Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2021

CONTACT: press@secure-democracy.org

Washington Senate Passes Historic Bill Restoring Voting Eligibility

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

OLYMPIA, Wash.— The Washington Senate earlier this evening passed H.B. 1078, a bill that creates 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.

The bill, which was widely supported by Washington voters, was sponsored by State Representative Tarra Simmons. It passed with a vote of 27 to 22. The legislation will 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:

“Tonight’s passage of H.B. 1078 gives people with past convictions a stake in our democracy and creates safer and stronger communities for all Washingtonians. It restores voting eligibility to the tens of thousands of Washingtonians who have returned home from prison — individuals who have families, hold jobs, pay taxes, and make valuable contributions to their communities. That is why this legislation received overwhelming bipartisan support. We look forward to Governor Jay Inslee signing H.B. 1078 into law.”

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About Secure Democracy

Secure Democracy is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to improve election integrity across the United States. We educate policymakers and the public about what it takes to safeguard our voting systems. We collaborate with state leaders, election administrators, election integrity experts, and allies to ensure that all eligible citizens have the freedom to vote how they choose.