Multiple elections bills are moving through the Legislature and, while WSAC has concerns about many of them, our overarching concern is that all of these changes work together. Members may be focused on just one issue area, but we need to ensure that everything functions and is adequately funded.
The major election bills moving through the Legislature are:
- HB 2529 – This bill would move almost all elections to only even-years. It is unclear how counties with different organization documents (such as charters) calling for odd-year elections would square these with the new law. Additionally, the state presently only pays a share of elections in odd-numbered years, so moving elections all to even years could save some money through consolidation but end up costing the counties crucial state reimbursement dollars. This bill was heard last week, and WSAC testified with these concerns.
- SB 6313 – This bill would allow 17-year-olds to vote in certain elections (such as for precinct committee officers) and mandate voter empowerment centers on major college campuses. It is unclear who would bear the costs of the new centers (counties or colleges), and it is unclear if counties would need two ballots (one for those 17, and one for those 18 and older). This bill was heard last week, and WSAC testified with these concerns.
- SB 6134 – This bill would have the state pay for all elections, regardless of year. This bill was passed out of the policy committee to the fiscal committee last week. WSAC supports this bill, but we need to make sure this funding is appropriated and that it covers the additional duties and programs being set out in new bills.
WSAC will continue to work with our auditors and the Secretary of State to make sure any new laws operate smoothly and are accompanied by the funding needed to make them work.
