WA Felons' Voting Rights Bill Passes
May 4 - Governor Christine Gregoire has signed LWV-supported HB 1517 into law. This bill permits convicted felons who have been released from custody but still owe fines or restitution payments, to register to vote.
The League has supported this bill in the belief that restoring the right to vote encourages felons to reconnect with their communities and become engaged, productive citizens. It is also a “good government” bill because it simplifies a complicated, costly, and ineffective process. Under the old law, felons making monthly payments to pay off fines or restitution to victims had to wait until payment was complete before voting rights were restored, and the voter registration process at that point was so complex, involving state and county officials and several forms and petitions, that it was in effect a disincentive. Even elections officials were often unsure who was and was not eligible to vote. The new law provides a bright line for elections officials and is less costly to administer than the old system.
If the felon willfully refuses to pay court costs, fines or restitution, the right to vote can be revoked. To safeguard against felons voting illegally, the legislation requires the secretary of state to twice a year check voter registration lists against a list of felons ineligible to vote. Any match will automatically result in the felon being dropped from the voting rolls.
Civics Class Graduation Requirement Bill Passes
April 25 - The League won a victory this year in Olympia when state legislators passed HB 2132, a bill that will require a civics class the next time graduation requirements in the state are changed. A civics class graduation requirement supports the LWV belief that a successful democracy depends upon informed and active participation in government, and that preparation for citizenship is as important as preparation for college and a career.