Gov. Jay Inslee should approve a request from Secretary of State Kim Wyman for $2 million in emergency spending, helping ensure equal access to the ballot box for all of Washington’s residents.
On Monday, the King County Council passed a plan for prepaid postage on ballots mailed to voters for this year’s Aug. 7 primary and Nov. 6 general election. The council agreed to spend $381,000 so voters will not be compelled to place a stamp on the envelope if they choose to return ballots by mail.
On a micro level, this makes sense. Requiring a stamp — which now costs 50 cents for first-class postage — amounts to a modern-day poll tax. Voters must either deliver ballots in person or affix a stamp and drop their vote in a mailbox. Pilot programs were conducted in several King County communities in 2016, and evidence suggests that prepaid ballots contribute to increased voter turnout.
But on a macro level, the King County action creates problems for the rest of the state. It is inherently unfair — and perhaps unconstitutional — for King County residents to have an easier path to voting than other residents. As Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey said, “Consistency in election administration across the state is a very important objective.”
For example, a contest to replace retiring Dave Reichert as representative from Washington’s 8th Congressional District will include parts of King, Pierce, Chelan and Kittitas counties; voters in those counties must have equal access. For another example, the November ballot will include a statewide race for a U.S. Senate seat, and perhaps statewide initiatives relating to gun rights and a carbon tax.
With 30 percent of Washington’s population, King County already wields enormous power when it comes to elections. The prospect of the county increasing that influence is disconcerting for residents elsewhere.
Meanwhile, it is difficult for many smaller counties to mimic King County. As Wyman wrote to Inslee: “A number of distressed counties in our state are facing significant budget challenges this year. Residents of these counties should not be treated differently at election time than residents of counties prosperous enough to afford prepaid postage.” Kimsey estimated that the cost of prepaid ballots would average about $83,000 a year in Clark County.
Wyman had recommended that King County wait for statewide approval of prepaid ballots to ensure a uniform system. But with a 7-2 vote, officials forced the hand of state government.
Inslee’s office could choose to fight the move in court, but that would prolong the issue and lead to contentious delays. Instead, we hope Inslee can approve Wyman’s request to provide reimbursements to counties for providing prepaid postage. Tara Lee, a spokeswoman for the governor, told The (Spokane) Spokesman-Review: “Emergency funds are very limited, both in the amount available and circumstances where it can be spent. We don’t have $2 million in emergency funding available, and so the governor’s team is looking into what options might be available for covering costs.” That might require Inslee to call a special session of the Legislature.
Either way, any solution would be a temporary fix for a long-term issue. The Legislature should approve sustainable funding for prepaid postage in coming years. Ensuring maximum and equal access for all Washington voters in crucial. King County has taken that step, and Gov. Inslee should help the rest of the state to follow along.
