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Bill

HB 1584

Ending vote by mail for nonabsentee voters and restoring in-person voting at polling places and voting centers.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stephanie Barnard and 14 co-sponsors

Washington bill eliminates mail voting for local voters, requiring in-person polling place voting instead of current statewide mail system.

First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Relations.
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Bill Summary · HB 1584

Legislative bill overview

HB 1584 would eliminate mail-in voting as an option for voters who are not absent from their home county on election day, requiring them to vote in person at polling places or voting centers instead. Currently, Washington operates as a vote-by-mail state where all registered voters receive ballots by mail. This bill represents a significant shift toward in-person voting infrastructure.

Why is this important

Washington has conducted elections primarily through mail-in voting since 2011, making it one of the most mail-dependent states in the nation. This bill would reverse that approach and require substantial changes to election administration, polling place staffing, and voter behavior across the state. The outcome would affect how millions of Washington voters cast ballots and could impact voter participation rates and election administration costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Election administration costs and feasibility: Shifting from mail-in to in-person voting requires significant investment in polling places, staffing, training, and equipment; Washington would need to rapidly rebuild infrastructure after 14 years of mail-focus
  • Voter participation and accessibility: Mail-in voting has higher turnout rates and accommodates voters with disabilities, work conflicts, childcare needs, and transportation barriers; eliminating it could suppress participation among vulnerable populations
  • Definition of "nonabsentee": The bill's implementation depends on how "absent from their home county" is defined and verified, creating potential administrative complexity and disputes over voter eligibility

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

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