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Secretary of State backs tribal outreach in voting bill; cybersecurity experts and election officials clash on electronic ballot portal
Summary
Committee debated second substitute SB 60 35, which authorizes a Secretary of State electronic ballot-return portal for military, tribal and disability voters. Security experts warned that Internet ballot return is high risk; Secretary's office and King County said the bill authorizes careful testing and reporting, with an estimated $214,000 to consult experts.
The House committee took testimony on second substitute Senate Bill 60 35, which combines requirements for tribal outreach with an authorization — not a mandate — for the Secretary of State to establish an electronic ballot‑return portal aimed at military overseas, Native American, and voters with disabilities.
Desiree Omley (committee staff) summarized the measure: it requires counties to meet regularly with federally recognized tribes and directs the Secretary of State to meet with tribes biennially; it authorizes the Secretary of State to create a portal, establish rules for security, privacy and auditability, and publish annual reports…
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