Battle Ground resident Gary Obermeyer says the GOP/Walsh proposal would not strengthen election integrity — it would burden existing, lawful voters
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
Paul Valencia’s Nov. 17 story opens with a misleading headline, referring to “the state’s voter ID initiative.” Initiative 26-126 is a partisan GOP campaign led by Rep. Jim Walsh, built on the unsupported claim that large numbers of non-citizens are voting and that “restoring trust” requires new barriers to voting.
The facts show otherwise. Washington already requires every voter-registration applicant to attest to U.S. citizenship under penalty of perjury. Violations are a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine (RCW 29A.84.130). In addition, the state maintains a strong system for cross-checking and verifying voter data. There is no evidence of widespread non-citizen voting.
The GOP/Walsh proposal would not strengthen election integrity — it would burden existing, lawful voters. Under IL-26-126, anyone without an Enhanced ID would have to make an appointment with the county auditor, appear in person, and present documentary proof of citizenship just to keep their current registration. This requirement would fall hardest on elderly voters, low-income residents, rural communities, naturalized citizens, people who changed their names after marriage, Puerto Rico–born U.S. citizens, and anyone with older or technically non-compliant birth records.
Walsh has publicly acknowledged that this initiative is “the first step.” The end goal is to eliminate Washington’s vote-by-mail system and force a return to in-person voting lines — a dramatic rollback of a system that has served voters well for decades. Petitioners must gather just over 308,000 valid signatures by January 2, 2026, to place this on the 2026 ballot, and any qualification would almost certainly trigger legal challenges.
In the meantime, we should call this initiative what it is: a partisan effort to restrict access to the ballot. Despite claims to the contrary, Initiative 26-126 functions as voter suppression — plain and simple.
Gary Obermeyer
Battle Ground
Also read:
- Plenty of NBA connections expected in town Sunday for Vancouver Bears game
Former NBA stars Gary Payton and Robert Pack will coach opposite each other when the SuperHawks visit the undefeated Vancouver Bears in a marquee USBL matchup. - 18th District lawmakers to host town hall meeting on Saturday, March 28, in Battle Ground
Stephanie McClintock and John Ley will meet with Battle Ground constituents to answer questions, review the new income tax, and discuss the effects of the $80 billion budget. - State’s umpire-in-chief goes on recruiting trip in his final season as a baseball umpire
Tim Stevens is spending his last season traveling to every Washington umpire association, working to address the shortage of officials and encourage young people to join the ranks. - POLL: After hearing state leaders describe the I-5 Bridge as vulnerable in an earthquake, what is your reaction?
State and local leaders describe the I-5 Bridge as structurally at risk but recommend drivers continue crossing it while complex replacement plans unfold. - Opinion: Historical state income tax and another massive operating budget highlight the end of the 2026 legislative session
Rep. John Ley details the passage of a state income tax, an expanding $80 billion budget, and new Clark County infrastructure funding following the 2026 legislative session. - VIDEO: Legal challenges certain as Gov. Ferguson prepares to sign new income tax
Senate Minority Leader John Braun and other legislators expect legal challenges and initiative efforts to follow Gov. Ferguson’s signature on Washington’s new income tax law affecting high earners and businesses. - Vancouver Fire Department honors firefighters, community members at annual awards ceremony
Acts of bravery, including river rescues and life-saving interventions by both residents and first responders, were recognized at the Vancouver Fire Department’s annual awards ceremony.
wpDiscuz
