The LWV goal for the 2019 session in Olympia was to: Improve access to the ballot, reduce the influence of special interest money, and increase transparency in government and politics.
From the LWVWA Legislative newsletter
In our efforts to improve access to the ballot, we are very happy about the success of SB 5063 which will provide pre-paid postage for ballots. This means that the lack of a stamp will not prevent someone from voting. We also saw passage of SB 5079, the Native American Voting Rights Act. This will remove current obstacles for those living on native lands to receive a ballot, as well as ensure that they have access to a drop box. What is especially exciting is that both bills passed on a strong bipartisan vote. The LWV has always held that voting access should not be a partisan issue, and for these bills it clearly is not.
We also worked to reduce the influence of special interest money. We supported the successful HB 1375 which now applies campaign contribution limits to candidates for all port districts, regardless of their size.
And finally, we had a huge success in efforts to increase transparency in government and politics with the passage of HB 1379 which requires that campaign ads list the actual people and corporations that are top donors rather than hiding behind shell PACs or political action committees with friendly-sounding names. This has been a priority bill for the League for a number of years, and we are one of very few groups fighting for campaign finance reform.
Read more here.
Thank you for your support on these bills. Please continue to stay involved throughout the year and into the next session.