once a future voter is no longer in pending status, as described in RCW 29A.08.615, his or her application to sign up to register to vote is no longer pending and is subject to this section.

Effective date—2023 c 466 §§ 3, 4, 6, 11, 13-16, and 20-23: See note following RCW 29A.08.030.

Effective date—2020 c 208 §§ 3, 5, 6, and 13-17: See note following RCW 29A.08.210.

Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.

Effective date—2018 c 112 §§ 1-4: See note following RCW 29A.08.140.

Effective date—2018 c 110 §§ 101-107: See note following RCW 29A.08.355.

Short title—Findings—Intent—2018 c 110: See notes following RCW 29A.08.355.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 109: See notes following RCW 29A.08.170.

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

(1) No person registering to vote, who meets all the qualifications of a registered voter in the state of Washington, shall be disqualified because he or she lacks a traditional residential address. A voter who lacks a traditional residential address will be registered and assigned to a precinct based on the location provided.

(2) For the purposes of this section, a voter who resides in a shelter, park, motor home, marina, unmarked home, or other identifiable location that the voter deems to be his or her residence lacks a traditional address. A voter who registers under this section must provide a valid mailing address, and must still meet the requirement in Article VI, section 1 of the state Constitution that he or she live in the area for at least thirty days before the election.

(3) A nontraditional residential address may be used when a voter resides on an Indian reservation or on Indian lands.

(4) A federally recognized tribe may designate one or more tribal government buildings to serve as a residential address or mailing address or both for voters living on an Indian reservation or on Indian lands. However, a voter may not use a tribally designated building as the voter's residential address if the building is in a different precinct than where the voter lives.

(5) A person who has a traditional residential address and does not reside on an Indian reservation or on Indian lands must use that address for voter registration purposes and is not eligible to register under this section.

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

A person or organization collecting voter registration application forms must transmit the forms to the secretary of state or a county auditor within five business days. The registration date on such forms will be the date they are received by the secretary of state or county auditor. A person or organization collecting voter registration forms that intentionally does not transmit the forms to an election office may be subject to penalty under RCW 29A.84.030.

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Any elector of this state may register to vote by mail under this title.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

(1) A person who has a valid Washington state driver's license, state identification card, or tribal identification may submit a voter registration application electronically on the secretary of state's website. A person who has a valid tribal identification card may submit a voter registration electronically on the secretary of state's website if the secretary of state is able to obtain a copy of the applicant's signature from the federal government or the tribal government.

(2) The applicant must attest to the truth of the information provided on the application by affirmatively accepting the information as true.

(3) The applicant must affirmatively assent to use of his or her driver's license, state identification card, or tribal identification card signature for voter registration purposes.

(4) A voter registration application submitted electronically is otherwise considered a registration by mail.

(5) For each electronic application, the secretary of state must obtain a digital copy of the applicant's driver's license or state identification card signature from the department of licensing or tribal identification issuing authority.

(6) The secretary of state may employ additional security measures to ensure the accuracy and integrity of voter registration applications submitted electronically.

Effective date—2007 c 157: "This act takes effect January 1, 2008." [ 2007 c 157 § 2.]

(1) A person qualified to vote who has a valid:

(a) Washington state driver's license;

(b) Washington state identification card;

(c) Washington state learner's permit;

(d) Current Washington tribal identification; or

(e) Social security number,

may submit a voter registration application electronically on the secretary of state's website, and provide either the state issued identification number, the tribal identification number, or the last four digits of the person's social security number.

(2) The applicant must attest to the truth of the information provided on the application and confirm the applicant's United States citizenship by reviewing the registration oath online and affirmatively accepting the information as true.

(3) For applicants using Washington state issued identification, the applicant must affirmatively assent to use of the applicant's driver's license or state identification card signature for voter registration purposes.

(4) For applicants who are not using Washington state issued identification, the applicant must submit a signature image by either submitting a signature image to the secretary of state, or submitting a signature image as part of the confirmation notice process.

(5) A voter registration application submitted electronically is otherwise considered a registration by mail.

(6) For each electronic application, the secretary of state must obtain a digital copy of the applicant's driver's license or state identification card signature from the department of licensing, the voter, or tribal identification issuing authority.

(7) The secretary of state may employ additional security measures to ensure the accuracy and integrity of voter registration applications submitted electronically.

Effective date—2023 c 363: "This act takes effect July 15, 2024." [ 2023 c 363 § 2.]

Effective date—2007 c 157: "This act takes effect January 1, 2008." [ 2007 c 157 § 2.]

(1) The office of the secretary of state shall maintain a statewide voter registration database. This database must be a centralized, uniform, interactive computerized statewide voter registration list that contains the name and registration information of every registered voter in the state.

(2) The statewide list is the official list of registered voters for the conduct of all elections.

(3) The statewide list must include, but is not limited to, the name, date of birth, residence address, signature, gender, and date of registration of every legally registered voter in the state.

(4) A unique identifier must be assigned to each registered voter in the state.

(5) The database must be coordinated with other government databases within the state including, but not limited to, the department of corrections, the department of licensing, the department of health, and county auditors. The database may also be coordinated with the databases of election officials in other states.

(6) Authorized employees of the secretary of state and each county auditor must have immediate electronic access to the information maintained in the database.

(7) Voter registration information received by each county auditor must be electronically entered into the database. The office of the secretary of state must provide support, as needed, to enable each county auditor to enter and maintain voter registration information in the state database.

(8) The secretary of state has data authority over all voter registration data.

(9) The voter registration database must be designed to accomplish at a minimum, the following:

(a) Comply with the help America vote act of 2002 (P.L. 107-252);

(b) Identify duplicate voter registrations;

(c) Identify suspected duplicate voters;

(d) Screen against any available databases maintained by other government agencies to identify voters who are ineligible to vote due to serving a sentence of total confinement as the result of a felony conviction, lack of citizenship, or a court finding of mental incompetence;

(e) Provide images of voters' signatures for the purpose of checking signatures on initiative and referendum petitions;

(f) Provide for a comparison between the voter registration database and the department of licensing change of address database;

(g) Provide access for county auditors that includes the capability to update registrations and search for duplicate registrations;

(h) Provide for the cancellation of registrations of voters who have moved out of state; and

(i) Provide for the storage of pending registration records for all future voters who have not yet reached eighteen years of age in a manner that these records will not appear on the official list of registered voters until the future registrant is no longer in pending status as defined under RCW 29A.08.615.

(10) The secretary of state may, upon agreement with other appropriate jurisdictions, screen against any available databases maintained by election officials in other states and databases maintained by federal agencies including, but not limited to, the federal bureau of investigation, the federal court system, the federal bureau of prisons, and the bureau of citizenship and immigration services.

(11) The database shall retain information regarding previous successful appeals of proposed cancellations of registrations in order to avoid repeated cancellations for the same reason.

(12) Each county auditor shall maintain a list of all registered voters within the county that are contained on the official statewide voter registration list. In addition to the information maintained in the statewide database, the county database must also maintain the applicable taxing district and precinct codes for each voter in the county, and a list of elections in which the individual voted.

(13) Each county auditor shall allow electronic access and information transfer between the county's voter registration system and the official statewide voter registration list.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 109: See notes following RCW 29A.08.170.

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—Effective dates—1993 c 408: See notes following RCW 2.36.054.

Effective date—1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.

Election officials shall not include inactive voters in the count of registered voters for the purpose of dividing precincts, determining voter turnout, or other purposes in law for which the determining factor is the number of registered voters.

Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

(1) When a person who has previously registered to vote in another state applies for voter registration in Washington, the person shall provide on the registration form all information needed to cancel any previous registration. Notification must be made to the state elections office of the applicant's previous state of registration.

(2) A county auditor receiving official information that a voter has registered to vote in another state shall immediately cancel that voter's registration on the official state voter registration list.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—1975 1st ex.s. c 184: "If any provision of this 1975 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1975 1st ex.s. c 184 § 5.]

(1) In order to vote in any primary, special election, or general election, a person who is not registered to vote in Washington must:

(a) Submit a registration application that is received by an election official no later than eight days before the day of the primary, special election, or general election. For purposes of this subsection (1)(a), "received" means: (i) Being physically received by an election official by the close of business of the required deadline; or (ii) for applications received online or electronically, by midnight, of the required deadline; or

(b) Register in person at a county auditor's office, the division of elections if in a separate location from the county auditor's office, a voting center, a student engagement hub, or other location designated by the county auditor no later than 8:00 p.m. on the day of the primary, special election if the county is conducting an election, or general election.

(2)(a) In order to change a residence address for voting in any primary, special election, or general election, a person who is already registered to vote in Washington may update his or her registration by:

(i) Submitting an address change using a registration application or making notification via any non-in-person method that is received by election officials no later than eight days before the day of the primary, special election, or general election; or

(ii) Appearing in person, at a county auditor's office, the division of elections if in a separate location from the county auditor's office, a voting center, or other location designated by the county auditor, no later than 8:00 p.m. on the day of the primary, special election if the county is conducting an election, or general election to be in effect for that primary, special election if the county is conducting an election, or general election.

(b) A registered voter who fails to update his or her residential address by this deadline may vote according to his or her previous registration address.

(3) To register or update a voting address in person at a county auditor's office, a voting center, or other location designated by the county auditor, a person must appear in person at a county auditor's office, a voting center, or other location designated by the county auditor at a time when the facility is open and complete the voter registration application by providing the information required by RCW 29A.08.010.

Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.

Effective date—2018 c 112 §§ 1-4: "Sections 1 through 4 of this act take effect June 30, 2019." [ 2018 c 112 § 6.]

Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

The expense of registration in all rural precincts must be paid by the county. The expense of registration in all precincts lying wholly within a city or town must be paid by the city or town. Registration expenses for this section include both active and inactive voters.

No record may be created or maintained by a state or local governmental agency or a political organization that identifies a voter with the information marked on the voter's ballot, except the declarations made under RCW 29A.56.050(2).

Under no circumstances may an individual be required to affiliate with, join, adhere to, express faith in, or declare a preference for, a political party or organization upon registering to vote.

(1) A person may sign up to register to vote if he or she is sixteen or seventeen years of age, as part of the future voter program.

(2) A person who signs up to register to vote may not vote until reaching eighteen years of age unless the person is seventeen years of age at the primary election or presidential primary election and will be eighteen years of age by the general election.

(3) A person who signs up to register to vote may not be added to the statewide voter registration list of voters until such time as he or she will be eligible to vote in the next election.

Effective date—2020 c 208 §§ 3, 5, 6, and 13-17: See note following RCW 29A.08.210.

Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.

Findings—Intent—2018 c 109: "The legislature is committed to granting equal access to voter registration for all voters. The legislature recognizes the importance of fostering lifelong civic participation. Currently, many young people are denied access to the most popular form of voter registration, motor voter. If a young person obtains a driver's license at the age of sixteen or seventeen, they may not register to vote. Denial of motor voter to so many young voters has contributed to lower voter registration levels in the youngest voter age groups. In Washington, according to 2016 United States census bureau statistics, only twenty-one percent of eligible citizens between the ages of eighteen and twenty-four are registered to vote. Studies show that young adults who vote are likely to continue to do so throughout adulthood. The legislature recognizes that these representational disparities in registration rates and voting rates within the youth electorate will improve by enacting election policies that engage all young citizens. Therefore, the legislature declares that this act, allowing eligible youth at least sixteen years of age to preregister to vote, is intended to increase voter turnout in young adults." [ 2018 c 109 § 1.]

Effective date—2018 c 109: "This act takes effect July 1, 2019." [ 2018 c 109 § 20.]

(1) A person who has attained sixteen years of age may sign up to register to vote, as part of the future voter program, by submitting a voter registration application by mail.

(2) The applicant must attest to the truth of the information provided on the application by affirmatively accepting the information as true.

(3) If signing up to register by mail, the person must provide a signature for voter registration purposes.

(4) The applicant must affirmatively acknowledge that he or she will not vote in a special or general election until his or her eighteenth birthday.

Effective date—2020 c 208 §§ 3, 5, 6, and 13-17: See note following RCW 29A.08.210.

Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 109: See notes following RCW 29A.08.170.

(1) A person who has attained sixteen years of age and has a valid Washington state driver's license or identicard may sign up to register to vote as part of the future voter program, by submitting a voter registration application electronically on the secretary of state website.

(2) The applicant must attest to the truth of the information provided on the application by affirmatively accepting the information as true.

(3) If signing up to register electronically, the applicant must affirmatively assent to the use of his or her driver's license or identicard signature for voter registration purposes.

(4) The applicant must affirmatively acknowledge that he or she will not vote in a special or general election until his or her eighteenth birthday, and will only vote in a primary election or presidential primary election if he or she will be eighteen years of age by the general election.

(5) For each electronic registration application, the secretary of state must obtain a digital copy of the applicant's driver's license or identicard signature from the department of licensing.

(6) The secretary of state may employ additional security measures to ensure the accuracy and integrity of voter preregistration applications submitted electronically.

Effective date—2020 c 208 §§ 3, 5, 6, and 13-17: See note following RCW 29A.08.210.

Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 109: See notes following RCW 29A.08.170.

An applicant for voter registration shall complete an application providing the following information concerning his or her qualifications as a voter in this state:

(1) The former address of the applicant if previously registered to vote;

(2) The applicant's full name;

(3) The applicant's date of birth;

(4) The address of the applicant's residence for voting purposes;

(5) The mailing address of the applicant if that address is not the same as the address in subsection (4) of this section;

(6) The sex of the applicant;

(7) The applicant's Washington state driver's license number, Washington state identification card number, or the last four digits of the applicant's social security number if he or she does not have a Washington state driver's license or Washington state identification card;

(8) A check box allowing the applicant to indicate that he or she is a member of the armed forces, national guard, or reserves, or that he or she is an overseas voter;

(9) A check box allowing the applicant to acknowledge that he or she is at least sixteen years old;

(10) Clear and conspicuous language, designed to draw the applicant's attention, stating that:

(a) The applicant must be a United States citizen in order to register to vote; and

(b) The applicant may register to vote if the applicant is at least sixteen years old and may vote if the applicant will be at least eighteen years old by the next general election, or is at least eighteen years old for special elections;

(11) A check box and declaration confirming that the applicant is a citizen of the United States;

(12) The following warning:

"If you knowingly provide false information on this voter registration form or knowingly make a false declaration about your qualifications for voter registration you will have committed a class C felony that is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to ten thousand dollars, or both."

(13) The oath required by RCW 29A.08.230 and a space for the applicant's signature; and

(14) Any other information that the secretary of state determines is necessary to establish the identity of the applicant and prevent duplicate or fraudulent voter registrations.

This information shall be recorded on a single registration form to be prescribed by the secretary of state.

Effective date—2020 c 208 §§ 3, 5, 6, and 13-17: "Sections 3, 5, 6, and 13 through 17 of this act take effect January 1, 2022." [ 2020 c 208 § 24.]

Short title—2020 c 208: "This act may be known and cited as the voting opportunities through education act or the VOTE act." [ 2020 c 208 § 1.]

Findings—2020 c 208: "The legislature finds that robust participation by young voters in Washington state elections is critical to ensuring lifelong civic engagement. Research has shown that voting is a habitual behavior and that people who vote in the first three elections when they are eligible will likely vote for life. However, this is also the period of time when they are likely to face unique barriers to participate in the democratic process, including regularly changing their address, becoming eligible shortly after an election, and exclusion from certain voter registration policies.

The legislature also finds that the period prior to election day is the most critical time to ensure ballot access for young voters. States with early voting have higher participation rates than states that do not and the use of early voting sites on college campuses helped produce record levels of participation for young voters in 2016 and 2018.

The legislature finds that students that have more opportunities to be registered and vote are more likely to participate. Limiting statutory voter registration opportunities on college campuses to days well in advance of election day is inconsistent with implementation of same-day voter registration. Making automatic voter registration unavailable to those registering for the first time denies young voters the same benefits as every other voter." [ 2020 c 208 § 2.]

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 109: See notes following RCW 29A.08.170.

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

Effective date—1990 c 143 §§ 1-8: See note following RCW 29A.08.340.

Civil disabilities of wife abolished: RCW 26.16.160.

Civil rights

loss of: State Constitution Art. 6 § 3, RCW 29A.08.520.

restoration of: RCW 9.92.066, 9.94A.637, 9.94A.885, 9.95.260, chapter 9.96 RCW.

Copy of instrument restoring civil rights as evidence: RCW 5.44.090.

Qualifications of electors: State Constitution Art. 6 § 1 (Amendment 5).

Residence defined: RCW 29A.04.151.

An applicant for voter registration shall complete an application providing the following information concerning the applicant's qualifications as a voter in this state:

(1) The applicant's full name;

(2) The applicant's date of birth;

(3) The address of the applicant's residence for voting purposes;

(4) The mailing address of the applicant if that address is not the same as the address in subsection (3) of this section;

(5) The gender of the applicant;

(6) The former address of the applicant if previously registered to vote;

(7) The applicant's Washington state driver's license number, Washington state identification card number, or the last four digits of the applicant's social security number if the applicant does not have a Washington state driver's license or Washington state identification card;

(8) A check box allowing the applicant to indicate membership in the armed forces, national guard, or reserves, or overseas voter status;

(9) Clear and conspicuous language, designed to draw the applicant's attention, stating that:

(a) The applicant must be a United States citizen in order to register to vote; and

(b) The applicant may register to vote if the applicant is at least sixteen years old and may vote if the applicant will be at least eighteen years old by the next general election, or is at least eighteen years old for special elections;

(10) A check box and declaration confirming that the applicant is a citizen of the United States;

(11) The following warning:

"If you knowingly provide false information on this voter registration form or knowingly make a false declaration about your qualifications for voter registration you will have committed a class C felony that is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to ten thousand dollars, or both."

(12) The oath required by RCW 29A.08.230 and a space for the applicant's signature; and

(13) Any other information that the secretary of state determines is necessary to establish the identity of the applicant and prevent duplicate or fraudulent voter registrations.

This information shall be recorded on a single registration form to be prescribed by the secretary of state.

Effective date—2023 c 466 §§ 3, 4, 6, 11, 13-16, and 20-23: See note following RCW 29A.08.030.

Effective date—2020 c 208 §§ 3, 5, 6, and 13-17: "Sections 3, 5, 6, and 13 through 17 of this act take effect January 1, 2022." [ 2020 c 208 § 24.]

Short title—2020 c 208: "This act may be known and cited as the voting opportunities through education act or the VOTE act." [ 2020 c 208 § 1.]

Findings—2020 c 208: "The legislature finds that robust participation by young voters in Washington state elections is critical to ensuring lifelong civic engagement. Research has shown that voting is a habitual behavior and that people who vote in the first three elections when they are eligible will likely vote for life. However, this is also the period of time when they are likely to face unique barriers to participate in the democratic process, including regularly changing their address, becoming eligible shortly after an election, and exclusion from certain voter registration policies.

The legislature also finds that the period prior to election day is the most critical time to ensure ballot access for young voters. States with early voting have higher participation rates than states that do not and the use of early voting sites on college campuses helped produce record levels of participation for young voters in 2016 and 2018.

The legislature finds that students that have more opportunities to be registered and vote are more likely to participate. Limiting statutory voter registration opportunities on college campuses to days well in advance of election day is inconsistent with implementation of same-day voter registration. Making automatic voter registration unavailable to those registering for the first time denies young voters the same benefits as every other voter." [ 2020 c 208 § 2.]

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 109: See notes following RCW 29A.08.170.

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

Effective date—1990 c 143 §§ 1-8: See note following RCW 29A.08.340.

Civil disabilities of wife abolished: RCW 26.16.160.

Civil rights

loss of: State Constitution Art. 6 § 3, RCW 29A.08.520.

restoration of: RCW 9.92.066, 9.94A.637, 9.94A.885, 9.95.260, chapter 9.96 RCW.

Copy of instrument restoring civil rights as evidence: RCW 5.44.090.

Qualifications of electors: State Constitution Art. 6 § 1 (Amendment 5).

Residence defined: RCW 29A.04.151.

(1) The secretary of state shall specify by rule the format of all voter registration applications. These applications shall be compatible with existing voter registration records. An applicant for voter registration shall be required to complete only one application and to provide the required information other than the applicant's signature no more than one time. These applications shall also contain instructions for the voter to use the form to update information related to the voter's voter registration.

(2) Any application format specified by the secretary for use in registering to vote in state and local elections shall satisfy the requirements of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (P.L. 103-31) and the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-252) for registering to vote in federal elections.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—1994 c 57: See note following RCW 29A.16.040.

For all voter registrations, the registrant shall sign the following oath:

"I declare that the facts on this voter registration form are true. I am a citizen of the United States, I will have lived at this address in Washington for at least thirty days immediately before the next election at which I vote, and I am at least sixteen years old. I am not disqualified from voting due to a court order, and I am not currently serving a sentence of total confinement under the jurisdiction of the department of corrections for a Washington felony conviction, and I am not currently incarcerated for a federal or out-of-state felony conviction."

Effective date—2021 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.08.520.

Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

Effective date—1990 c 143 §§ 1-8: See note following RCW 29A.08.340.

Civil rights

loss of: State Constitution Art. 6 § 3, RCW 29A.08.520.

restoration of: RCW 9.92.066, 9.94A.637, 9.94A.885, 9.95.260, chapter 9.96 RCW.

(1) All registration applications required under RCW 29A.08.210 and 29A.08.340 shall be produced and furnished by the secretary of state to the county auditors and the department of licensing.

(2) The county auditor shall distribute forms by which a person may register to vote by mail and update the address for any previous registration in this state. The county auditor shall keep a supply of voter registration forms in the auditor's office at all times for people and organizations interested in assisting in voter registration, and shall make every effort to make these forms generally available to the public. The county auditor shall provide voter registration forms to city and town clerks, state offices, schools, fire stations, public libraries, and any other locations considered appropriate by the auditor or secretary of state for extending registration opportunities to all areas of the county. After the initial distribution of voter registration forms to a given location, a representative designated by the official in charge of that location shall notify the county auditor of the need for additional voter registration supplies.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

In order to encourage the broadest possible voting participation by all eligible citizens, the secretary of state shall produce voter registration information in the various languages required of state agencies.

(1) The governor, in consultation with the secretary of state, shall designate agencies to provide voter registration services in compliance with federal statutes.

(2) A federally recognized tribe may request that the governor designate one or more state facilities or state-funded facilities or programs that are located on the lands of the requesting Indian tribe or that are substantially engaged in providing services to Indian tribes, as selected by the tribe, to provide voter registration services. This provision does not alter the state's obligations under the national voter registration act.

(3) Each state agency designated shall provide voter registration services for employees and the public within each office of that agency.

(4) The secretary of state shall design and provide a standard notice informing the public of the availability of voter registration, which notice shall be posted in each state agency where such services are available.

(5) Each institution of higher education shall put in place an active prompt on its course registration website, or similar website that students actively and regularly use, that, if selected, will link the student to the secretary of state's voter registration website. The prompt must ask the student if he or she wishes to register to vote.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

Intent—1984 c 211: "It is the intention of the legislature, in order to encourage the broadest possible participation in the electoral process by the citizens of the state of Washington, to make voter registration services available in state offices which have significant contact with the public." [ 1984 c 211 § 1.]

A person applying for government services which require proof of citizenship as part of that application may receive automatic voter registration services by providing the following information:

(1) Name;

(2) Residential address;

(3) Date of birth;

(4) A signature attesting to the truth of the information provided on the application;

(5) An address where the person receives mail, if different from the residence address; and

(6) Presentation of documentation as part of another government transaction confirming the individual is a United States citizen.

For persons not performing an automatic voter registration transaction subject to RCW 29A.08.315:

(1) A person may register to vote or update their residential address information for a voter registration when applying for service or assistance and with each renewal, recertification, or change of address at agencies designated under RCW 29A.08.310.

(2) A prospective applicant shall initially be offered a form approved by the secretary of state designed to determine whether the person wishes to register to vote. The form must comply with all applicable state and federal statutes regarding content.

The form shall also contain a box that may be checked by the applicant to decline to register at the time of the transaction.

If the person indicates an interest in registering or has made no indication as to a desire to register or not register to vote, the person shall be given a mail-in voter registration application or a prescribed agency application as provided by RCW 29A.08.330.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Effective date—2004 c 266: See note following RCW 29A.04.575.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

(1) The secretary of state shall prescribe the method of voter registration for each designated agency. The agency shall use either the state voter registration by mail form with a separate declination form for the applicant to indicate that he or she declines to register at this time, or the agency may use a separate form approved for use by the secretary of state.

(2) The person providing service at the agency shall offer voter registration services to every client whenever he or she applies for service or assistance and with each renewal, recertification, or change of address. The person providing service shall give the applicant the same level of assistance with the voter registration application as is offered to fill out the agency's forms and documents, including information about age and citizenship requirements for voter registration.

(3) The person providing service at the agency shall determine if the prospective applicant wants to register to vote or update his or her voter registration by asking the following question:

"Do you want to register or sign up to vote or update your voter registration?"

If the applicant chooses to register, sign up, or update a registration, the service agent shall ask the following:

(a) "Are you a United States citizen?"

(b) "Are you at least sixteen years old?"

If the applicant answers in the affirmative to both questions, the agent shall then provide the applicant with a voter registration form and instructions and shall record that the applicant has requested to sign up to vote, register to vote, or update a voter registration. If the applicant answers in the negative to either question, the agent shall not provide the applicant with a voter registration application.

(4) If an agency uses a computerized application process, it may, in consultation with the secretary of state, develop methods to capture simultaneously the information required for voter registration during a person's computerized application process.

(5) Each designated agency shall transmit the applications to the secretary of state or appropriate county auditor within three business days and must be received by the election official by the required voter registration deadline.

(6) Disclosure of information on individuals under the age of 18 is subject to RCW 29A.08.725.

Effective date—2020 c 208 §§ 3, 5, 6, and 13-17: See note following RCW 29A.08.210.

Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 109: See notes following RCW 29A.08.170.

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

(1) The secretary of state shall prescribe the method of voter registration for each designated agency. The agency shall use either the state voter registration by mail form with a separate declination form for the applicant to decline to register at this time, or the agency may use a separate form or process approved for use by the secretary of state.

(2) The person providing service at the agency shall offer voter registration services to every client at the time of application for service or assistance and with each renewal, recertification, or change of address. The person providing service shall give the applicant the same level of assistance with the voter registration application as is offered to fill out the agency's forms and documents, including information about age and citizenship requirements for voter registration.

(3)(a) The person providing service at the agency shall determine if the prospective applicant wants to register to vote or update the applicant's voter registration by asking the following question of all applicants age 16 or older:

"Do you want to register or sign up to vote or update your voter registration?"

(b) If the applicant chooses to register, sign up, or update a registration, the service agent shall ask the following:

"Are you a United States citizen?"

If the applicant answers in the affirmative, the agent shall then provide the applicant with a voter registration form and instructions and shall record that the applicant has requested to sign up to vote, register to vote, or update a voter registration. If the applicant answers in the negative to the question, the agent shall not provide the applicant with a voter registration application.

(4) If an agency uses a computerized application process, it may, in consultation with the secretary of state, develop methods to capture simultaneously the information required for voter registration during a person's computerized application process.

(5) Each designated agency shall transmit the applications to the secretary of state or appropriate county auditor within three business days and must be received by the election official by the required voter registration deadline.

(6) Disclosure of information on individuals under the age of 18 is subject to RCW 29A.08.725.

Effective date—2023 c 466 §§ 3, 4, 6, 11, 13-16, and 20-23: See note following RCW 29A.08.030.

Effective date—2020 c 208 §§ 3, 5, 6, and 13-17: See note following RCW 29A.08.210.

Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 109: See notes following RCW 29A.08.170.

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

(1) A person not performing an automatic voter registration transaction under RCW 29A.08.315 may register to vote or update the person's existing voter registration when applying for or renewing a driver's license or identification card under chapter 46.20 RCW.

(2) To register to vote or update a registration, the applicant shall provide the information required by RCW 29A.08.010.

(3) The driver licensing agent shall record that the applicant has requested to register to vote or update a voter registration.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

Effective date—1990 c 143 §§ 1-8: "Sections 1 through 8 of this act shall take effect January 1, 1992." [ 1990 c 143 § 13.]

Civil rights

loss of: State Constitution Art. 6 § 3, RCW 29A.08.520.

restoration of: RCW 9.92.066, 9.94A.637, 9.94A.885, 9.95.260, chapter 9.96 RCW.

Driver licensing agents duties regarding voter registration: RCW 46.20.155.

The department of licensing shall produce and transmit to the secretary of state the following information from the records of each individual who requested a voter registration or update at a driver's license facility: The name, address, date of birth, gender of the applicant, the driver's license number, signature image, and the date on which the application for voter registration or update was submitted. The secretary of state shall process the registrations and updates as an electronic application.

Effective date—2018 c 110 §§ 101-107: See note following RCW 29A.08.355.

Short title—Findings—Intent—2018 c 110: See notes following RCW 29A.08.355.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

Effective date—1990 c 143 §§ 1-8: See note following RCW 29A.08.340.

The department of licensing shall produce and transmit to the secretary of state the following information from the records of each individual who requested to register to vote or update the individual's existing voter registration at a driver's license facility: The name, address, date of birth, any gender information provided by the applicant, the driver's license number, signature image, any language preference information collected, any phone number provided by the voter, any email address provided by the voter, and the date on which the application for voter registration or update was submitted. The secretary of state shall process the registrations and updates as an electronic application. If requested by the secretary of state, the department shall provide copies of the documents submitted to prove citizenship for an individual subject to this section.

Effective date—2023 c 466 §§ 3, 4, 6, 11, 13-16, and 20-23: See note following RCW 29A.08.030.

Effective date—2018 c 110 §§ 101-107: See note following RCW 29A.08.355.

Short title—Findings—Intent—2018 c 110: See notes following RCW 29A.08.355.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

Effective date—1990 c 143 §§ 1-8: See note following RCW 29A.08.340.

(1) The department of licensing must allow a person age eighteen years or older to be registered to vote or update voter registration information by automated process at the time of registration, renewal, or change of address if:

(a) The person meets requirements for voter registration;

(b) The person has received or is renewing an enhanced driver's license or identicard issued under RCW 46.20.202 or is changing the address for an existing enhanced driver's license or identicard pursuant to RCW 46.20.205; and

(c) The department of licensing record associated with the applicant contains:

(i) The data required to determine whether the applicant meets requirements for voter registration under RCW 29A.08.010;

(ii) Other information as required by the secretary of state; and

(iii) A signature image.

(2) The department of licensing must allow a person sixteen or seventeen years of age to be signed up to register to vote by automated process at the time of registration, renewal, or change of address if:

(a) The person meets requirements to sign up to register to vote;

(b) The person has received or is renewing an enhanced driver's license or identicard issued under RCW 46.20.202 or is changing the address for an existing enhanced driver's license or identicard pursuant to RCW 46.20.205; and

(c) The department of licensing record associated with the applicant contains:

(i) The data required to determine whether the applicant meets the requirements for voter registration under RCW 29A.08.210, other than age;

(ii) Other information as required by the secretary of state; and

(iii) A signature image.

(3) The person must be informed that his or her record will be used for voter registration and offered an opportunity to decline to register.

Effective date—2020 c 208 §§ 7, 8, 18, 20, and 21: "Sections 7, 8, 18, 20, and 21 of this act take effect September 1, 2023." [ 2020 c 208 § 25.]

Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.

Effective date—2018 c 110 §§ 101-107: "Sections 101 through 107 of this act take effect July 1, 2019." [ 2018 c 110 § 208.]

Short title—2018 c 110: "This act may be known and cited as the automatic voter registration act of 2018." [ 2018 c 110 § 1.]

Findings—Intent—2018 c 110: "(1) The legislature finds that:

(a) The right to vote is enshrined as one of the greatest virtues of our democracy and that an engaged citizenry is essential at each level of government to ensure that all voices are heard; and

(b) State and local governments should take every step possible to make it easier to vote in Washington state and ensure that fundamental values of a true democracy with full participation remains one of our most important functions. Providing additional opportunities for people to register to vote and helping them make their own choices about who represents them in this democracy and about important issues that are central to their lives and communities are essential to upholding these values.

(2) Therefore, the legislature intends to increase the opportunity to register to vote for persons qualified under Article VI of the Washington state Constitution by expanding the streamlined voter registration process that will increase opportunities for voter registration without placing new undue burdens on government agencies." [ 2018 c 110 § 2.]

(1) The department of licensing must collect and transmit to the secretary of state voter registration information for all citizens applying for, renewing, or updating an enhanced driver's license or enhanced identicard by automated process at the time of registration, renewal, or change of address if:

(a) The person meets requirements for voter registration;

(b) The person has received or is renewing an enhanced driver's license or enhanced identicard issued under RCW 46.20.202 or is changing the address for an existing enhanced driver's license or enhanced identicard pursuant to RCW 46.20.205; and

(c) The department of licensing record associated with the applicant contains:

(i) The data required to determine whether the applicant meets requirements for voter registration under RCW 29A.08.010;

(ii) Other information as required by the secretary of state; and

(iii) A signature image.

(2) The department of licensing must collect and transmit to the secretary of state voter registration information for all citizens applying for, renewing, or updating an enhanced driver's license or enhanced identicard 16 or 17 years of age if:

(a) The person meets requirements to sign up to register to vote;

(b) The person has received or is renewing an enhanced driver's license or enhanced identicard issued under RCW 46.20.202 or is changing the address for an existing enhanced driver's license or enhanced identicard pursuant to RCW 46.20.205; and

(c) The department of licensing record associated with the applicant contains:

(i) The data required to determine whether the applicant meets the requirements for voter registration under RCW 29A.08.210, other than age;

(ii) Other information as required by the secretary of state; and

(iii) A signature image.

Effective date—2023 c 466 §§ 3, 4, 6, 11, 13-16, and 20-23: See note following RCW 29A.08.030.

Effective date—2020 c 208 §§ 7, 8, 18, 20, and 21: "Sections 7, 8, 18, 20, and 21 of this act take effect September 1, 2023." [ 2020 c 208 § 25.]

Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.

Effective date—2018 c 110 §§ 101-107: "Sections 101 through 107 of this act take effect July 1, 2019." [ 2018 c 110 § 208.]

Short title—2018 c 110: "This act may be known and cited as the automatic voter registration act of 2018." [ 2018 c 110 § 1.]

Findings—Intent—2018 c 110: "(1) The legislature finds that:

(a) The right to vote is enshrined as one of the greatest virtues of our democracy and that an engaged citizenry is essential at each level of government to ensure that all voices are heard; and

(b) State and local governments should take every step possible to make it easier to vote in Washington state and ensure that fundamental values of a true democracy with full participation remains one of our most important functions. Providing additional opportunities for people to register to vote and helping them make their own choices about who represents them in this democracy and about important issues that are central to their lives and communities are essential to upholding these values.

(2) Therefore, the legislature intends to increase the opportunity to register to vote for persons qualified under Article VI of the Washington state Constitution by expanding the streamlined voter registration process that will increase opportunities for voter registration without placing new undue burdens on government agencies." [ 2018 c 110 § 2.]

(1) If the applicant in RCW 29A.08.355 does not decline registration, the application is submitted pursuant to RCW 29A.08.350.

(2) For each such application, the secretary of state must obtain a digital copy of the applicant's signature image from the department of licensing.

Effective date—2018 c 110 §§ 101-107: See note following RCW 29A.08.355.

Short title—Findings—Intent—2018 c 110: See notes following RCW 29A.08.355.

(1) For applicants served under RCW 29A.08.355, the application is submitted pursuant to RCW 29A.08.350 and marked as an automatic voter registrant.

(2) For each such application, the secretary of state must obtain a digital copy of the applicant's signature image from the department of licensing.

Effective date—2023 c 466 §§ 3, 4, 6, 11, 13-16, and 20-23: See note following RCW 29A.08.030.

Effective date—2018 c 110 §§ 101-107: See note following RCW 29A.08.355.

Short title—Findings—Intent—2018 c 110: See notes following RCW 29A.08.355.

(1)(a) For persons age eighteen years and older registering under RCW 29A.08.355(1), an application is considered complete only if it contains the information required by RCW 29A.08.010 and other information as required by the secretary of state. The applicant is considered to be registered to vote as of the original date of issuance or renewal or date of change of address of an enhanced driver's license or identicard issued under RCW 46.20.202 or change of address for an existing enhanced driver's license or identicard pursuant to RCW 46.20.205.

(b) For persons sixteen or seventeen years of age registering under RCW 29A.08.355(2), an application is considered complete only if it contains the information required by RCW 29A.08.010 and other information as required by the secretary of state. The applicant is considered to be registered to vote as of the date set forth in RCW 29A.08.110(1).

(c) The information must be transmitted in an expedited manner and must be received by an election official by the required voter registration deadline. The auditor shall record the appropriate precinct identification, taxing district identification, and date of registration on the voter's record in the state voter registration list. Any mailing address provided shall be used only for mail delivery purposes, and not for precinct assignment or residency purposes. Within sixty days after the receipt of an application or transfer, the auditor shall send to the applicant, by first-class nonforwardable mail, an acknowledgment notice identifying the registrant's precinct and containing such other information as may be required by the secretary of state. The United States postal service shall be instructed not to forward a voter registration card to any other address and to return to the auditor any card which is not deliverable.

(d) An auditor may use other means to communicate with potential and registered voters such as, but not limited to, email, phone, or text messaging. The alternate form of communication must not be in lieu of the first-class mail requirements. The auditor shall act in compliance with all voter notification processes established in federal law.

(2) If an application is not complete, the auditor shall promptly mail a verification notice to the applicant. The verification notice must require the applicant to provide the missing information. If the applicant provides the required information within forty-five days, the applicant must be registered to vote. The applicant must not be placed on the official list of registered voters until the application is complete.

(3) If the prospective registration applicant declines to register to vote or the information provided by the department of licensing does not indicate citizenship, the information must not be included on the list of registered voters.

(4) The department of licensing is prohibited from sharing data files used by the secretary of state to certify voters registered through the automated process outlined in RCW 29A.08.355 with any federal agency, or state agency other than the secretary of state. Personal information supplied for the purposes of obtaining a driver's license or identicard is exempt from public inspection pursuant to RCW 42.56.230.

Effective date—2020 c 208 §§ 7, 8, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 29A.08.355.

Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.

Effective date—2018 c 110 §§ 101-107: See note following RCW 29A.08.355.

Short title—Findings—Intent—2018 c 110: See notes following RCW 29A.08.355.

(1)(a) For persons age eighteen years and older registering under RCW 29A.08.355(1), an application is considered complete only if it contains the information required by RCW 29A.08.010 and other information as required by the secretary of state. The applicant is considered to be registered to vote as of the original date of issuance or renewal or date of change of address of an enhanced driver's license or enhanced identicard issued under RCW 46.20.202 or change of address for an existing enhanced driver's license or enhanced identicard pursuant to RCW 46.20.205.

(b) For persons sixteen or seventeen years of age registering under RCW 29A.08.355(2), an application is considered complete only if it contains the information required by RCW 29A.08.010 and other information as required by the secretary of state. The applicant is considered to be registered to vote as of the date set forth in RCW 29A.08.110(1).

(c) The information must be transmitted daily to the secretary of state.

(i) If the information shows no name change or change of residence or mailing address for an existing voter registration, the auditor may choose to send the voter an acknowledgment notice.

(ii) If the information is an application for new registration or updates any element of an existing voter registration, the auditor shall update the voter's record and, if the information updates the voter's name, residence address, or mailing address, record the appropriate precinct identification, taxing district identification, and date of registration on the voter's record in the state voter registration list and send an automatic voter registration acknowledgment notice package within five business days of the original application, or, if the information is received after the deadline to register to vote or update a voter registration under RCW 29A.08.140 (1)(a) or (2)(a)(i), within five business days after the election. Any mailing address provided shall be used only for mail delivery purposes, and not for precinct assignment or residency purposes.

(d) An auditor may use other means to communicate with potential and registered voters such as, but not limited to, email, phone, or text messaging. The alternate form of communication must not be in lieu of the mail requirements. The auditor shall act in compliance with all voter notification processes established in federal law.

(2) If an application is not complete, the auditor shall promptly mail a verification notice to the applicant. The verification notice must require the applicant to provide the missing information. If the applicant provides the required information within forty-five days, the applicant must be registered to vote. The applicant must not be placed on the official list of registered voters until the application is complete.

(3) If the prospective registration applicant responds to the automatic voter registration acknowledgment notice and declines to register to vote or the information provided by the department of licensing does not indicate citizenship, the information must not be included on the list of registered voters.

(4)(a) For new registrants who decline registration in a reply that is received by the auditor within 15 days from the date of mailing of the automatic voter registration acknowledgment notice package, the voter registration record shall be removed from the list of registered voters, and the person is deemed to have never registered to vote.

(b) If the reply declining registration is received after the deadline, the auditor shall cancel the voter's registration.

(5) The department of licensing is prohibited from sharing data files used by the secretary of state to certify voters registered through the automated process outlined in RCW 29A.08.355 with any federal agency, or state agency other than the secretary of state. Personal information supplied for the purposes of obtaining a driver's license or identicard is exempt from public inspection pursuant to RCW 42.56.230.

Effective date—2023 c 466 §§ 3, 4, 6, 11, 13-16, and 20-23: See note following RCW 29A.08.030.

Effective date—2020 c 208 §§ 7, 8, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 29A.08.355.

Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.

Effective date—2018 c 110 §§ 101-107: See note following RCW 29A.08.355.

Short title—Findings—Intent—2018 c 110: See notes following RCW 29A.08.355.

(1) The health benefit exchange shall provide the following information to the secretary of state's office for consenting Washington healthplanfinder applicants who affirmatively indicate that they are interested in registering to vote, including applicants who file changes of address, who reside in Washington, are age eighteen years or older, and are verified citizens, for voter registration purposes:

(a) Names;

(b) Traditional or nontraditional residential addresses;

(c) Mailing addresses, if different from the traditional or nontraditional residential address; and

(d) Dates of birth.

(2) The health benefit exchange shall consult with the secretary of state's office to ensure that sufficient information is provided to allow the secretary of state to obtain a digital copy of the person's signature when available from the department of licensing and establish other criteria and procedures that are secure and compliant with federal and state voter registration and privacy laws and rules.

(3) If the health benefit exchange determines, in consultation with the health care authority, that implementation of an automatic voter registration system requires approval from the centers for medicare and medicaid services, then any implementation is contingent on receiving that approval.

Short title—Findings—Intent—2018 c 110: See notes following RCW 29A.08.355.

(1) The governor shall make a decision, in consultation with the office of the secretary of state, as to whether each agency identified in subsection (2) of this section shall implement automatic voter registration. The final decision is at the governor's sole discretion.

(2) This section applies to state agencies, other than the health benefit exchange, providing public assistance or services to persons with disabilities, designated pursuant to RCW 29A.08.310(1), that collect, process, and store the following information as part of providing assistance or services:

(a) Names;

(b) Traditional or nontraditional residential addresses;

(c) Dates of birth;

(d) A signature attesting to the truth of the information provided on the application for assistance or services; and

(e) Verification of citizenship information, via social security administration data match or manually verified by the agency during the client transaction.

(3) Once an agency has implemented automatic voter registration, it shall continue to provide automatic voter registration unless legislation is enacted that directs the agency to do otherwise.

(4) Agencies may not begin verifying citizenship as part of an agency transaction for the sole purpose of providing automatic voter registration.

Short title—Findings—Intent—2018 c 110: See notes following RCW 29A.08.355.

(1) If a person who is ineligible to vote becomes, in the rare occasion, registered to vote under RCW 29A.08.355 or 29A.08.362 in the absence of a knowing violation by that person of RCW 29A.84.140, that person shall be deemed to have performed an authorized act of registration and such act may not be considered as evidence of a claim to citizenship.

(2) Unless a person willfully and knowingly votes or attempts to vote knowing that he or she is not entitled to vote, a person who is ineligible to vote and becomes registered to vote under RCW 29A.08.355 or 29A.08.362, and subsequently votes or attempts to vote in an election held after the effective date of the person's registration, is not guilty of violating RCW 29A.84.130, and shall be deemed to have performed an authorized act, and such act may not be considered as evidence of a claim to citizenship.

(3) A person who is ineligible to vote, who successfully completes the voter registration process under RCW 29A.08.355 or 29A.08.362 or votes in an election, must have their voter registration, or record of vote, removed from the voter registration database and any other application records.

(4) Should an ineligible individual become registered to vote, the office of the secretary of state and the relevant agency shall jointly determine the cause. If the cause is found to be intentional registration of ineligible persons by a person employed by the state or county government tasked with assisting the public with voter registration, that government employee is subject to the penalties of RCW 29A.84.110.

Short title—Findings—Intent—2018 c 110: See notes following RCW 29A.08.355.

A registered voter who changes his or her residence from one address to another within the same county may transfer his or her registration to the new address in one of the following ways:

(1) Sending the county auditor a request stating both the voter's present address and the address from which the voter was last registered received by an election official eight days prior to a primary or election;

(2) Appearing in person before the county auditor, or at a voting center or other location designated by the county auditor, and making such a request up until 8:00 p.m. on the day of the primary or election;

(3) Telephoning or emailing the county auditor to transfer the registration by eight days prior to a primary or election;

(4) Submitting a voter registration application received by an election official by eight days prior to a primary or election;

(5) Submitting information to the department of licensing and received by an election official by eight days prior to a primary or election;

(6) Submitting voter registration information through the health benefit exchange and received by an election official by eight days prior to a primary or election; or

(7) Submitting information to an agency designated under RCW 29A.08.365 and received by an election official by eight days prior to a primary or election once automatic voter registration is implemented at the agency.

Effective date—2018 c 112 §§ 1-4: See note following RCW 29A.08.140.

Short title—Findings—Intent—2018 c 110: See notes following RCW 29A.08.355.

Severability—1994 c 57: See note following RCW 29A.16.040.

Effective date—1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.

Severability—1975 1st ex.s. c 184: See note following RCW 29A.08.135.

A registered voter who changes his or her residence from one county to another county must do so by submitting a voter registration form or by submitting information to the department of licensing, the health benefit exchange, or an agency designated under RCW 29A.08.365 once automatic voter registration is implemented at the agency. The county auditor of the voter's new county shall transfer the voter's registration from the county of the previous registration.

Short title—Findings—Intent—2018 c 110: See notes following RCW 29A.08.355.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—1994 c 57: See note following RCW 29A.16.040.

Effective date—1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.

Effective date—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 361: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

A registered voter who changes his or her name shall notify the county auditor regarding the name change by submitting a notice clearly identifying the name under which he or she is registered to vote, the voter's new name, and the voter's residence, and providing a signature of the new name, or by submitting a voter registration application.

Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

Effective date—1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.

The registrations of deceased voters may be canceled from voter registration lists as follows:

(1) Periodically, the registrar of vital statistics of the state shall prepare a list of persons who resided in each county, for whom a death certificate was transmitted to the registrar and was not included on a previous list, and shall supply the list to the secretary of state.

The secretary of state shall compare this list with the registration records and cancel the registrations of deceased voters.

(2) In addition, each county auditor may also use government agencies and newspaper obituary articles as a source of information for identifying deceased voters and canceling a registration. The auditor must verify the identity of the voter by matching the voter's date of birth or an address. The auditor shall record the date and source of the information in the cancellation records.

(3) In addition, any registered voter may sign a statement, subject to the penalties of perjury, to the effect that to his or her personal knowledge or belief another registered voter is deceased. This statement may be filed with the county auditor or the secretary of state. Upon the receipt of such signed statement, the county auditor or the secretary of state shall cancel the registration from the official state voter registration list.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—1994 c 57: See note following RCW 29A.16.040.

Upon receiving official notice that a court has imposed a guardianship for a person under RCW 11.130.265 and has determined that the person is incompetent for the purpose of rationally exercising the right to vote, if the person subject to guardianship is a registered voter in the county, the county auditor shall cancel that person's voter registration.

Effective dates—2020 c 312: See note following RCW 11.130.915.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

(1) For a felony conviction in a Washington state court, the right to vote is automatically restored as long as the person is not serving a sentence of total confinement under the jurisdiction of the department of corrections. For a felony conviction in a federal court or any state court other than a Washington state court, the right to vote is automatically restored as long as the person is no longer incarcerated. A person who has been convicted of a felony and is either sentenced to a term of total confinement under the jurisdiction of the department of corrections or otherwise incarcerated as provided for in this subsection must reregister to vote prior to voting.

(2) At least once a month, the secretary of state shall compare the list of registered voters to a list of persons who are not eligible to vote as provided in subsection (1) of this section. If a registered voter is not eligible to vote as provided in this section, the secretary of state or county auditor shall confirm the match through a date of birth comparison and suspend the voter registration from the official state voter registration list. The secretary of state or county auditor shall send to the person at his or her last known voter registration address and at the department of corrections, if the person is serving a sentence of total confinement under the jurisdiction of the department, a notice of the proposed cancellation and an explanation of the requirements for restoring the right to vote and reregistering. To the extent possible, the secretary of state shall time the comparison required by this subsection to allow notice and cancellation of voting rights for ineligible voters prior to a primary or general election.

(3) For the purposes of this section, a sentence of total confinement does not include confinement imposed as a sanction for a community custody violation under RCW 9.94A.633(1).

Effective date—2021 c 10: "This act takes effect January 1, 2022." [ 2021 c 10 § 8.]

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

Restoration of civil rights: RCW 9.92.066, 9.94A.637, 9.94A.885, 9.95.260, chapter 9.96 RCW.

Registration records of persons whose voter registrations have been canceled as authorized under this title must be preserved in the manner prescribed by rule by the secretary of state. Information from such canceled registration records is available for public inspection and copying to the same extent established by RCW 29A.08.710 for other voter registration information.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Effective date—1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.

The secretary of state shall conduct an ongoing list maintenance program designed to detect persons registered in more than one county or voting in more than one county in an election. This program must be applied uniformly throughout the state and must be nondiscriminatory in its application.

The office of the secretary of state shall search the statewide voter registration list to find registered voters with the same date of birth and similar names. Once the potential duplicate registrations are identified, the secretary of state shall refer the potential duplicate registrations to the appropriate county auditors, who shall compare the signatures on each voter registration record and, after confirming that a duplicate registration exists properly resolve the duplication.

If a voter is suspected of voting in two or more counties in an election, the county auditors in each county shall cooperate without delay to determine the voter's county of residence. The county auditor of the county of residence of the voter suspected of voting in two or more counties shall take action under RCW 29A.84.010 without delay.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

(1) Registered voters are divided into two categories, "active" and "inactive." All registered voters are classified as active, unless assigned to inactive status by the county auditor.

(2) Persons signing up to register to vote as future voters as defined under RCW 29A.04.070 are classified as "pending" until the person will be at least eighteen years of age by the next election, or eligible to participate in the next presidential primary or primary under RCW 29A.08.110 or 29A.08.170.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 109: See notes following RCW 29A.08.170.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

(1) Each county auditor must request change of address information from the postal service for all mail ballots.

(2) The county auditor shall transfer the registration of a voter and send an acknowledgment notice to the new address informing the voter of the transfer if change of address information received by the county auditor from the postal service, the department of licensing, or another agency designated to provide voter registration services indicates that the voter has moved within the county.

(3) The county auditor shall place a voter on inactive status and send to all known addresses a confirmation notice and a voter registration application if change of address information received by the county auditor from the postal service, the department of licensing, or another agency designated to provide voter registration services indicates that the voter has moved from one county to another.

(4) The county auditor shall place a voter on inactive status and send to all known addresses a confirmation notice if any of the following occur:

(a) Any document mailed by the county auditor to a voter is returned by the postal service as undeliverable without address correction information; or

(b) Change of address information received from the postal service, the department of licensing, or another state agency designated to provide voter registration services indicates that the voter has moved out of the state.

Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Effective date—2004 c 266: See note following RCW 29A.04.575.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

(1) A voter whose registration has been made inactive under this chapter and who requests to vote at an ensuing election before two federal general elections have been held must be allowed to vote a regular ballot applicable to the voter's current residence address, and the voter's registration record updated and restored to active status.

(2) An eligible voter whose registration has been properly canceled under this chapter shall be allowed to register to vote at the voter's current residence address.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

(1) The county auditor shall return an inactive voter to active voter status if, prior to the passage of two federal general elections, the voter:

(a) Notifies the auditor of a change of address;

(b) Responds to a confirmation notice with information that he or she continues to reside at the registration address; or

(c) Votes or attempts to vote in a primary, special election, or general election.

(2) If the inactive voter fails to provide a notice or take an action as described in subsection (1) of this section, the auditor shall cancel the person's voter registration.

(3) The county auditor must cancel an inactive voter registration when receiving information indicating that the inactive voter has moved out of state or died.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

Confirmation notices must be on a form prescribed by, or approved by, the secretary of state and must request that the voter verify that the voter continues to reside at the address of record and desires to continue to use that address for voting purposes, or provide a new residence address for voting, or provide information that the voter no longer resides in the state. The notice must inform the voter that if the voter does not respond to the notice and does not vote in either of the next two federal general elections, the voter's registration will be canceled.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

(1) If the response to the confirmation notice from the voter indicates that the voter has moved within the county, the auditor shall transfer the voter's registration and send the voter an acknowledgment notice.

(2) If the response from the voter indicates that the voter moved out of the county, but within the state, the auditor shall cancel the voter's registration and notify the county auditor of the voter's new county of residence.

(3) If the response from the voter indicates that the voter has left the state, the auditor shall cancel the voter's registration on the official state voter registration list.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

(1) The county auditor shall have custody of the original voter registration records and voter registration sign up records for each county. The original voter registration form must be filed without regard to precinct and is considered confidential and unavailable for public inspection and copying. An automated file of all registered voters must be maintained pursuant to RCW 29A.08.125. An auditor may maintain the automated file in lieu of filing or maintaining the original voter registration forms if the automated file includes all of the information from the original voter registration forms including, but not limited to, a retrievable facsimile of each voter's signature.

(2)(a) The following information contained in voter registration records or files regarding a voter or a group of voters is available for public inspection and copying, except as provided in RCW 40.24.060 and (b) of this subsection: The voter's name, address, political jurisdiction, gender, year of birth, voting record, date of registration, and registration number. No other information from voter registration records or files is available for public inspection or copying.

(b) Disclosure of information on individuals under the age of 18 is subject to RCW 29A.08.725.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 109: See notes following RCW 29A.08.170.

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—1994 c 57: See note following RCW 29A.16.040.

Effective date—1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.

(1) In the case of voter registration records received through the health benefit exchange, the department of licensing, or an agency designated under RCW 29A.08.310, the identity of the office or agency at which any particular individual registered to vote must be used only for voter registration purposes, is not available for public inspection, and shall not be disclosed to the public. Any record of a particular individual's choice not to register to vote at an office of the department of licensing or a state agency designated under RCW 29A.08.310 is not available for public inspection and any information regarding such a choice by a particular individual shall not be disclosed to the public.

(2) Disclosure of information on individuals under the age of 18 is subject to RCW 29A.08.725.

(3)(a) Subject to the restrictions of RCW 29A.08.710 and 40.24.060, and (b) of this subsection, precinct lists and current lists of registered voters are public records and must be made available for public inspection and copying under such reasonable rules and regulations as the county auditor or secretary of state may prescribe. The county auditor or secretary of state shall promptly furnish current lists of registered voters in his or her possession, at actual reproduction cost, to any person requesting such information. The lists shall not be used for the purpose of mailing or delivering any advertisement or offer for any property, establishment, organization, product, or service or for the purpose of mailing or delivering any solicitation for money, services, or anything of value. However, the lists and labels may be used for any political purpose. The county auditor or secretary of state must provide a copy of RCW 29A.08.740 to the person requesting the material that is released under this section.

(b) Disclosure of information on individuals under the age of 18 is subject to RCW 29A.08.725.

(4) For the purposes of this section, "political purpose" means a purpose concerned with the support of or opposition to any candidate for any partisan or nonpartisan office or concerned with the support of or opposition to any ballot proposition or issue. "Political purpose" includes, but is not limited to, such activities as the advertising for or against any candidate or ballot measure or the solicitation of financial support.

Short title—Findings—Intent—2018 c 110: See notes following RCW 29A.08.355.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 109: See notes following RCW 29A.08.170.

Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Effective date—2004 c 266: See note following RCW 29A.04.575.

Severability—1994 c 57: See note following RCW 29A.16.040.

Forms, secretary of state to design—Availability to public: RCW 29A.08.850.

Information that is otherwise disclosable under this chapter cannot be disclosed for a future voter until the person reaches 18 years of age, or until the person is eligible to participate in the next presidential primary, primary, or election. This information is exempt from public inspection and copying under chapter 42.56 RCW. Information may be disclosed for the purpose of processing and delivering ballots.

(1) Any person who uses registered voter data furnished under RCW 29A.08.720 for the purpose of mailing or delivering any advertisement or offer for any property, establishment, organization, product, or service or for the purpose of mailing or delivering any solicitation for money, services, or anything of value is guilty of a class C felony punishable by imprisonment in a state correctional facility for a period of not more than five years or a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars or both such fine and imprisonment, and is liable to each person provided such advertisement or solicitation, without the person's consent, for the nuisance value of such person having to dispose of it, which value is herein established at five dollars for each item mailed or delivered to the person's residence. However, a person who mails or delivers any advertisement, offer, or solicitation for a political purpose is not liable under this section unless the person is liable under subsection (2) of this section. For purposes of this subsection, two or more attached papers or sheets or two or more papers that are enclosed in the same envelope or container or are folded together are one item. Merely having a mailbox or other receptacle for mail on or near the person's residence is not an indication that the person consented to receive the advertisement or solicitation. A class action may be brought to recover damages under this section, and the court may award a reasonable attorney's fee to any party recovering damages under this section.

(2) Each person furnished data under RCW 29A.08.720 shall take reasonable precautions designed to assure that the data is not used for the purpose of mailing or delivering any advertisement or offer for any property, establishment, organization, product, or service or for the purpose of mailing or delivering any solicitation for money, services, or anything of value. However, the data may be used for any political purpose. Where failure to exercise due care in carrying out this responsibility results in the data being used for such purposes, then such person is jointly and severally liable for damages under subsection (1) of this section along with any other person liable under subsection (1) of this section for the misuse of such data.

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.

The secretary of state shall provide a duplicate copy of the master statewide computer file or electronic data file of registered voters to the consolidated technology services agency for purposes of creating the jury source list without cost. The information contained in a voter registration application is exempt from inclusion until the applicant reaches age eighteen. Disclosure of information on individuals under the age of 18 is subject to RCW 29A.08.725. Restrictions as to the commercial use of the information on the statewide computer data file of registered voters, and penalties for its misuse, shall be the same as provided in RCW 29A.08.720 and 29A.08.740.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 109: See notes following RCW 29A.08.170.

Effective date—Purpose—2011 1st sp.s. c 43: See notes following RCW 43.19.003.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Intent—1995 c 135: "The only intent of the legislature in this act is to correct multiple amendments and delete obsolete provisions. It is not the intent of the legislature to change the substance or effect of any presently effective statute." [ 1995 c 135 § 1.]

Effective date—1993 c 441: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1993." [ 1993 c 441 § 3.]

Severability—Effective dates—1993 c 408: See notes following RCW 2.36.054.

The secretary of state and each county auditor shall maintain for at least two years and shall make available for public inspection and copying all records concerning the implementation of programs and activities conducted for the purpose of insuring the accuracy and currency of official lists of eligible voters. These records must include lists of the names and addresses of all persons to whom notices are sent and information concerning whether or not each person has responded to the notices. These records must contain lists of all persons removed from the list of eligible voters and the reasons why the voters were removed. Disclosure of information on individuals under the age of 18 is subject to RCW 29A.08.725.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 109: See notes following RCW 29A.08.170.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.

Only voters who appear on the official statewide voter registration list are eligible to participate in elections. Each county shall maintain a copy of that county's portion of the state list. The county must ensure that voter registration data used for the production, issuance, and processing of ballots in the administration of each election are the same as the official statewide voter registration list.

Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.

Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.

Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.

(1) Registration of a person as a voter is presumptive evidence of his or her right to vote. A challenge to the person's right to vote must be based on personal knowledge of one of the following:

(a) The challenged voter has been convicted of a felony that includes serving a sentence of total confinement under jurisdiction of the department of corrections, or a felony conviction in another state's court or federal court and the voter is serving that sentence of total confinement and the person's voting rights have not been restored under RCW 29A.08.520;

(b) The challenged voter has been judicially declared ineligible to vote due to mental incompetency under RCW 29A.08.515;

(c) The challenged voter resides at a different address than the residential address provided, and is not subject to RCW 29A.04.151 or 29A.08.112, in which case the challenger must either:

(i) Provide the challenged voter's actual residence on the challenge form; or

(ii) Submit evidence that he or she exercised due diligence to verify that the challenged voter does not reside at the address provided. The challenger must, at minimum, provide evidence that the challenger personally:

(A) Sent a letter with return service requested to the challenged voter's residential address provided, and to the challenged voter's mailing address, if provided;

(B) Searched local telephone directories, including online directories, to determine whether the voter maintains a telephone listing at any address in the county;

(C) Searched county auditor property records to determine whether the challenged voter owns any property in the county;

(D) Searched the statewide voter registration database to determine if the voter is registered at any other address in the state; and

(E) Searched the voter registration database of another state to determine if the voter is registered to vote in any other state;

(d) The challenged voter will not be eighteen years of age by the next general election; or

(e) The challenged voter is not a citizen of the United States.

(2) A person's right to vote may be challenged by another registered voter or the county prosecuting attorney.

(3) The challenger must file a signed affidavit subject to the penalties of perjury swearing that, to his or her personal knowledge and belief, having exercised due diligence to personally verify the evidence presented, the challenged voter either is not qualified to vote or does not reside at the address given on his or her voter registration record based on one of the reasons allowed in subsection (1) of this section. The challenger must provide the factual basis for the challenge, including any information required by subsection (1)(c) of this section, in the signed affidavit. The challenge may not be based on unsupported allegations or allegations by anonymous third parties. All documents pertaining to the challenge are public records.

(4) Challenges based on a felony conviction under RCW 29A.08.520 must be heard according to RCW 29A.08.520 and rules adopted by the secretary of state.

Effective date—2020 c 208 §§ 3, 5, 6, and 13-17: See note following RCW 29A.08.210.

Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.

Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.

Right to vote, loss and restoration of: State Constitution Art. 6 § 3, RCW 9.92.066, 9.94A.637, 9.94A.885, 9.95.260, chapter 9.96 RCW.

(1) Challenges must be filed with the county auditor of the county in which the challenged voter is registered no later than 45 days before the election. The county auditor presides over the hearing.

(2) Challenges may be filed after 45 days before the election, only when the challenged voter registered to vote less than 60 days before the election, or changed residence less than 60 days before the election without updating the residence address of the voter's voter registration. A challenge may then be filed not later than 10 days before any primary or election, general or special, or within 10 days of the voter being added to the voter registration database, whichever is later.

(a) If the challenge is filed after 45 days before an election at which the challenged voter is eligible to vote, a notation of the challenge must be made immediately to the challenged voter's registration in the voter registration system, and the county canvassing board shall preside over the hearing.

(b) If the challenge is filed before the challenged voter's ballot is received, the ballot must be processed as a challenged ballot, and held until the challenge is resolved.

(c) If the challenge is filed after the challenged voter's ballot is received, the challenge cannot affect the current election. However, the process shall proceed until the challenge is resolved.

Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.

Right to vote

loss of: State Constitution Art. 6 § 3.

restoration of: RCW 9.92.066, 9.94A.637, 9.94A.885, 9.95.260, chapter 9.96 RCW.

(1) The county auditor shall, within seventy-two hours of receipt, publish on the auditor's internet website the entire content of any voter challenge filed under chapter 29A.08 RCW. Immediately after publishing any voter challenge, the county auditor shall notify any person who requests to receive such notifications on an ongoing basis.

(2) The information on the website may be removed 45 days following certification of an election. Information related to the challenge must be maintained by the county auditor for the appropriate retention period, and is subject to disclosure upon request.

(1) If the challenge is not in proper form or the factual basis for the challenge does not meet the legal grounds for a challenge, the county auditor may dismiss the challenge and notify the challenger of the reasons for the dismissal. A challenge is not in proper form if it is incomplete on its face or does not substantially comply with the form issued by the secretary of state.

(2) If the challenge is in proper form and the factual basis meets the legal grounds for a challenge, the county auditor must notify the challenged voter and provide a copy of the affidavit. The county auditor shall also provide to any person, upon request, a copy of all materials provided to the challenged voter.

(a) If the challenge is to the residential address provided by the voter, the challenged voter must be provided notice of the exceptions allowed in RCW 29A.08.112 and 29A.04.151, and Article VI, section 4 of the state Constitution, and may update the residence address on the voter's voter registration, or reregister until 8:00 p.m. the day of the election.

(b) The county auditor must schedule a hearing and notify the challenger and the challenged voter of the time and place for the hearing.

(3) All notice must be by certified mail to the address provided in the voter registration record, and any other addresses at which the challenged voter is alleged to reside or the county auditor reasonably expects the voter to receive notice. The challenger and challenged voter may either appear in person or submit testimony by affidavit. Personal appearance may be accomplished using video telecommunications technology if the auditor or canvassing board chooses.

(4) The challenger has the burden to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the challenged voter's registration is improper. The challenged voter must be provided a reasonable opportunity to respond. If the challenge is to the residential address provided by the voter, the challenged voter may provide evidence that he or she resides at the location described in his or her voter's registration records, or meets one of the exceptions allowed in RCW 29A.08.112 or 29A.04.151, or Article VI, section 4 of the state Constitution. If either the challenger or challenged voter fails to appear at the hearing, the challenge must be resolved based on the available facts.

(5) If the challenge is based on an allegation under RCW 29A.08.810(1) (a), (b), (d), or (e) and the canvassing board sustains the challenge, the voter registration shall be canceled and any challenged ballot shall not be counted. If the challenge is based on an allegation under RCW 29A.08.810(1)(c) and the canvassing board sustains the challenge, the board shall permit the voter to correct the residence address on the voter registration and any races and ballot measures on any challenged ballot that the voter would have been qualified to vote for had the registration been correct shall be counted.

(6) If the challenger fails to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the registration is improper, the challenge must be dismissed and any pending challenged ballot must be accepted as valid. All challenged ballots must be resolved before certification of the election. The decision of the county auditor or canvassing board is final subject only to judicial review by the superior court under chapter 34.05 RCW.

The secretary of state must provide forms for voter registration challenges, and the county auditor must make such forms available. A challenge is not required to be submitted on the provided voter challenge form, but may be prepared using an official electronic voter challenge form template provided by the auditor or secretary of state that has been printed and signed by the challenger for submission.

Effective date—1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.