reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.72 - State Initiative and Referendum. › 29A.72.290 - Printing ballot titles on ballots—Separate headings.

RCW 29A.72.290
Printing ballot titles on ballots—Separate headings.
The county auditor of each county shall print the serial numbers, ballot titles, and public investment impact disclosures certified by the secretary of state on the official ballots for the election at which initiative and referendum measures are to be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection. They must appear under separate headings in the order of the serial numbers as follows:
(1) Initiatives to the people;
(2) Referendum measures;
(3) Referendum bills;
(4) Initiatives to the legislature;
(5) Initiatives to the legislature and legislative alternatives;
(6) Proposed constitutional amendments.
[ 2023 c 109 § 6; 2022 c 114 § 4; 2013 c 11 § 76; 2008 c 1 § 11 (Initiative Measure No. 960, approved November 6, 2007); 2003 c 111 § 1829; 1965 c 9 § 29.79.300. Prior: 1913 c 138 § 23; RRS § 5419. Formerly RCW 29.79.300.]
NOTES:
Findings—2023 c 109: See note following RCW 29A.32.070.
Findings—2022 c 114: See note following RCW 29A.72.027.
Findings—Intent—Construction—Severability—Subheadings and part headings not law—Short title—Effective date—2008 c 1 (Initiative Measure No. 960): See notes following RCW 43.135.031.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.76 - Redistricting. › 29A.76.020 - Boundary information.

RCW 29A.76.020
Boundary information.
The legislative authority of each county and each city, town, and special purpose district which lies within the county shall provide the county auditor accurate information describing its geographical boundaries and the boundaries of its director, council, or commissioner districts and shall ensure that the information provided to the auditor is kept current.
[ 2013 c 11 § 77; 2003 c 111 § 1902. Prior: 1991 c 178 § 2. Formerly RCW 29.15.026, 29.04.220.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.76 - Redistricting. › 29A.76.040 - Maps and census correspondence lists—Apportionment—Duties of secretary of state.

RCW 29A.76.040
Maps and census correspondence lists—Apportionment—Duties of secretary of state.
(1) With regard to functions relating to census, apportionment, and the establishment of legislative and congressional districts, the secretary of state shall:
(a) Coordinate and monitor precinct mapping functions of the county auditors and county engineers;
(b) Maintain official state base maps and correspondence lists and maintain an index of all such maps and lists;
(c) Furnish to the United States bureau of the census as needed for the decennial census of population, current, accurate, and easily readable versions of maps of all counties, cities, towns, and other areas of this state, which indicate current precinct boundaries together with copies of the census correspondence lists.
(2) The secretary of state shall serve as the state liaison with the United States bureau of census on matters relating to the preparation of maps and the tabulation of population for apportionment purposes.
[ 2003 c 111 § 1904; 1989 c 278 § 2; 1977 ex.s. c 128 § 4; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 129 § 2. Formerly RCW 29.04.140.]
NOTES:
Severability—1977 ex.s. c 128: See note following RCW 29A.16.040.
Effective date—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 129: "This 1976 amendatory act shall take effect on February 1, 1977." [1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 129 § 5.]
Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 129: "If any provision of this 1976 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 129 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.76 - Redistricting. › 29A.76.050 - Voluntary change to electoral system—Use of population data regarding political parties.

RCW 29A.76.050
Voluntary change to electoral system—Use of population data regarding political parties.
In any change to its electoral system under RCW 29A.92.040 or preparation of a redistricting plan under RCW 29A.92.040, political subdivisions may use population data regarding political parties only to the extent necessary to ensure compliance with chapter 113, Laws of 2018 or federal law.
[ 2018 c 113 § 502.]
NOTES:
Findings—Intent—Short title—2018 c 113: See RCW 29A.92.005 and 29A.92.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.80 - Political Parties. › 29A.80.010 - Rule-making authority.

RCW 29A.80.010
Rule-making authority.
Each political party organization may adopt rules governing its own organization and the nonstatutory functions of that organization.
[ 2005 c 2 § 14 (Initiative Measure No. 872, approved November 2, 2004); 2003 c 111 § 2001; 1977 ex.s. c 329 § 16; 1965 c 9 § 29.42.010. Prior: 1961 c 130 § 2; prior: 1943 c 178 § 1, part; 1939 c 48 § 1, part; 1927 c 200 § 1, part; 1925 ex.s. c 158 § 1, part; 1909 c 82 § 6, part; 1907 c 209 § 22, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 5198, part. Formerly RCW 29.42.010.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: RCW 29A.80.010 was amended by 2005 c 2 § 14 (Initiative Measure No. 872) without cognizance of its repeal by 2004 c 271 § 193. For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025.
Short title—Intent—Contingent effective date—2005 c 2 (Initiative Measure No. 872): See notes following RCW 29A.52.112.
[ 2003 c 111 § 2001; 1977 ex.s. c 329 § 16; 1965 c 9 § 29.42.010. Prior: 1961 c 130 § 2; prior: 1943 c 178 § 1, part; 1939 c 48 § 1, part; 1927 c 200 § 1, part; 1925 ex.s. c 158 § 1, part; 1909 c 82 § 6, part; 1907 c 209 § 22, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 5198, part. Formerly RCW 29.42.010.]
Repealed by 2004 c 271 § 193.
NOTES:
Reviser's note: RCW 29A.80.010 was amended by 2005 c 2 § 14 (Initiative Measure No. 872) without cognizance of its repeal by 2004 c 271 § 193. For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.80 - Political Parties. › 29A.80.020 - State committee.

RCW 29A.80.020
State committee.
The state committee of each major political party consists of one committeeman and one committeewoman from each county elected by the county central committee at its organization meeting. It must have a chair and vice chair of opposite sexes. This committee shall meet during January of each odd-numbered year for the purpose of organization at a time and place designated by a notice mailed at least one week before the date of the meeting to all new state committeemen and committeewomen by the authorized officers of the retiring committee. At its organizational meeting it shall elect its chair and vice chair, and such officers as its bylaws may provide, and adopt bylaws, rules, and regulations. It may:
(1) Call conventions at such time and place and under such circumstances and for such purposes as the call to convention designates. The manner, number, and procedure for selection of state convention delegates is subject to the committee's rules and regulations duly adopted;
(2) Provide for the election of delegates to national conventions;
(3) Provide for the nomination of presidential electors; and
(4) Perform all functions inherent in such an organization.
Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, the committee may not adopt rules governing the conduct of the actual proceedings at a party state convention.
[ 2013 c 11 § 79; 2003 c 111 § 2002; 1987 c 295 § 11; 1972 ex.s. c 45 § 1; 1965 c 9 § 29.42.020. Prior: 1961 c 130 § 3; prior: 1943 c 178 § 1, part; 1939 c 48 § 1, part; 1927 c 200 § 1, part; 1925 ex.s. c 158 § 1, part; 1909 c 82 § 6, part; 1907 c 209 § 22, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 5198, part. Formerly RCW 29.42.020.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.80 - Political Parties. › 29A.80.030 - County central committee—Organization meetings.

RCW 29A.80.030
County central committee—Organization meetings.
The county central committee of each major political party consists of the precinct committee officers of the party from the several voting precincts of the county. Following each state general election held in even-numbered years, this committee shall meet for the purpose of organization at an easily accessible location within the county, subsequent to the certification of precinct committee officers by the county auditor and no later than the second Saturday of the following January. The authorized officers of the retiring committee shall cause notice of the time and place of the meeting to be mailed to each precinct committee officer at least seventy-two hours before the date of the meeting.
At its organization meeting, the county central committee shall elect a chair and vice chair of opposite sexes.
[ 2003 c 111 § 2003; 1987 c 295 § 12; 1973 c 85 § 1; 1973 c 4 § 5; 1965 c 9 § 29.42.030. Prior: 1961 c 130 § 4; prior: 1943 c 178 § 1, part; 1939 c 48 § 1, part; 1927 c 200 § 1, part; 1925 ex.s. c 158 § 1, part; 1909 c 82 § 6, part; 1907 c 209 § 22, part; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 5198, part. Formerly RCW 29.42.030.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.80 - Political Parties. › 29A.80.031 - Precinct committee officer.

RCW 29A.80.031
Precinct committee officer.
If a vacancy occurs in the office of precinct committee officer by reason of death, resignation, or disqualification of the incumbent, or because of failure to elect, the respective county chair of the county central committee shall fill the vacancy by appointment. However, in a legislative district having a majority of its precincts in a county with a population of one million or more, the appointment may be made only upon the recommendation of the legislative district chair. The person so appointed must have the same qualifications as candidates when filing for election to the office for that precinct. When a vacancy in the office of precinct committee officer exists because of failure to elect at a state primary, the vacancy may not be filled until after the organization meeting of the county central committee and the new county chair has been selected as provided by RCW 29A.80.030.
[ 2004 c 271 § 120. Formerly RCW 29A.28.071.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.80 - Political Parties. › 29A.80.041 - Precinct committee officer, eligibility.

RCW 29A.80.041
Precinct committee officer, eligibility.
(1) Any member of a major political party who is a registered voter in the precinct and who will be at least eighteen years old by the date of the precinct committee officer election may file his or her declaration of candidacy as prescribed under RCW 29A.24.031 with the county auditor for the office of precinct committee officer of his or her party in that precinct.
(2) Disclosure of filing information for precinct committee officer candidates who have not reached the age of 18 is the same as all candidates for precinct committee officer.
(3) When elected at the primary, the precinct committee officer shall serve so long as the committee officer remains an eligible voter in that precinct.
[ 2023 c 361 § 11; 2020 c 208 § 19; 2009 c 106 § 3; 2004 c 271 § 148.]
NOTES:
Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.80 - Political Parties. › 29A.80.051 - Precinct committee officer—Election—Term.

RCW 29A.80.051
Precinct committee officer—Election—Term.
The statutory requirements for filing as a candidate at the primaries apply to candidates for precinct committee officer. The office must be voted upon at the primaries, and the names of all candidates in contested races must appear under the proper party and office designations on the ballot for the primary for each even-numbered year. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes will be declared elected. The term of office of precinct committee officer is two years, commencing the first day of December following the primary.
[ 2012 c 89 § 5; 2004 c 271 § 149.]
NOTES:
Intent—Finding—Effective date—2012 c 89: See notes following RCW 29A.24.311.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.80 - Political Parties. › 29A.80.061 - Legislative district chair—Election—Term—Removal.

RCW 29A.80.061
Legislative district chair—Election—Term—Removal.
Within forty-five days after the statewide general election in even-numbered years, the county chair of each major political party shall call separate meetings of all elected precinct committee officers in each legislative district for the purpose of electing a legislative district chair in such district. The district chair shall hold office until the next legislative district reorganizational meeting two years later, or until a successor is elected.
The legislative district chair may be removed only by the majority vote of the elected precinct committee officers in the chair's district.
[ 2004 c 271 § 150.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: As to the constitutionality of this section, see Pilloud v. King Cty. Republican Cent. Comm., 189 Wn.2d 599, 404 P.3d 500 (2017).
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.010 - Voting, registration irregularities.

RCW 29A.84.010
Voting, registration irregularities.
(1) A county auditor who suspects a person of fraudulent voter registration, vote tampering, or irregularities in voting shall transmit his or her suspicions and observations without delay to the canvassing board.
(2) The county auditor shall make a good faith effort to contact the person in question without delay. If the county auditor is unable to contact the person, or if, after contacting the person, the auditor still suspects fraudulent voter registration, vote tampering, or irregularities in voting, the auditor shall refer the issue to the county prosecuting attorney to determine if further action is warranted.
(3) When a complaint providing information concerning fraudulent voter registration, vote tampering, or irregularities in voting is presented to the office of the prosecuting attorney, that office shall file charges in all cases where warranted.
[ 2003 c 111 § 2101; 2001 c 41 § 12. Formerly RCW 29.85.245.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.020 - Violations by officers.

RCW 29A.84.020
Violations by officers.
Every officer who willfully violates RCW 29A.56.110 through 29A.56.270, for the violation of which no penalty is prescribed in this title or who willfully fails to comply with the provisions of RCW 29A.56.110 through 29A.56.270 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2011 c 10 § 67; 2003 c 111 § 2102; 1965 c 9 § 29.82.210. Prior: 1953 c 113 § 1; prior: 1913 c 146 § 16, part; RRS § 5365, part. Formerly RCW 29.82.210.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.030 - Penalty.

RCW 29A.84.030
Penalty.
A person who willfully violates any provision of this title regarding the conduct of mail ballot primaries or elections is guilty of a class C felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2003 c 111 § 2103; 2001 c 241 § 21. Formerly RCW 29.38.070.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.040 - Political advertising, removing or defacing.

RCW 29A.84.040
Political advertising, removing or defacing.
A person who removes or defaces lawfully placed political advertising including yard signs or billboards without authorization is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable to the same extent as a misdemeanor that is punishable under RCW 9A.20.021. The defacement or removal of each item constitutes a separate violation.
[ 2003 c 111 § 2104. Prior: 1991 c 81 § 19; 1984 c 216 § 5. Formerly RCW 29.85.275.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.
Political advertising
generally: RCW 42.17A.320 through 42.17A.340.
rates for candidates: RCW 65.16.095.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.050 - Tampering with registration form, ballot declaration.

RCW 29A.84.050
Tampering with registration form, ballot declaration.
(1) A person who knowingly destroys, alters, defaces, conceals, or discards a completed voter registration form or signed ballot declaration is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. This section does not apply to (a) the voter who completed the form or declaration, or (b) a county auditor who acts as authorized by law.
(2) Any person who intentionally fails to return another person's completed voter registration form or signed ballot declaration to the proper state or county elections office by the applicable deadline is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2011 c 10 § 68; 2005 c 243 § 23.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.060 - Native American voting rights—Civil actions.

RCW 29A.84.060
Native American voting rights—Civil actions.
(1) The attorney general may bring a civil action for such declaratory or injunctive relief as is necessary to carry out the provisions of RCW 29A.40.170 (3) and (4) in the superior court of the county in which the violation is alleged to have occurred.
(2) A person or federally recognized tribal government may bring a civil action for declaratory or injunctive relief with respect to RCW 29A.08.112(3), 29.08.310(2), or 29A.40.170 (3) and (4), in the superior court of the county in which the violation is alleged to have occurred if:
(a) In the case of a violation that occurs more than one hundred twenty days before an election, that person or tribal government provides notice of the violation to the secretary of state, the violation remains, and ninety days or more have passed since the secretary of state has received the written notice;
(b) In the case of a violation that occurs one hundred twenty days or fewer before an election, that person or tribal government provides notice of the violation to the secretary of state, the violation remains and twenty days or more have passed since the secretary of state has received the written notice; or
(c) In the case of a violation that occurs thirty days or fewer before an election, without providing notice of the violation to the secretary of state.
[ 2019 c 6 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.110 - Officials' violations.

RCW 29A.84.110
Officials' violations.
If any county auditor or registration assistant, including government agency employees providing voter registration services under the requirements of state law or the national voter registration act of 1993:
(1) Willfully neglects or refuses to perform any duty required by law in connection with the registration of voters; or
(2) Willfully neglects or refuses to perform such duty in the manner required by voter registration law; or
(3) Enters or causes or permits to be entered on the voter registration records the name of any person in any other manner or at any other time than as prescribed by voter registration law or enters or causes or permits to be entered on such records the name of any person not entitled to be thereon; or
(4) Destroys, mutilates, conceals, changes, or alters any registration record in connection therewith except as authorized by voter registration law,
that person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable to the same extent as a gross misdemeanor that is punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2023 c 466 § 33; 2003 c 111 § 2105. Prior: 1994 c 57 § 24; 1991 c 81 § 11; 1965 c 9 § 29.85.190; prior: 1933 c 1 § 26; RRS § 5114-26; prior: 1889 p 418 § 15; RRS § 5133. Formerly RCW 29.07.400, 29.85.190.]
NOTES:
Severability—1994 c 57: See note following RCW 29A.16.040.
Effective date—1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.120 - Disenfranchisement or discrimination.

RCW 29A.84.120
Disenfranchisement or discrimination.
An election officer or a person who intentionally disenfranchises an eligible citizen or discriminates against a person eligible to vote by denying voter registration is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2003 c 111 § 2106. Prior: 2001 c 41 § 2. Formerly RCW 29.07.405.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.130 - Voter violations.

RCW 29A.84.130
Voter violations.
Any person who:
(1) Knowingly provides false information on an application for voter registration under any provision of this title;
(2) Knowingly makes or attests to a false declaration as to his or her qualifications as a voter;
(3) Knowingly causes or permits himself or herself to be registered using the name of another person;
(4) Knowingly causes himself or herself to be registered under two or more different names;
(5) Knowingly causes himself or herself to be registered in two or more counties;
(6) Offers to pay another person to assist in registering voters, where payment is based on a fixed amount of money per voter registration;
(7) Accepts payment for assisting in registering voters, where payment is based on a fixed amount of money per voter registration; or
(8) Knowingly causes any person to be registered or causes any registration to be transferred or canceled except as authorized under this title,
is guilty of a class C felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2003 c 111 § 2107. Prior: 1994 c 57 § 25; 1991 c 81 § 12; 1990 c 143 § 12; 1977 ex.s. c 361 § 110; 1965 c 9 § 29.85.200; prior: 1933 c 1 § 27; RRS § 5114-27; prior: 1893 c 45 § 5; 1889 p 418 § 16; RRS § 5136. Formerly RCW 29.07.410, 29.85.200.]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.
Effective date—1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.
Effective date—Severability—1977 ex.s. c 361: See notes following RCW 29A.16.040.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.140 - Unqualified registration.

RCW 29A.84.140
Unqualified registration.
A person who knows that he or she does not possess the legal qualifications of a voter and who registers to vote is guilty of a class C felony. This section does not apply to persons age sixteen or seventeen signing up to register to vote as authorized under RCW 29A.08.170 or 29A.08.355(2).
[ 2020 c 208 § 20; 2018 c 109 § 13; 2005 c 246 § 22; 2003 c 111 § 2108. Prior: 2001 c 41 § 13. Formerly RCW 29.85.249.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2020 c 208 §§ 7, 8, 18, 20, and 21: See note following RCW 29A.08.355.
Short title—Findings—2020 c 208: See notes following RCW 29A.08.210.
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 109: See notes following RCW 29A.08.170.
Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW 10.64.140.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.150 - Misuse, alteration of registration database.

RCW 29A.84.150
Misuse, alteration of registration database.
Any state or local election officer, or a designee, who has access to any county or statewide voter registration database who knowingly uses or alters information in the database inconsistent with the performance of his or her duties is guilty of a class C felony, punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2004 c 267 § 138.]
NOTES:
Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW 29A.08.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.210 - Violations by officers.

RCW 29A.84.210
Violations by officers.
Every officer who willfully violates any of the provisions of chapter 29A.72 RCW or RCW 29A.32.010 through 29A.32.121, for the violation of which no penalty is herein prescribed, or who willfully fails to comply with the provisions of chapter 29A.72 RCW or RCW 29A.32.010 through 29A.32.121, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable to the same extent as a gross misdemeanor that is punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2013 c 11 § 80; 2003 c 111 § 2109; 1993 c 256 § 3; 1965 c 9 § 29.79.480. Prior: 1913 c 138 § 32, part; RRS § 5428, part. Formerly RCW 29.79.480.]
NOTES:
Severability—Effective date—1993 c 256: See notes following RCW 29A.84.280.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.220 - Violations—Corrupt practices—Recall petitions.

RCW 29A.84.220
Violations—Corrupt practices—Recall petitions.
Every person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor, who:
(1) For any consideration, compensation, gratuity, reward, or thing of value or promise thereof, signs or declines to sign any recall petition; or
(2) Advertises in any newspaper, magazine or other periodical publication, or in any book, pamphlet, circular, or letter, or by means of any sign, signboard, bill, poster, handbill, or card, or in any manner whatsoever, that he or she will either for or without compensation or consideration circulate, solicit, procure, or obtain signatures upon, or influence or induce or attempt to influence or induce persons to sign or not to sign any recall petition or vote for or against any recall; or
(3) For pay or any consideration, compensation, gratuity, reward, or thing of value or promise thereof, circulates, or solicits, procures, or obtains or attempts to procure or obtain signatures upon any recall petition; or
(4) Pays or offers or promises to pay, or gives or offers or promises to give any consideration, compensation, gratuity, reward, or thing of value to any person to induce him or her to sign or not to sign, or to circulate or solicit, procure, or attempt to procure or obtain signatures upon any recall petition, or to vote for or against any recall; or
(5) By any other corrupt means or practice or by threats or intimidation interferes with or attempts to interfere with the right of any legal voter to sign or not to sign any recall petition or to vote for or against any recall; or
(6) Receives, accepts, handles, distributes, pays out, or gives away, directly or indirectly, any money, consideration, compensation, gratuity, reward, or thing of value contributed by or received from any person, firm, association, or corporation whose residence or principal office is, or the majority of whose stockholders are nonresidents of the state of Washington, for any service, work, or assistance of any kind done or rendered for the purpose of aiding in procuring signatures upon any recall petition or the adoption or rejection of any recall.
[ 2003 c 111 § 2110; 1984 c 170 § 12; 1965 c 9 § 29.82.220. Prior: 1953 c 113 § 2; prior: 1913 c 146 § 16, part; RRS § 5365, part. Formerly RCW 29.82.220.]
NOTES:
Misconduct in signing a petition: RCW 9.44.080.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.230 - Violations by signers—Initiative, referendum petitions—Penalty.

RCW 29A.84.230
Violations by signers—Initiative, referendum petitions—Penalty.
(1) Every person who signs an initiative or referendum petition with any other than his or her true name is guilty of a class C felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
(2) Every person who knowingly signs more than one petition for the same initiative or referendum measure or who signs an initiative or referendum petition knowing that he or she is not a legal voter or who makes a false statement as to his or her residence on any initiative or referendum petition, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2003 c 111 § 2111; 2003 c 53 § 182; 1993 c 256 § 2; 1965 c 9 § 29.79.440. Prior: 1913 c 138 § 31; RRS § 5427. Formerly RCW 29.79.440, 29.79.450, 29.79.460, 29.79.470.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2003 c 53 § 182 and by 2003 c 111 § 2111, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Severability—Effective date—1993 c 256: See notes following RCW 29A.84.280.
Misconduct in signing a petition: RCW 9.44.080.
Only registered voters may vote—Exception: RCW 29A.04.210.
Registration, information from voter as to qualifications: RCW 29A.08.210.
Residence
contingencies affecting: State Constitution Art. 6 § 4.
defined: RCW 29A.04.151.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.240 - Violations by signers, officers—Recall petitions—Penalty.

RCW 29A.84.240
Violations by signers, officers—Recall petitions—Penalty.
(1) Every person who signs a recall petition with any other than his or her true name is guilty of a class B felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW.
(2) Every person who knowingly (a) signs more than one petition for the same recall, (b) signs a recall petition when he or she is not a legal voter, or (c) makes a false statement as to residence on any recall petition is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(3) Every registration officer who makes any false report or certificate on any recall petition is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2004 c 266 § 19. Prior: 2003 c 111 § 2112; 2003 c 53 § 183; 1984 c 170 § 11; 1965 c 9 § 29.82.170; prior: 1913 c 146 § 15; RRS § 5364. Formerly RCW 29.82.170, 29.82.180, 29.82.190, 29.82.200.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2004 c 266: See note following RCW 29A.04.575.
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Misconduct in signing a petition: RCW 9.44.080.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.250 - Violations—Corrupt practices—Initiative, referendum petitions.

RCW 29A.84.250
Violations—Corrupt practices—Initiative, referendum petitions.
Every person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who:
(1) For any consideration or gratuity or promise thereof, signs or declines to sign any initiative or referendum petition; or
(2) Provides or receives consideration for soliciting or procuring signatures on an initiative or referendum petition if any part of the consideration is based upon the number of signatures solicited or procured, or offers to provide or agrees to receive such consideration any of which is based on the number of signatures solicited or procured; or
(3) Gives or offers any consideration or gratuity to any person to induce him or her to sign or not to sign or to vote for or against any initiative or referendum measure; or
(4) Interferes with or attempts to interfere with the right of any voter to sign or not to sign an initiative or referendum petition or with the right to vote for or against an initiative or referendum measure by threats, intimidation, or any other corrupt means or practice; or
(5) Receives, handles, distributes, pays out, or gives away, directly or indirectly, money or any other thing of value contributed by or received from any person, firm, association, or corporation whose residence or principal office is, or the majority of whose members or stockholders have their residence outside, the state of Washington, for any service rendered for the purpose of aiding in procuring signatures upon any initiative or referendum petition or for the purpose of aiding in the adoption or rejection of any initiative or referendum measure. This subsection does not apply to or prohibit any activity that is properly reported in accordance with the applicable provisions of chapter 42.17A RCW.
A gross misdemeanor under this section is punishable to the same extent as a gross misdemeanor that is punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2011 c 60 § 14; 2003 c 111 § 2113; 1993 c 256 § 4; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 112 § 2; 1965 c 9 § 29.79.490. Prior: 1913 c 138 § 32, part; RRS § 5428, part. Formerly RCW 29.79.490.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2011 c 60: See RCW 42.17A.919.
Severability—Effective date—1993 c 256: See notes following RCW 29A.84.280.
Construction—1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 112: See RCW 42.17A.907.
Misconduct in signing a petition: RCW 9.44.080.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.261 - Petitions—Improperly signing.

RCW 29A.84.261
Petitions—Improperly signing.
The following apply to persons signing filing fee petitions prescribed by RCW 29A.24.101:
(1) A person who signs a petition with any other than his or her name shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(2) A person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor if the person knowingly: Signs more than one petition for any single candidacy of any single candidate; signs the petition when he or she is not a legal voter; or makes a false statement as to his or her residence.
[ 2013 c 11 § 81; 2004 c 271 § 184.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.270 - Duplication of names—Conspiracy—Criminal and civil liability.

RCW 29A.84.270
Duplication of names—Conspiracy—Criminal and civil liability.
Any person who with intent to mislead or confuse the electors conspires with another person who has a surname similar to an incumbent seeking reelection to the same office, or to an opponent for the same office whose political reputation has been well established, by persuading such other person to file for such office with no intention of being elected, but to defeat the incumbent or the well-known opponent, is guilty of a class B felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW. In addition, all conspirators are subject to a suit for civil damages, the amount of which may not exceed the salary that the injured person would have received had he or she been elected or reelected.
[ 2004 c 266 § 20. Prior: 2003 c 111 § 2115; 2003 c 53 § 178; 1965 c 9 § 29.18.080; prior: 1943 c 198 § 6; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 5213-15. Formerly RCW 29.15.110, 29.18.080.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2004 c 266: See note following RCW 29A.04.575.
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.280 - Paid petition solicitors—Finding.

RCW 29A.84.280
Paid petition solicitors—Finding.
The legislature finds that paying a worker, whose task it is to secure the signatures of voters on initiative or referendum petitions, on the basis of the number of signatures the worker secures on the petitions encourages the introduction of fraud in the signature gathering process. Such a form of payment may act as an incentive for the worker to encourage a person to sign a petition which the person is not qualified to sign or to sign a petition for a ballot measure even if the person has already signed a petition for the measure. Such payments also threaten the integrity of the initiative and referendum process by providing an incentive for misrepresenting the nature or effect of a ballot measure in securing petition signatures for the measure.
[ 2003 c 111 § 2116. Prior: 1993 c 256 § 1. Formerly RCW 29.79.500.]
NOTES:
Severability—1993 c 256: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1993 c 256 § 15.]
Effective date—1993 c 256: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately [May 7, 1993]." [ 1993 c 256 § 16.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.311 - Candidacy declarations, nominating petitions.

RCW 29A.84.311
Candidacy declarations, nominating petitions.
Every person who:
(1) Knowingly provides false information on his or her declaration of candidacy or petition of nomination; or
(2) Conceals or fraudulently defaces or destroys a certificate that has been filed with an elections officer under chapter 29A.20 RCW or a declaration of candidacy or petition of nomination that has been filed with an elections officer, or any part of such a certificate, declaration, or petition, is guilty of a class C felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2004 c 271 § 185.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.320 - Duplicate, nonexistent, untrue names—Penalty.

RCW 29A.84.320
Duplicate, nonexistent, untrue names—Penalty.
A person is guilty of a class B felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW who files a declaration of candidacy for any public office of:
(1) A nonexistent or fictitious person; or
(2) The name of any person not his or her true name; or
(3) A name similar to that of an incumbent seeking reelection to the same office with intent to confuse and mislead the electors by taking advantage of the public reputation of the incumbent; or
(4) A surname similar to one who has already filed for the same office, and whose political reputation is widely known, with intent to confuse and mislead the electors by capitalizing on the public reputation of the candidate who had previously filed.
[ 2003 c 111 § 2118; 2003 c 53 § 177; 1965 c 9 § 29.18.070. Prior: (i) 1943 c 198 § 2; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 5213-11. (ii) 1943 c 198 § 3; Rem. Supp. 1943 § 5213-12. Formerly RCW 29.15.100, 29.18.070.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2003 c 53 § 177 and by 2003 c 111 § 2118, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.410 - Unlawful appropriation, printing, or distribution.

RCW 29A.84.410
Unlawful appropriation, printing, or distribution.
Any person who is retained or employed by any officer authorized by the laws of this state to procure the printing of any official ballot or who is engaged in printing official ballots is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if the person knowingly:
(1) Appropriates any official ballot to himself or herself; or
(2) Gives or delivers any official ballot to or permits any official ballot to be taken by any person other than the officer authorized by law to receive it; or
(3) Prints or causes to be printed any official ballot: (a) In any other form than that prescribed by law or as directed by the officer authorized to procure the printing thereof; or (b) with any other names thereon or with the names spelled otherwise than as directed by such officer, or the names or printing thereon arranged in any other way than that authorized and directed by law.
A gross misdemeanor under this section is punishable to the same extent as a gross misdemeanor that is punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2003 c 111 § 2119. Prior: 1991 c 81 § 3; 1965 c 9 § 29.85.040; prior: 1893 c 115 § 1; RRS § 5395. Formerly RCW 29.85.040.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.420 - Unauthorized examination of ballots, election materials—Revealing information.

RCW 29A.84.420
Unauthorized examination of ballots, election materials—Revealing information.
(1) It is a gross misdemeanor for a person to examine, or assist another to examine, any voter record, ballot, or any other state or local government official election material if the person, without lawful authority, conducts the examination:
(a) For the purpose of identifying the name of a voter and how the voter voted; or
(b) For the purpose of determining how a voter, whose name is known to the person, voted; or
(c) For the purpose of identifying the name of the voter who voted in a manner known to the person.
(2) Any person who reveals to another information which the person ascertained in violation of subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(3) A gross misdemeanor under this section is punishable to the same extent as a gross misdemeanor that is punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2003 c 111 § 2120. Prior: 1991 c 81 § 2; 1965 c 9 § 29.85.020; prior: 1911 c 89 § 1, part; Code 1881 § 906; 1873 p 205 § 105; 1854 p 93 § 96; RRS § 5387. Formerly RCW 29.85.020.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.510 - Acts prohibited near voting centers, student engagement hubs, and ballot drop boxes.

RCW 29A.84.510
Acts prohibited near voting centers, student engagement hubs, and ballot drop boxes.
(1) During the voting period that begins eighteen days before and ends the day of a special election, general election, or primary, no person may:
(a) Within a voting center or student engagement hub or in any public street or room in any public manner within 100 feet measured radially from the entrance to a voting center or student engagement hub or 25 feet measured radially from a ballot drop box as described in RCW 29A.40.170:
(i) Suggest or persuade or attempt to suggest or persuade any voter to vote for or against any candidate or ballot measure;
(ii) Circulate cards or handbills of any kind;
(iii) Solicit signatures to any kind of petition; or
(iv) Engage in any practice which interferes with the freedom of voters to exercise their franchise or disrupts the administration of the voting center;
(b) Engage in any activities restricted under (a) of this subsection through electronic amplification located more than 100 feet from an entrance to a voting center or student engagement hub or 25 feet from an entrance to a ballot drop box if the person is capable of being understood within 100 feet of the voting center or student engagement hub or 25 feet of the ballot drop box;
(c) Obstruct the doors or entries to a building in which a voting center or ballot drop location is located or prevent free access to and from any voting center or ballot drop location.
(2) The auditor shall post a sign at the point or points specified at each voting center as required by RCW 29A.40.160 during the voting period providing notice of the prohibition in subsection (1)(a) of this section.
(3) Any sheriff, deputy sheriff, or municipal law enforcement officer shall stop the prohibited activity, and may arrest any person engaging in the prohibited activity.
(4) Any violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor, punishable to the same extent as a gross misdemeanor that is punishable under RCW 9A.20.021, and the person convicted may be ordered to pay the costs of prosecution.
(5) Nothing in this section may be construed to limit or otherwise restrict the access of an authorized political party observer to a voting center, student engagement hub, or ballot drop box for the purpose of observing the election process.
[ 2022 c 69 § 3; 2013 c 11 § 82; 2011 c 10 § 69; 2003 c 111 § 2121. Prior: 1991 c 81 § 20; 1990 c 59 § 75; 1984 c 35 § 1; 1983 1st ex.s. c 33 § 1; 1965 c 9 § 29.51.020; prior: (i) 1947 c 35 § 1, part; 1889 p 412 § 33, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5298, part. (ii) 1895 c 156 § 7, part; 1889 p 409 § 22, part; Code 1881 § 3079, part; 1865 p 34 § 4, part; RRS § 5279, part. Formerly RCW 29.51.020.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Effective date—1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.520 - Electioneering at voting center or ballot drop location by election officers forbidden.

RCW 29A.84.520
Electioneering at voting center or ballot drop location by election officers forbidden.
Any election officer who does any electioneering at a voting center or ballot drop location during the voting period that begins eighteen days before and ends the day of a special election, general election, or primary is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction must be fined in any sum not exceeding one hundred dollars and pay the costs of prosecution.
[ 2013 c 11 § 83; 2011 c 10 § 70; 2003 c 111 § 2122; 1965 c 9 § 29.51.030. Prior: 1947 c 35 § 1, part; 1889 p 412 § 33, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5298, part. Formerly RCW 29.51.030.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.530 - Refusing to leave voting booth.

RCW 29A.84.530
Refusing to leave voting booth.
Deliberately impeding other voters from casting their votes by refusing to leave a voting booth or voting device is a misdemeanor and is subject to the penalties provided in chapter 9A.20 RCW. Election officers may provide assistance in the manner provided by RCW 29A.40.160 to any voter who requests it.
[ 2011 c 10 § 71; 2003 c 111 § 2123. Prior: 1990 c 59 § 49. Formerly RCW 29.51.221.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.540 - Ballots—Removing from voting center or ballot drop location.

RCW 29A.84.540
Ballots—Removing from voting center or ballot drop location.
Any person who, without lawful authority, removes a ballot from a voting center or ballot drop location is guilty of a class C felony punishable to the same extent as a class C felony that is punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2017 c 283 § 3; 2011 c 10 § 72; 2003 c 111 § 2124. Prior: 1991 c 81 § 1; 1965 c 9 § 29.85.010; prior: 1893 c 115 § 2; RRS § 5396. Formerly RCW 29.85.010.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Effective date—1991 c 81: "This act shall take effect July 1, 1992." [ 1991 c 81 § 42.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.545 - Paper record from direct recording electronic voting device—Removing from voting center.

RCW 29A.84.545
Paper record from direct recording electronic voting device—Removing from voting center.
Anyone who, without authorization, removes from a voting center a paper record produced by a direct recording electronic voting device is guilty of a class C felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2011 c 10 § 73; 2005 c 242 § 6.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Paper records: RCW 29A.12.085, 29A.60.095.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.550 - Tampering with materials.

RCW 29A.84.550
Tampering with materials.
Any person who willfully defaces, removes, or destroys any of the supplies or materials that the person knows are intended both for use in a voting center and for enabling a voter to prepare his or her ballot is guilty of a class C felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2011 c 10 § 74; 2003 c 111 § 2125; 1991 c 81 § 9; 1965 c 9 § 29.85.110. Prior: 1889 p 412 § 31; RRS § 5296. FORMER PART OF SECTION: 1935 c 108 § 3, part; RRS § 5339-3, part, now codified, as reenacted, in RCW 29.85.230. Formerly RCW 29.85.110.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Effective date—1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 29A - Elections › Chapter 29A.84 - Crimes and Penalties. › 29A.84.560 - Voting machines, devices—Tampering with—Extra keys.

RCW 29A.84.560
Voting machines, devices—Tampering with—Extra keys.
Any person who tampers with or damages or attempts to damage any voting machine or device to be used or being used in a primary or special or general election, or who prevents or attempts to prevent the correct operation of such machine or device, or any unauthorized person who makes or has in his or her possession a key to a voting machine or device to be used or being used in a primary or special or general election, is guilty of a class C felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.
[ 2003 c 111 § 2126; 1991 c 81 § 18; 1965 c 9 § 29.85.260. Prior: 1913 c 58 § 16; RRS § 5316. Formerly RCW 29.85.260.]
NOTES:
Effective date—1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.