Washington Voting Rights Act passes legislature

[RandySF]

NOTE: A VOTING RIGHT BILL AND "GAY CONVERSION THERAPY BAN" BECAUSE WASHINGTON DEMOCRATS FLIPPED A SINGLE STATE SENATE SEAT. EVERYTHING COUNTS THIS YEAR.

The Washington Voting Rights Act has passed both chambers of the legislature — sending the bill to Gov Jay Inslee.

The bill will establish an easier process for cities, counties and school districts to move from city-wide elections to district elections — before resorting to a lawsuit. Supporters say this will enable candidates to better reflect the demographic, ethnic and economic make-up of their neighborhoods.

“It sets up a collaborative process for communities to work it out before you have to go to court,” said Rep. Zack Hudgins, D-Tukwila.

The Washington cities of Yakima and Pasco were sued by residents who said that their city-wide city council elections were racially polarized, keeping Hispanic candidates from winning council seats. After switching to elections based on geographic districts, both cities elected their first Hispanic council members.

The House has passed a version of the Voting Rights Act bill in past legislative sessions, but the bills would stall in the Senate. The Senate voted Monday 29-20 for final passage.


https://www.seattleglobalist.com/2018/03/05/washington-voting-rights-act-passes-legislature/72542