FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 10, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT
Magaly Smith, magaly@weareoneamerica.org, 206-452-8403

OneAmerica Wins Transparency for Voters in Ballot Title Change for Voter Registration Initiative

Seattle, WA – Today, the Thurston County Superior Court granted in part a title ballot challenge issued by OneAmerica in regard to a purposed voter registration initiative. On May 20, 2025 State Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh filed Initiative Measure No. IL26-126 that would require voters to have enhanced drivers’ licenses or provide specific, in-person proof of citizenship to vote in Washington State. On June 20, 2025, OneAmerica, a statewide immigrant rights organization, filed a ballot title challenge in Thurston County Superior Court to improve transparency for voters about the impact of the proposed Initiative. The case highlighted the fact that many current and eligible voters will have their voter registrations canceled if the proposed Initiative becomes law.

Today, the case was heard in court and the judge agreed to add important language to the statement of subject, highlighting that this destructive initiative is about “heightened” requirements for both new and current voters. Below is a statement about this decision from OneAmerica Executive Director, Roxana Norouzi:

“No matter what we look like or where we come from, all voters in Washington must have the opportunity to make their voices heard at the ballot box. Jim Walsh and the Republicans behind this initiative seek to use their power and wealth to disenfranchise and harm voters across Washington by placing additional barriers that disenfranchise New American Voters who are an integral part of our democracy. This initiative could cancel the voter registrations of many Washingtonians who are currently eligible to vote, by adding confusing and onerous in-person proof-of-citizenship requirements.

That’s why we led a challenge of the ballot title – to ensure voters understand what is at stake. We have worked to ensure all voters have equal say in our democracy for years, including winning the historic Washington Voting Rights Act and registering new Americans to vote, and we won’t stop now. We are committed to ensuring this initiative does not become reality for Washington voters.”

With the ballot title set, the proponents of this initiative to the legislature may move onto the signature gathering stage and if they meet the signature requirements, it will force the legislature to consider this issue. OneAmerica will continue to monitor and share updates on this policy.