Heritage scorecard places Washington near bottom on election rules; state officials and GOP disagree on causes

# What the scorecard says

Heritage updated the September 2026 methodology to increase the weight given to proof-of-citizenship and voter-list maintenance. That change contributed to Washington's low placement. Minnesota, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Vermont, California and Hawaii make up the bottom six. Tennessee tops the list with 87 of 100 points.

# Why Washington scored poorly

Heritage's report found Washington lacking in nearly every field it tracks. The foundation emphasized documentary and citizenship verification and voter-registration list maintenance as especially important in the updated score.

Washington did not meet many of the specific criteria Heritage uses to award points. The report's adjustments on proof-of-citizenship have a clear effect because Washington requires an affirmation of U.S. citizenship on registration forms rather than routine documentary proof at the point of registration.

Washington Republican Party Chair and state Rep. Jim Walsh said the ranking reflects long-standing concerns about the state's registration system. He pointed to the fact that Washington's current process asks registrants to check a box affirming they are legal voters rather than providing documentary proof of citizenship.

Walsh criticized automatic voter registration, arguing interactions with state agencies can enroll people without sufficient citizenship verification. He called for more aggressive maintenance of voter rolls to remove people who have died, moved out of state or otherwise become ineligible. The report did give Washington 18 out of 21 points specifically for the accuracy of voter registration lists, a detail Walsh acknowledged while still urging better follow-through on laws governing ongoing updates.

# State election office response

State's office pushed back, saying the Heritage report uses criteria that have been found unlawful or are legally contested. In an unsigned email response, the agency said it is committed to protecting voters' rights and will continue to administer free, fair and accessible elections.

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs has defended Washington's list-maintenance practices, saying the state complies with state law, the Help America Vote Act and the National Voter Registration Act. He has pointed to what he describes as a proven track record maintaining a secure and accurate voter roll.

# Practical consequences and ongoing debate

This assessment matters because it influences how lawmakers, advocacy groups and voters frame proposals for changes to registration, absentee-ballot rules and maintenance of statewide voter databases in future legislative sessions.