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Bill

Bill

SB 5892

Concerning protection of the voter registration database.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jess Bateman and 8 co-sponsors

Strengthens voter registration database security through access controls and monitoring to prevent unauthorized use and protect voter personal information from breaches.

Passed final passage; yeas, 30; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 0.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 5892

Legislative bill overview

SB 5892 establishes enhanced security and access controls for Washington State's voter registration database. The bill restricts who can access voter registration data, implements protective measures against unauthorized use, and likely includes provisions for auditing and monitoring access to this sensitive electoral information.

Why is this important

Voter registration databases contain personal information on millions of citizens and are frequent targets for cybersecurity threats and misuse. Strengthening protections helps prevent identity theft, election interference, unauthorized political targeting, and data breaches while maintaining legitimate access for election officials and authorized purposes.

Potential points of contention

  • Access restrictions vs. transparency: Balancing legitimate public access to voter rolls (required in some contexts) with security measures that limit exposure of personal data
  • Implementation costs and burdens: Counties and election officials may face significant expenses upgrading systems and processes to comply with new requirements
  • Definition of authorized use: Disagreement over which entities (political campaigns, researchers, law enforcement) should have access and under what conditions, with concerns about partisan favoritism

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

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