“Republican Sen. Jason Howell from Murray, the bill’s lead sponsor, said he hopes his legislation offers “clarity” on voter eligibility. His bill to ban noncitizens from voting passed the Senate Monday.

“This is about protecting citizens and the thousands of people who’ve lawfully navigated the immigration process. One of the rewards of doing so is earning the right to vote,” Howell said.

An amendment identical to Howell’s already passed in the House of Representatives — House Bill 341, sponsored by Republican Rep. Michael Meredith, from Oakland. Because the bills mirror each other but are technically unconnected, one of the two must gain final approval from the other chamber before it can appear on the ballot in November.”
Read more…