Washington Governor Signs Bill Banning Double Voting

New law clarifies definition of an election to prevent voters from casting ballots in multiple states.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 6:33pm

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Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has signed a new law prohibiting double voting in the state. Senate Bill 6084 addresses an ambiguity in existing law regarding the definition of an election, making it clear that voting more than once in the same election is illegal. The measure was requested by the Secretary of State and passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the state legislature.

Why it matters

The new law aims to strengthen election integrity and prevent voter fraud by closing a loophole that previously allowed some individuals to vote in multiple states during the same election. It comes in response to a 2022 case where a man was charged but later had his conviction overturned because the law did not clearly define what constituted an election.

The details

Senate Bill 6084 defines voting more than once in an election as a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The legislation was requested by the Washington Secretary of State and sponsored by state Senator Adrian Cortes.

  • The bill was signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson on March 18, 2026.
  • The new law takes effect immediately.

The players

Bob Ferguson

The Governor of Washington who signed the bill into law.

Adrian Cortes

The state Senator who sponsored the bill.

Washington Secretary of State

The state election official who requested the legislation.

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What they’re saying

“Voting more than once in an election is an affront to everyone who participates in our democracy. This bill makes it clear that double voting is illegal. Those who try it will be held accountable.”

— Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington

What’s next

The new law takes effect immediately, and state officials have indicated they will vigorously enforce it to protect the integrity of Washington's elections.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a bipartisan effort to strengthen election security and prevent voter fraud in Washington state by clearly defining what constitutes illegal double voting. It serves as a model for other states looking to close similar loopholes in their own election laws.