In this Nov. 8, 2016, file photo, Lewis County Auditor Larry Grove, left, and Chief Deputy Auditor Tom Stanton collect ballots from a drive-by dropoff location on Chehalis Avenue in Chehalis.
The state Senate has passed legislation that aims to increase access to democracy by allowing for same-day voter registration in Washington.
Senate Bill 6021 passed on a 29-20 vote and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. It would allow in-person voter registration up to 8 p.m. on the day of an election and electronic or mail registration up to eight days before an election.
“Participation in our elections has been steadily declining in our state and around the country for decades now. It’s time we take serious action to help voters achieve the representation they deserve by removing barriers and increasing access,” bill sponsor Sen. Patty Kuderer, D-Bellevue, said in a press release. “The core goal of same-day registration is to increase turnout, but this is also about restoring faith in our civic institutions. This bill will ensure that every eligible voter who wishes to make their voice heard will not be turned away at the door because an outdated deadline was missed.”
According to information provide by the Senate Democratic Caucus, same-day voter registration can lead to a 10 percent increase in turnout. The top five states with the highest percentage of voter turnout in the 2016 general election had enacted same-day registration laws.
“The voice of the people, the voices of individuals, provide the lifeblood of our democracy,” Kuderer said.
“I am proud to stand with my Senate colleagues today as we show our constituents and the country the path to fairer and more inclusive elections.”
