WA Bill Adds New Hurdles for Challenging Voter Registrations

Legislation aims to reduce 'frivolous or baseless' challenges, but critics say it will 'chill' efforts to maintain election integrity.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Washington state House has passed a bill that would impose new rules on how individuals can challenge a voter registration for failing to be a U.S. citizen. Proponents argue the legislation would reduce frivolous challenges, but opponents say it will discourage efforts to maintain election integrity.

Why it matters

The bill is part of a broader debate around voter registration and election integrity in Washington state. Supporters say the new requirements will prevent abuse of the challenge process, while critics argue it will make it harder for citizens to ensure the voter rolls are accurate.

The details

Under the current system, individuals can challenge a voter registration with the county auditor if they believe the person is improperly registered, such as not being a U.S. citizen. The challenger must prove this 'by clear and convincing evidence.' HB 1916 would impose new rules, including requiring challengers to fill out a form and signed affidavit, and banning challenges based on database searches. The bill also includes provisions that could lead to perjury or misdemeanor charges for challengers.

  • The Washington state House passed HB 1916 on February 10, 2026.
  • The bill was originally introduced in the previous legislative session.

The players

Rep. Jim Walsh

A Republican state representative from Aberdeen, Washington, who argued the bill raises the barrier for people 'to exercise their lawful duty to act as a check on a system of registering voters that does not have enough checks and balances in it.'

Rep. Beth Doglio

The Democratic state representative who sponsored HB 1916, arguing the bill is needed to address 'a surge in mass voter registration challenges, often based on flawed data, conspiracy theories, and unreliable technology.'

Rep. Jeremie Dufault

A Republican state representative who said the structure of Washington's voter registration process warrants scrutiny, as individuals do not have to provide proof of citizenship to register.

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What they’re saying

“We ought to encourage more people to act as the check on the system.”

— Rep. Jim Walsh (dailyfly.com)

“Challenging someone's constitutional right to vote is an extremely serious offense. That challenge should be done under the penalty of perjury.”

— Rep. Beth Doglio (dailyfly.com)

“People do not have to show up at polls. They do have not to have show an ID. They don't have prove who they are. They don't even have the prove that they're the ones who are signed the ballots. These are the folks who need to make sure that they properly voting in our state.”

— Rep. Jeremie Dufault (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The bill now moves to the Washington state Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation is part of an ongoing debate in Washington over voter registration and election integrity. Supporters say the new requirements will prevent abuse, while critics argue it will make it harder for citizens to ensure the accuracy of voter rolls.