BILL · 2023–24 SESSION · LATEST VERSION ESB 5856

SB 5856: Voter reg. challenges

Concerning voter registration challenges.

Summary

Permits a person to challenge a voter's registration for not living at the address provided if the voter has registered to vote in another state more recently than in Washington.
Removes the requirement that a person who challenges a voter's registration for residing at a different address must search telephone directories or voter registration databases of other states, and specifies that the certified letter a challenger is required to send must be on a form provided by the Office of the Secretary of State.
Specifies procedures for county auditors to follow to attempt to resolve a voter challenge related to a voter's residency prior to a hearing.
Permits the county auditor to designate someone to preside over a voter challenge hearing.
Specifies that a filing officer may not submit the name of an unqualified candidate for placement on the ballot, and provides procedures to conduct elections if a candidate on the ballot is unqualified.

From the Engrossed House Bill Report (ESB 5856), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House

AN ACT Relating to voter registration challenges;

Passed January 31, 2024

Version voted on: ESB 5856

48 Yea 0 Nay 0 Absent 1 Excused

Party	Yea	Nay	Absent	Excused
Democrat	29	0	0	0
Republican	19	0	0	1

How each member voted

Mar 7, 2024By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. (ESB 5856)
Feb 29, 2024Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading. (ESB 5856)
Feb 21, 2024Referred to Rules 2 Review. (ESB 5856)
Feb 21, 2024Minority; without recommendation. (ESB 5856)
Feb 21, 2024SGOV - Majority; do pass with amendment(s). (ESB 5856)
Feb 21, 2024SGOV - Executive action taken by committee. (ESB 5856)
Feb 2, 2024First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Relations. (ESB 5856)
Jan 31, 2024Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1. (ESB 5856)
Jan 31, 2024Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. (ESB 5856)
Jan 31, 2024Floor amendment(s) adopted. (ESB 5856)
Jan 17, 2024Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. (ESB 5856)
Jan 15, 2024Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. (ESB 5856)
Jan 12, 2024Minority; without recommendation. (ESB 5856)
Jan 12, 2024SGE - Majority; do pass. (ESB 5856)
Jan 8, 2024First reading, referred to State Government & Elections. (ESB 5856)
Dec 15, 2023Prefiled for introduction. (ESB 5856)

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

SB 5856 (2025–26) Lubricant emissions · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5856 (2021–22) Firearm transfers to museums · Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House
SB 5856 (2019–20) I-405 & SR 167 traffic study · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5856 (2017–18) Retail sale nexus/safety net · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5856 (2015–16) College bound scholarship · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5856 (2013–14) Defined contribution plan · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5856 (2011–12) Public speedway authority · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5856 (2009–10) Affordable housing financing · Did not pass · died in committee