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Bill

SB 5382

Concerning requirements pertaining to signatures and addresses of ballot measure petitioners and petition signature gatherers.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marko Liias and 4 co-sponsors

Washington bill adjusting petition signature and address documentation requirements for ballot measure initiatives, balancing electoral access against fraud prevention verification standards.

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.
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Bill Summary · SB 5382

Legislative bill overview

SB 5382 modifies Washington state's requirements for ballot measure petitions, specifically regarding what information signature gatherers and petition circulators must provide when collecting signatures. The bill adjusts signature verification procedures and address documentation requirements for those involved in the initiative and referendum petition process.

Why is this important

Ballot measure petitions are the mechanism through which citizens can directly place initiatives and referendums on Washington ballots, making this a foundational element of direct democracy. Changes to petition requirements affect both the feasibility of grassroots political campaigns and election administration's ability to verify petition validity, creating a direct tension between democratic participation and electoral integrity.

Potential points of contention

  • Ballot access vs. administrative burden: Stricter address/signature requirements could make it harder for citizen-led campaigns to gather sufficient valid signatures, particularly affecting less-resourced groups; conversely, relaxed requirements raise fraud concerns
  • Signature gatherer identification: Rules around who must be identified and how affect both transparency in campaign funding and the practical ability to conduct petition drives, especially for volunteer-based efforts
  • Address documentation standards: Different address accuracy standards create questions about what constitutes valid verification and whether requirements disproportionately affect certain geographic areas or demographics

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

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