WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 5017

Adopting national standards for uniformed and overseas civilian voting, including conforming amendments to existing statute.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Manka Dhingra and 6 co-sponsors

Washington adopts the Uniform Military and Overseas Voters Act to align voting rules for service members and overseas citizens, enabling electronic ballot requests and delivery.

Senate Rules "X" file.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 5017

Summary — SB 5017 (2025)

Adopting national standards for uniformed and overseas civilian voting, including conforming amendments to existing statute

Main purpose

SB 5017 adopts, substantially, the Uniform Military and Overseas Voters Act (the uniform law that parallels federal UOCAVA) into Washington law. Its intent is to extend and clarify state protections and procedures for uniformed‑service members and U.S. citizens living abroad (collectively “covered voters”), and to update state statute and administrative processes to conform with federal standards for military and overseas absentee voting.

Key provisions

  • Adopts a new chapter implementing the uniform military and overseas voters act for Washington state, including:
    • Definitions of “covered voter,” “uniformed‑service voter,” “overseas voter,” “military‑overseas ballot,” and related terms.
    • Scope: procedures apply to federal, statewide, and local elections conducted under Title 29A.
  • Assigns primary implementation responsibility to the Secretary of State (in coordination with county auditors):
    • Make information available to covered voters about registration and casting military‑overseas ballots.
    • Establish an electronic transmission system by which covered voters may apply for and receive registration materials, military‑overseas ballots, and related information.
    • Develop standardized absentee‑voting materials (privacy/transmission envelopes and electronic equivalents), authentication materials, and voting instructions for use statewide.
    • Prescribe a declaration form for covered voters that parallels the federal write‑in absentee ballot declaration.
  • Conforms state statute to federal practices: acceptance of federal postcard application and federal write‑in absentee ballot where applicable; electronic delivery/request options; deadlines and timelines (ballot mailing/processing practices consistent with UOCAVA principles).
  • Requires the Secretary of State to explore options for an electronic ballot portal for covered voters to return voted ballots (report language and committee summary).

Who is affected

  • Primary: Washington uniformed service members, their spouses/dependents, and U.S. citizens living abroad who qualify as covered voters.
  • Election administrators: Secretary of State’s Office and county auditors (responsible for materials, electronic systems, and processing).
  • Indirectly: voters, advocacy groups, and IT/security vendors involved in implementing electronic transmission, tracking, and any portal solutions.

Procedural status and timeline

  • Prefiled: 12/09/2024. First read in Senate: 01/13/2025.
  • Passed the Senate and went through committee work and a House committee substitute. House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations recommended passage with amendments; bill passed the House (third reading) on 02/12/2025 (39‑10).
  • House amendments and multiple floor/committee amendments were proposed (several were introduced but marked “not considered” on 04/27/2025).
  • Most recent status (04/27/2025): by resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.

Notes and implementation considerations

  • The bill amends and reenacts multiple RCW sections and adds new sections and a new chapter to Title 29A; it includes conforming statutory changes across election law.
  • Substantial administrative and technical work will be required by the Secretary of State and county auditors to implement electronic transmission systems, materials standardization, and any ballot portal — with accompanying budget, security, and operational considerations.
  • Several proposed amendments (some would have removed or modified specific provisions) were filed in the House but were not adopted as of the last procedural update.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.