Democrats in Washington state have proposed legislation that would mandate voting for all eligible residents. The bill is titled “An act relating to establishing universal civic duty voting,” and requires residents to either register to vote or obtain a waiver. The legislation requires each voter to return a ballot in every primary and general election, with the option to leave it blank.
Advocates of the bill equate casting a ballot with requirements such as registering for selective service and paying taxes. “Democracy and voting is a basic part of our country, and the more we get involved, the better and stronger our government will be,” State Sen. Sam Hunt, D, said.
According to the Senate Bill Report, there would be no penalties for failing to cast a ballot. However, Republicans disagree with the idea, saying that voting should be a voluntary act, not a requirement. “In the United States of America, we should not be compelled to do something that we may or may not want to do,” State Sen. Phil Fortunato, R, said.
Currently, there are no laws that require citizens to vote in local, state or presidential elections. If the bill is approved by Washington’s Democrat-controlled House and Senate, the law would take effect in 2026.
