This week’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to weaken the federal Voting Rights Act is deeply concerning and damaging to our democracy. The Voting Rights Act was hard fought and won through the leadership and sacrifice of Black Americans and communities of color, and it has long served as a cornerstone of fair and competitive elections in our country. 

While the full impacts are still unfolding, one thing is clear, it introduces real uncertainty for voting rights protections here in Washington state, especially for communities that have historically faced barriers to the ballot. 

We anticipated moments like this. 

“This decision is a reminder that the right to vote can never be taken for granted. Here in Washington, we are committed to doing everything in our power to protect access to the ballot and ensure every voice is heard, no matter who you are or where you live,” said Representative Jamila Taylor, chair of the Civil Rights and Judiciary committee.  

This session, we advanced a coordinated package of legislation to strengthen voter protections and ensure our elections remain fair, secure, and accessible. 

“We pushed important legislation forward this year because we knew federal protections could be weakened,” said Representative Sharlett Mena, chair of the State Government Committee. “These laws help ensure that discriminatory election changes are stopped before they happen, that people have access to free and fair elections, and so communities don’t have to fight after the harm is done.” 

Our strategies and highlight legislation: 

We focused on prevention. Representative Sharlett Mena’s HB 1710 creates a state-level review process so that jurisdictions with a history of discrimination cannot implement harmful election changes without oversight. 

We strengthened enforcement. Representative Natasha Hill’s HB 1750 improves how violations of the Washington Voting Rights Act are addressed, giving communities clearer, more effective pathways to challenge discrimination. 

We put safeguards in place. Representative Beth Doglio’s HB 1916 protects eligible voters from mass challenges and improper removal from voter rolls, and Senator Riccelli’s SB 5892 ensures sensitive voter data cannot be misused or exposed. 

And we expanded access. Senator Claudia Kauffman’s SB 6035 improves voting access for Tribal communities and others who face structural barriers, helping ensure participation is not determined by geography or circumstance. 

This is what it means to have a strong legislative response. 

“As chair of the House Members of Color Caucus, I am proud to stand with Vice Chair Jamila Taylor, Vice Chair Natasha Hill, Representative Sharlett Mena, and our colleagues in doing this work,” said Members of Color Caucus Chair, Representative Chris Stearns, “When federal protections are weakened, states must lead. Washington is ready. Because protecting everyone’s right to vote is not optional, it is fundamental to a functioning democracy.”