Olympia, WA – Dale Whitaker, the GOP-endorsed candidate for Washington Secretary of State, will attend a crucial hearing on June 25th, 2024 at 10 a.m. in Olympia to defend the 30-day residency requirement for voter eligibility outlined in the state constitution.
Whitaker is vocal about his opposition to the recent legal case, Washington State Alliance for Retired Americans v. Hobbs et al., where Secretary Hobbs and his co-litigants quickly agreed to a Consent Decree. This agreement removed the minimum residency requirement from voter registration forms and guidance for all elections, including the upcoming 2024 general election.
“This Consent Decree is a backroom deal that bypasses the state constitution, legislature, and the citizens of Washington,” Whitaker stated. “This is a power-grab by activists using the courts and willing supplicants to make wholesale changes to state election practices hoping it flies under the radar of public and legal scrutiny. The 30-day residency requirement is a constitutional mandate that cannot be disregarded, and the recent court action does just that.”
The hearing, to be held at 10 am, at the Washington Secretary of State Library at 6880 Capitol Blvd. SE, Tumwater, WA, is expected to draw significant attention. Whitaker warns that eliminating the residency requirement could lead to voter confusion and unintentional legal violations.
“If this requirement is removed, residents might unknowingly register and vote without meeting the constitutional mandate, breaking the law. Clear and enforceable voting laws are essential for fair and secure elections. A reasonable registration deadline and post-registration residency requirement are essential for maintaining fair and secure elections. They ensure that state and county election officials have a reasonable period of time to investigate registrations, which is what Article 6, Section 1 of the State Constitution accomplishes. Transparency, clarity, and some oversight in our voter registration process are key to fostering trust in our electoral system.”
The June 25th hearing will be pivotal as Whitaker and others advocate for upholding the state constitution and ensuring transparency in Washington’s electoral process.
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