In Washington State, ballots are verified primarily by matching signatures against the voter's registration record (often from a driver's license). Once accepted, detecting that a ballot was cast by someone not legally entitled (e.g., a non-citizen) in routine post-election checks is often described as near-impossible without specific evidence or targeted investigation. Post-election audits (per RCW 29A.60 and Secretary of State procedures) focus on tabulation accuracy, NOT eligibility or citizenship. The required Random Batch Audit (within 48 hours of Election Day) hand-counts ballots from selected batches or precincts to verify machine counts, but does not recheck voter identity, the origins of signatures, or citizenship—it's about mechanical errors, not who voted. Ergo, they see no evidence of fraud. Washington's "Motor Voter" law (1994, signed by Democrat Gov. Mike Lowry on March 23 as Chapter 57, Laws of 1994; SSB 6188) implemented the federal NVRA by codifying voter registration at Department of Licensing offices. An earlier 1992 law began the practice. Sponsored by Senators Haugen, Winsley, and Drew Munro, it passed with strong bipartisan support.
Democrats controlled both the state House and Senate during the 1994 session (Republicans later gained the House that year). Democrats have held the governorship since 1985 (with continuity through figures like Lowry, Locke, Gregoire, Inslee, and now Ferguson as of 2025). They maintained legislative majorities most years since the 1990s, achieving supermajorities in recent cycles (one-party rule). Critics argue the mail-in system (no in-person voting requirement, no photo ID check at the polls) enables risks such as non-citizen voting amid rising immigration, with census counts including non-citizens for apportionment. Officials (including the Secretary of State's office) maintain that the system is secure, that non-citizen voting is rare and a felony, and that signature verification and attestations under penalty of perjury prevent widespread issues. That only works if the signatories in fact fear the law. The only thing being checked on a ballot is signature verification, not the legality of the signature.
Pamela Webster claims voting is the most secure as it has ever been. Even though Washington State Democrats counted over 300,000 illegals in the census and over 200,000 of these were granted driver's licenses, they could find no one cheating. On its face, it seems preposterous. She also states there are many checks and cross-checks. Why? Because there are too many opportunities for cheating. Particularly, chain-of-custody issues when going through the US mail.
In-person, same-day voting, picture ID proving citizenship offers the most efficient, secure, and transparent voting method. She can feel comfortable in the process. I do not want to jeopardize fairness for convenience. After all, how convenient was it to secure that right? A party that allowed millions to violate our law and then offer sanctuary for breaking it. This does not build trust. Asking for in-person voting is a way to minimize or eliminate the appearance of fraud in an open and fair election. Trust is imperative. Which will lower the angst caused by the overcomplicated voting process now.
Monty Winton
LaCenter
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