Gov. Ferguson, with Lt. Gov. Heck at his side, shakes hands with Sen. Claudia Kauffman of Kent at bill-signing ceremonies in the state Capitol in Olympia on March 25. The governor signed four “democracy” bills for which the League of Women Voters of Washington vigorously advocated. Next to the senator is Alison McCaffree, the League’s Democracy Issue Chair.

With voting rights under assault across the country, democracy advocates in Washington state—including members of the League of Women Voters of Washington (LWVWA) and other organizations—have reason to celebrate following two new developments.

The Legislature passed—and the governor signed—a suite of bills that offer added protection for voters.

In addition, a new policy position from the LWVWA calling for better protection of the rights of immigrants might soon receive approval at the national League level, which would empower members in more than 800 local Leagues across the country to advocate for the well-being of newcomers.

Alison McCaffree, LWVWA’s Democracy Issue Chair, said the Washington League identified SB 5892 and SB 6035 and HB 1710 and HB 1916 as priorities. Each bill strengthens a certain stage of the voting process: registering to vote, keeping personal information private, reviewing changes to election law, and suing because of discrimination.

“We worked hard for their passage and are pleased that the League played a role in their successes,” said McCaffree. “We thank our members for their letters, emails and calls to lawmakers, and we thank the Washington Voting Justice Coalition, whose members we were proud to partner with.”

More information about Washington League’s new Immigration Position is available at lwvwa.org.