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Bill

SB 5069

Requiring the secretary of state to print and distribute a voters' pamphlet for the primary in each even-numbered year and for the general election every year.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chapman and 7 co-sponsors

The bill requires the Secretary of State to print and distribute a statewide voters’ pamphlet before every general election and in even-numbered years before primaries, plus mainta

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 4:00 PM.
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Bill Summary · SB 5069

Summary of SB 5069 (2025 Regular Session)

Purpose and main intent

SB 5069 would require the Secretary of State (SOS) to print and distribute a statewide voters’ pamphlet for two election cycles:
- before the primary in every even-numbered year, and
- before the general election in every year.

The bill also continues and coordinates the existing framework for local (county) voters’ pamphlets, ensures accessibility features, and allows electronic distribution. A key goal is to provide voters with official information about statewide measures and candidates, while preserving a separate, county-level pamphlet for local races and issues.

Effective date: January 1, 2026.

Key provisions

  • Statewide voters’ pamphlet (Secretary of State)

    • The SOS shall print and distribute the statewide voters’ pamphlet prior to:
    • the primary in each even-numbered year, and
    • the general election in every year.
    • Distribution targets include every household in Washington, public libraries, and other appropriate public locations.
    • Accessibility: the SOS must produce recorded or Braille transcripts and mail a copy to any person who requests one.
    • Public accessibility: the SOS must publicize the availability of these materials.
    • Optional formats: the SOS may provide the materials electronically; electronic versions may be supplied to web-based, print, and broadcast media at the cost of reproduction or transmission.
    • Content scope: the pamphlet covers statewide measures and statewide candidates (and related information) as part of the statewide publication.

  • Local voters’ pamphlets (County level)

    • Before any primary, general, or certain special elections, each county auditor must print and distribute a local voters’ pamphlet.
    • The local pamphlet includes information on all measures and candidates appearing on ballots within that county, except for those items already included in the statewide pamphlet.
    • The format for local pamphlets should comply with the state’s publication standards where applicable.

  • Coordination with existing law

    • The bill amends RCW 29A.32.010 and RCW 29A.32.210 to implement the statewide pamphlet schedule and the local pamphlet requirements, respectively.
    • Local pamphlets must not duplicate content already provided by the statewide pamphlet.

Who is affected

  • Secretary of State: responsible for producing, distributing, and publicizing the statewide voters’ pamphlet; managing electronic access and accessibility features.
  • County auditors: responsible for producing local voters’ pamphlets in their jurisdictions.
  • Voters: gain access to official information about statewide measures and candidates; individuals can request mailed copies and access Braille/recorded formats.
  • Public libraries, households, and media: recipients or disseminators of pamphlets; media may receive electronic copies at cost.
  • Other agencies and service providers: may support dissemination and accessibility requirements.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Prefiled: December 16, 2024.
  • First reading: January 13, 2025.
  • Committee referrals: State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections; later Ways & Means.
  • Legislative actions to date show public hearings in January 2025 and a public hearing in February 2025, with executive action indicating party-specific recommendations.
  • Status: Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means (as of the listed notice). The bill would become effective January 1, 2026, if enacted.

Potential impact

  • Increased reach and accessibility of statewide election information for voters.
  • Additional costs to the SOS and local election offices for printing, distribution, and accessibility services, with potential fiscal implications to be evaluated in fiscal notes.
  • Stronger alignment between statewide and local election information dissemination.

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

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