Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2021

CONTACT: press@secure-democracy.org

Governor Inslee Signs H.B. 1078, Restoring Voting Eligibility for Thousands

Law creates a pathway to the polls for more than 20,000 Washingtonians who have returned home from prison

OLYMPIA, Wash.— Today Governor Jay Inslee signed H.B. 1078 into law, creating a pathway to the polls for the more than 20,000 citizens in Washington who have served their time in prison but are currently unable to vote.

H.B. 1078, sponsored by State Representative Tarra Simmons, had widespread support from Washington voters, according to polling commissioned by Secure Democracy. The legislation will now restore voting eligibility to any person with a felony conviction as soon as they are no longer incarcerated and have returned to the community.

In response, Sarah Walker, executive director of Secure Democracy, released the following statement:

“With the signing of H.B. 1078, Governor Inslee has granted tens of thousands of Washingtonians — citizens who are already making valuable contributions to Washington communities — the opportunity to play an active role in our democracy. As our country faces a wave of state efforts to limit Americans’ freedom to vote, it is all the more meaningful that Washington leaders have acted to expand voting access and ensure that every Washingtonian can make their voice heard.”

While 47 states this year have considered legislation that would create significant barriers to voting for more than 190 million voters — such as legislation to cut early voting, limit the locations and hours of secure ballot drop boxes, and add significant barriers to absentee voting — Washington joins states such as Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, Kentucky, New Jersey, Iowa, California, and Washington, D.C., in expanding access to the ballot for people with past convictions in recent years. Currently, more than 130 bills are being considered in 27 states that would improve a person’s ability to vote following a conviction.

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About Secure Democracy

Secure Democracy is a nonpartisan organization that works to educate policymakers and the public about secure and fair elections. By collaborating with state leaders, election administrators, election security experts the organization helps to ensure that all eligible citizens have the freedom to vote and the confidence to know that their vote is counted.