The Washington Legislature adjourned its 2026 regular session on March 12. During that time, lawmakers sent 10 election-related bills to Gov. Bob Ferguson (D), who signed all of them in March and April.

Among those 10 bills were two amending the state’s voting rights act. HB 1750 prohibits political subdivisions from adopting election policies or practices that "... result in a material disparate burden on the ability or opportunity of members of a protected class to vote[.]" The bill also establishes legal guidelines for courts reviewing claims from voters, groups, or tribes alleging violations of this prohibition. 

HB 1710 requires certain local governments proposing election-related changes — like altering voting methods, redistricting, or relocating polling places — to obtain approval from the state attorney general before implementation. Ferguson signed both bills on March 25.

Washington is one of five states to advance legislation creating or amending a state-level voting rights act so far this year. Washington and three of the other states — Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia — have Democratic trifectas, while Vermont has a divided government.

Ferguson also signed HB 1916 on March 25. The bill makes changes to the state's voter list maintenance process and requires individuals challenging a voter’s eligibility to submit a separate form for each contested voter, including signed affidavits, contact details, and specific evidence grounded in personal knowledge.

Other enacted bills this session included:

• SB 5892, which makes it a class C felony for an election official to distribute confidential information in the voter registration database or information that is inconsistent with the performance of their duties.
• SB 5974, which updates qualifications for holding the office of sheriff.
• SB 6035, which requires county auditors to meet with federally recognized tribes to discuss voting issues. It also requires the secretary of state to conduct a feasibility study for creating an electronic ballot portal for overseas and military voters, voters with disabilities, and voters who are registered tribal members to return their ballots.
• SB 6084, which clarifies that it is a crime to double-vote in Washington and another state.

Washington enacted 11 election-related bills in 2025, four in 2024, and 11 in 2023. Legislators introduced 88 election-related bills in 2026, 28 more than in 2025.