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Bill

HB 2074

Prohibiting the offer or acceptance of anything of value to influence the judgment or conduct of an elector in voting for or against any person or ballot measure.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Parshley and 3 co-sponsors

Washington bill prohibits offering or accepting money/gifts to influence how someone votes on candidates or measures, establishing state penalties for vote-buying.

First reading, referred to Community Safety.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2074

Legislative bill overview

HB 2074 would prohibit offering or accepting anything of value to influence how an elector votes on candidates or ballot measures in Washington. This includes gifts, money, or other inducements intended to sway voting decisions. The bill establishes legal penalties for both those offering and those accepting such considerations.

Why is this important

Election integrity depends partly on voters making independent choices free from financial coercion or inducement. While federal law already addresses some forms of vote buying, this state-level measure would create explicit local enforcement mechanisms and clarity on what constitutes illegal voting influence within Washington's jurisdiction.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: The phrase "anything of value" is broad and could create ambiguity about where legitimate political speech, campaign activities, and get-out-the-vote incentives end and illegal inducement begins (e.g., are gift cards at polling locations violations? Are meal provisions at campaign events?).
  • Enforcement challenges: Proving intent to influence voting versus coincidental timing of gifts or favors could prove difficult and lead to selective or inconsistent prosecution.
  • Free speech concerns: Some may argue overly restrictive language could chill legitimate political engagement, voter registration drives, or community organizing if the definitions aren't precise enough.

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

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