Clash in WA Legislature over proposal to add rules for initiative signers
A push by Democratic state senators for greater scrutiny of those circulating and signing initiative petitions advanced in the Washington Legislature on Tuesday over the objections of Republicans and the secretary of state.
Opponents of the legislation argue it would impede voters’ ability to engage in the initiative process, which allows citizens to propose changes in law on the ballot or to the Legislature.
The bill would require those gathering initiative signatures to sign a declaration under penalty of false swearing that information written by signers is accurate and they were not paid for their signature.
Senate Bill 5382 also directs the secretary of state, in validating signatures, to verify the address listed by a person on an initiative or referendum petition is the same as the one that is on their voter registration card.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/02/19/clash-in-wa-legislature-over-proposal-to-add-rules-for-initiative-signers/