The federal lawsuit filed by Washington GOP Chair and State Rep. Jim Walsh and Franklin County Auditor Matt Beaton challenges a consent decree that overturned the state’s 30-day voter residency requirement.
The decree, agreed to by the Secretary of State’s Office and the State Attorney General’s Office, aimed to align state election rules with federal law, which prohibits residency requirements for federal elections.
Walsh and Beaton argue that the consent decree undermines the state constitution and was part of a broader scheme to invalidate laws that could impact electoral outcomes.
They also question the standing of the plaintiffs in the original lawsuit and claim that the case lacked genuine legal adversity.
The outcome of this legal battle could potentially affect voter registration and election laws in Washington State.