Two Awesome Bills About Voting Fail To Get A Vote

In the ultimate irony of all ironies, two awesome bills that would have revolutionized the voting process failed to get a vote by either the Washington State House or Senate.

As if Valentines Day wasn't epic enough; it also marked the cut off date for any bill to be voted out of its house of origin.

The Washington Voter's Right Act would have extended the protections granted by the Federal Voting Rights Act to the state level.  Any institution or process that made it difficult for minority groups to vote and/or elect candidates that represented them could be challenged.  In order for a Representative Democracy to work, our Representatives have to accurately represent the people.

Same Day Voter Registration also failed to get a vote in either the House or the Senate.  Here at the Bus, we think everyone should be registered. And whether you decide you care about an election the same day or 4 weeks before election night, your voice should be heard.  This bill would have made sure the former group of eligible voters still had their voice heard on such crucial upcoming issues as Marriage Equality, Marijuana Legalization, and who'll be our next Governor and President.  (Pro Tip: since this didn't pass, make sure to register before October 8th, 2012.)

Of course, the bill that would allow 16 and 17 year old Washington residents to pre-register to vote did pass the house.  Excited about this (as you should be)?  Come to the next Bus call party February 20th at the Bus HQ and let's get the Senate to vote for it also.