The Washington State House has approved new legislation—House Bill 1916—that tightens the criteria for challenging a voter’s registration. Passed on February 11, 2026, by a party-line vote of 58–38, the bill places new procedural hurdles on those seeking to dispute a voter’s eligibility and raises penalties for misconduct in doing so.

Under current law, a registered voter—or county prosecuting attorney—can challenge another voter’s registration on several grounds, including non‑citizenship, felony status, or incorrect residential address, backed by due‑diligence documentation. HB 1916 imposes additional layers of verification:

  • Challenges may only be filed against voters registered within the same county, eliminating statewide or interstate challenges. ([washingtonstatestandard.com](https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/11/tighter-rules-on-voter-registration-challenges-clear-wa-house/?utm_source=openai))
  • Challengers must now send certified letters “with return service requested” to both residential and mailing addresses (if differing). ([washingtonstatestandard.com](https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/11/tighter-rules-on-voter-registration-challenges-clear-wa-house/?utm_source=openai))
  • All challenges must be based on “personal knowledge” of the facts, defined explicitly as firsthand observation or experience. ([washingtonstatestandard.com](https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/11/tighter-rules-on-voter-registration-challenges-clear-wa-house/?utm_source=openai))
  • Affidavits must be physically signed in ink; electronic signatures are no longer accepted. ([washingtonstatestandard.com](https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/11/tighter-rules-on-voter-registration-challenges-clear-wa-house/?utm_source=openai))
  • County auditors gain authority to dismiss challenges that lack merit; only when eligibility cannot be independently confirmed and probable cause is shown is a hearing required. ([washingtonstatestandard.com](https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/11/tighter-rules-on-voter-registration-challenges-clear-wa-house/?utm_source=openai))
  • Knowingly filing a false challenge or doing so without reasonable cause is criminalized, carrying penalties including misdemeanor charges or perjury for false statements. ([washingtonstatestandard.com](https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/11/tighter-rules-on-voter-registration-challenges-clear-wa-house/?utm_source=openai))

Rep. Beth Doglio (D‑Olympia), sponsor of the bill, argued that even unsupported challenges can intimidate voters, particularly newer registrants. “Even a baseless challenge can make a voter think twice before going to the polls,” she said during debate. ([washingtonstatestandard.com](https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/11/tighter-rules-on-voter-registration-challenges-clear-wa-house/?utm_source=openai))

On the other side, Republicans voiced concern that the bill hampers legitimate oversight. Rep. Jim Walsh (R‑Aberdeen), also chair of the state GOP, warned the rules put up “barriers to citizens to exercise their lawful duty to act as a check on the system.” ([washingtonstatestandard.com](https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/11/tighter-rules-on-voter-registration-challenges-clear-wa-house/?utm_source=openai))

Local Impact: Why This Matters in Cowlitz County

In Cowlitz County—including Longview and Kelso—auditors have historically managed voter eligibility concerns aligned with state guidelines. If HB 1916 becomes law, auditors here would:

  • No longer accept challenges from outside the county—limiting the influx of potentially organized challenge campaigns.
  • Require challengers to meet higher procedural standards—including certified mail and signed affidavits.
  • Possibly see fewer frivolous or politically motivated challenges, reducing anxiety among recent registrants.

This could reflect in reduced administrative workload for the auditor’s office and a more secure environment for vulnerable voter groups, such as those in temporary housing or recently relocated, who may be less equipped to respond to challenges.

Next Steps

HB 1916 now moves to the Washington State Senate for consideration. Its fate there will determine whether these more robust protections—and procedural barriers—become law in time for the next election cycle.

Why It Matters
This legislation is not just procedural. It reflects deeper tensions between safeguarding voter access and enabling election integrity efforts. In a county like Cowlitz, where trust in local institutions is paramount, this law could both shield residents from intimidation and reevaluate how civic oversight functions at the grassroots.

We’ll continue monitoring this bill’s progress in the Senate and its implications for election operations in Cowlitz County.