Irrigation district election bill passes WA Senate
On Monday the Senate passed a bill, sponsored by Senator Nikki Torres (R-Pasco), permitting mail-in ballots for irrigation-district elections.
Courtesy photo
OLYMPIA – On Monday the Washington Senate passed a bill permitting mail-in ballots for irrigation-district elections.
“This is a commonsense bill that has been well-worked in previous sessions,” said Senator Nikki Torres (R-Pasco), primary sponsor of the bill. “Irrigation districts are the oldest form of special purpose districts in Washington. The election procedures for irrigation districts reflect this and are antiquated, with even the wording of the current law being in desperate need of an update.”
The release from Torres’ office stated Senate Bill 5709 permits the use of mail-in ballots in place of exclusively polling places and absentee ballots amongst other changes. There are about 100 irrigation districts throughout the state.
“Senate Bill 5709 removes some questionable terminology from the law, makes some changes to how someone becomes a candidate for the district board, and allows for the safe and secure use of mail-in ballots,” Torres said.
The Senate voted 47-0 to approve Substitute SB 5709 and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.