Crosscut Now
May 18, 2023 - WA passed a 'Voting Rights Act 2.0' bill
5/18/2023 | 1m 15sVideo has Closed Captions
WA passed a 'Voting Rights Act 2.0' bill. Here's what's in it.
The new law, which has already been applied to a case in Yakima, expands voter protections — but not without criticism.
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Crosscut Now is a local public television program presented by Cascade PBS
Crosscut Now
May 18, 2023 - WA passed a 'Voting Rights Act 2.0' bill
5/18/2023 | 1m 15sVideo has Closed Captions
The new law, which has already been applied to a case in Yakima, expands voter protections — but not without criticism.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Washington voters have a new tool to strengthen their voting rights and make it easier for citizens and community groups to challenge discrimination in local elections.
A voting rights lawsuit and settlement prompted the change in Yakima County.
It required a lawsuit invoking Washington's 2018 Voting Rights Act.
Before, all Yakima County commissioners were elected countywide in the general election, a system that voters argued diluted the Latino vote.
Under the 2021 settlement, districts were redrawn to include one Latino majority district.
State Representative Sharlett Mena sponsored House Bill 1048.
Voting rights advocates say the most significant change is clear standing for organizations and tribes that pursue challenges to local and state election systems on behalf of their members.
HB 1048 goes into effect in 2024.
I'm Paris Jackson.
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Crosscut Now is a local public television program presented by Cascade PBS