There are a number of Bills that are progressing through the legislative process in Olympia this week that need your support. The two most important are:
HB1448: Standards for RCV Implementation (VOICES Act): This does not implement RCV in WA State but sets standards for how it should be implemented if a district chooses to do so. RCV is coming to WA whether the legislators in Olympia want it to or not and this ensures that the implementation is consistent across the State. Basically, if there are more than five candidates then there is a primary to reduce the number to the top five. The general election will therefore have up to 5 candidates that you can rank in order of preference without splitting your vote!
This bill is going to Appropriations this Saturday (Feb-22). Please show your support here by selecting Support. If you want to go the extra mile and write to the committee members you can find email addresses here.
HB1339: Shifting local government elections to even-numbered years: This would allow local governments to change their elections to even numbered years. It does not mandate the change just gives them the option. The clear advantage to this is that there is considerably higher voter turnout on even-numbered years and so the winner of the election is more representative of the people.
This bill is going to Appropriations tomorrow (Feb-20)! Please show your support here by selecting Support.
These are the most important issues (imo) but if you want to show support for more pro-democracy bills here is a list (link takes you to the status page, look for the “Send a comment on this bill to your legislators” button on the right) :
HB1146: Allowing access to voting from jail.
HB1196: Limiting when someone’s right to vote can be revoked.
HB1116: Recognizing Election day as a State Holiday.
submitted by /u/Bobudisconlated
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