Enacting the Washington voting rights act of 2013.
Summary
Establishes a voting rights act to promote equal voting opportunity in certain political subdivisions.
Authorizes political subdivisions who already conduct district-based elections, as well as those with at-large election systems, to change their election system if necessary to remedy a potential violation.
Prohibits election districts that are drawn or maintained in a manner that denies an equal opportunity for members of a race, color, or language group to elect candidates of their choice or influence the outcome of an election.
Establishes a cause of action to redress violations.
From the Substitute House Bill Report (SHB 1413), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗
Did not passDid not pass · passed House, stalled in Senate
AN ACT Relating to establishing a voting rights act to promote equal voting opportunity in certain political subdivisions by authorizing district-based elections, requiring redistricting and new elections in certain circumstances, and establishing a cause of action to redress lack of voter opportunity;