Washington HB1339: Even-numbered year elections

What the bill says

An act Relating to shifting general elections for local governments to even-numbered years to increase voter participation; amending RCW 29A.04.330, 35.17.020, 35.18.270, 35.23.051, 35.27.090, 35.30.080, 35A.02.050, 3.50.040, and 3.50.050; and creating new sections. NEW SECTION.

From the introduced text:

AN ACT Relating to shifting general elections for local governments to even-numbered years to increase voter participation; amending RCW 29A.04.330, 35.17.020, 35.18.270, 35.23.051, 35.27.090, 35.30.080, 35A.02.050, 3.50.040, and 3.50.050; and creating new sections. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that participation in local government elections is integral to ensuring that local governments and elected officials accurately represent and are accountable to the communities which they serve. The legislature believes that when there is low voter participation in an election, policy outcomes are more favorable to special interests and less reflective of the needs of the broader community. Over the past eight years, Washington has had a dramatic gap between odd-year and even-year voter participation: Participation in local elections in odd-numbered years averages around 40.5 percent, while even-numbered year elections average around 80 percent participation, nearly double that of odd-year elections. Under current law, local governments generally must conduct elections in odd-numbered years that do not coincide with federal or state elections. The legislature believes that holding local government elections in even-numbered years will increase voter turnout and ensure that a broader cross-section of voters participate in contests for local offices, resulting in local governments that more accurately represent and reflect the desires and needs of their communities. In particular, an increase in voter turnout will ensure that the voices …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Mia Gregerson (D) · primary sponsor
• Darya Farivar (D)
• Sharlett Mena (D)
• Greg Nance (D)
• Monica Stonier (D)
• Lisa Parshley (D)
• My-Linh Thai (D)
• Shaun Scott (D)
• Roger Goodman (D)
• Jake Fey (D)
• Chipalo Street (D)
• Beth Doglio (D)

Latest actions

1. February 19, 2026: House Rules "X" file.
2. February 19, 2026: Returned to Rules Committee for second reading.
3. January 19, 2026: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
4. January 12, 2026: By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
5. March 19, 2025: Returned to Rules Committee for second reading.
6. February 28, 2025: Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
7. February 21, 2025: Referred to Rules 2 Review.
8. February 20, 2025: Minority; without recommendation.
9. February 20, 2025: Minority; do not pass.
10. February 20, 2025: APP - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

Votes

• House Committee on Appropriations: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass (February 20, 2025): 18 yea, 12 nay, passed
• House Committee on State Government & Tribal Relations: Do pass (February 4, 2025): 4 yea, 3 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB1339?

HB1339 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Even-numbered year elections.

What does HB1339 do?

In its own words: An act Relating to shifting general elections for local governments to even-numbered years to increase voter participation; amending RCW 29A.04.330, 35.17.020, 35.18.270, 35.23.051, 35.27.090, 35.30.080, 35A.02.050, 3.50.040, and 3.50.050; and creating new sections. NEW SECTION.

What is the status of HB1339?

In committee as of February 19, 2026. Latest action: House Rules "X" file. (February 19, 2026).

Who sponsored HB1339?

Mia Gregerson (D), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB1339?

On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1339&Year=2025