2026 Democracy Legislation
Bills in green are supported. Bills in red are opposed by the League. Bills in black the League is watching.
NOTE: Bills marked with an asterisk (*) are our priority bills for this session.

*HB 2210 Allow local governments to adopt alternative elections systems.
House Bill 2210 recognizes that local governments need clear and flexible authority to adopt alternative election systems like ranked-choice voting (RCV) and proportional representation—tools that help reduce vote splitting, reflect voter preferences more accurately, and support effective local governance. HB 2210 does the following:

• Authorizes local jurisdictions to choose to adopt ranked-choice voting, proportional representation, or other approved election methods in the next 6 years.
  
  
• Provides clearer legal authority for local options reducing uncertainty and litigation risk around adopting alternative voting methods.
  
  
• Supports democratic resilience by offering practical tools for local governments during a time when voting rights protections are being threatened at the federal level.

This bill builds on years of work in Washington to equip cities, counties, and other local governments with tools that expand voter choice and strengthen representation.

*HB 2341/SB 6130 Celebrating National Voter registration day.
In these bills, the legislature recognizes the importance of fostering lifelong civic engagement and that there is an opportunity to align Washington state with the national voter registration day celebrations and activities. This is a request bill of the office of the Superintendent of Instruction.

*HB 2281 Consulting tribal governments when culture place may be affected. This bill requires a consultation process between a state agency and an Indian tribe when tribal traditional cultural places may be affected by an agency action. It also provides an Indian tribe with a cause of action against any state agency that imposes an undue burden or interferes with the tribe's exercise.

HB 1710 Pre-Clearance for Proposed Changes to Election Procedures.
This bill requires certain local election officials to consult with the state attorney general’s office before making changes to election procedures that may violate the state’s Voting Rights Act prohibition against racial discrimination. Without pre-clearance, redressing violations to the state VRA requires lengthy and expensive litigation after the fact. In 2013, The U.S. Supreme Court declared the pre-clearance requirement of the federal Voting Rights Act unconstitutional (Shelby County vs. Holder). Supporting the League’s belief in fair elections, HB 1710 would allow our state to use pre-clearance to prevent racial discrimination in election procedures.

HB 1116 Recognizing election day as a legislative holiday.
This bill makes Election Day recognized as a legislative holiday. Empowering voters and encouraging citizens to participate in their government and democracy are key missions of the LWV. This bill is also in line with the League’s goal to encourage more civic education.

HB 1916 Amending voter registration challenges and managing voter registration lists.
The League of Women voters supports policies that ensure that every person eligible to vote can vote. This bill would protect voters by restricting who can bring a registration challenge and by requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the challenged voter is not qualified to vote. Individuals who make false statements or frivolously challenge a voter, either before or during the election, may be subject to criminal penalties. We can continue the legacy of protecting our voters from anti-voter tactics by supporting HB 1916 and protecting our voters from mass voter challenges.

HJR 4209 Congressional redistricting between decennial censuses.
This resolution calls for a Washington constitutional amendment to allow mid-decade redistricting for congressional districts. The new language would be active if another state has redistricted their congressional maps for purposes other than as ordered by the court during the time between Census cycles. The League is opposed to redistricting for partisan gain and emphasizes that redistricting should be done to support communities and enhance the voices of all people. The League is dedicated to empowering everyone to fully participate in our democracy. The League will use any hearings on this resolution to elevate the need for comprehensive reform of the Washington State Redistricting Commission and the redistricting process in Washington.

How To Be Involved

• If you are interested in a particular bill, use the links above to go to the webpage for that bill. These pages include staff summaries and reports including who testified PRO versus CON on the bill. There is also information about how to access videos of hearings that have been held.
  
  
• Read and take action through the LWVWA Legislative Action Newsletter, distributed each Sunday during the legislative session.
  
  
• You may also express your opinion on legislation with the LWVWA issue chairs. We will take your perspectives under consideration as we determine our support for legislation and prepare testimony. Please direct questions or comments to Alison McCaffree, Democracy Team Coordinator.