In a controversial move, Washington State Democrats have introduced bill SSB 5017, which aims to radically alter voting eligibility by allowing individuals who have never set foot in the state to participate in local elections. This bill has sparked significant debate among citizens and lawmakers alike.
The proposed legislation aligns with the Uniform Military and Overseas Voter Act (UMOVA) and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). Critics argue that it could permit “Permanent Overseas Voters,” or those born outside of the U.S. with no ties to Washington, to influence elections without any firsthand stake in the outcomes.
Under the current draft of the bill, individuals can vote if they:
- Are over 18 and a United States citizen
- Have a “family member” who is (or was) eligible to vote in Washington
- Have not registered to vote in another state
This policy raises concerns about election integrity, as it seemingly opens the door to voter fraud and the potential manipulation of absentee ballots. The following issues have been highlighted:
- Fraudulent Use of Absentee Ballots: Potential for unauthorized parties to vote without the original voter’s knowledge.
- Ineligible Voting: Concerns over illegal registrations and non-eligible voters casting ballots, including non-citizens and phantom voters.
The implications of SSB 5017 reach far beyond administrative logistics, touching on the very heart of democratic representation. It raises the question: Should individuals with no real-life ties to Washington be able to influence decisions that directly impact state taxes, services, and laws?
Critics of the bill argue that reliance on an “honor system” for voter verification lacks necessary safeguards, making it ripe for exploitation. There are no requirements for prior voter registration or proof of identity, leaving Washingtonians questioning the fairness and proportionality of their electoral process.
Additionally, SSB 5017 appears to contravene Article 6, §1 of the Washington State Constitution, which mandates that eligible voters must have resided in the state for at least 30 days before an election. This has led to intense scrutiny of the lawmakers supporting the bill.
Bill Bruch, WA State GOP Election Integrity Chairman, urges those concerned to contact their representatives and voice their opposition. The Executive Session for SSB 5017 is scheduled for March 21 at 8 am.
For further insights and related testimonies, you can watch the SSB 5017 House State Gov & Tribal Relations March 14 Public Hearing and the Senate State Gov, Tribal Affairs & Elections Jan 14 Public Hearing. More information on election fraud categories can be found at The Heritage Foundation’s website.
