State House approves, sends Senate automatic voter registration bill

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The House on Monday passed a bill that supporters say will help increase voter engagement.


On a 55-42 vote Monday, the chamber passed House Bill 2682, which would automatically register people who aren't on the voter rolls but already have or apply for an enhanced driver's license or commercial driver's licenses, both of which require citizenship verification.

Those who receive social services that verify citizenship or get health insurance through the state health exchange also would be automatically registered.

Under the measure, eligible voters' information would be sent to the secretary of state's office, which would notify them that they can opt out. If the potential voter doesn't respond, he or she will be automatically registered within 60 days.

The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.