H-1216.1
SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1116
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By House Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Mena, Ramel, Berry, Reed, Paul, Macri, Farivar, Doglio, Ortiz-Self, Simmons, Peterson, Nance, Ormsby, Fosse, Salahuddin, Reeves, Richards, and Hill)
READ FIRST TIME 02/10/25.
AN ACT Relating to recognizing election day; amending RCW 1.16.050 ; adding a new section to chapter 29A.04 RCW; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that free and fair elections are the cornerstone of American democracy, and the corresponding right to vote is among the most fundamental privileges of American citizenship. Holding steadfast to these principles, the state of Washington has a long history of protecting Washingtonians' right to vote in elections, easing barriers to participation, combating attempts to suppress turnout, and promoting civic engagement. As a result, Washington routinely ranks among the highest states in the nation in voter participation, and it has some of the most accessible voting policies in the nation.
The legislature believes that celebrating election day serves as an important reminder of the crucial role of elections in our society. Further, the legislature believes that celebrating election day encourages participation in the democratic process and instills civic values in Washingtonians. Therefore, to increase awareness and participation in elections, and to commemorate this foundational American institution, the legislature intends to recognize the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November as "election day."