WA HB1916

Raises the burden of proof for voter registration challenges from "clear and convincing evidence" to "beyond a reasonable doubt," and requires challengers to appear in person at hearings while challenged voters may submit testimony by affidavit

Simplifies evidence requirements for residency-based challenges by removing mandates to search telephone directories, property records, and voter databases in other states; now requires only sending a certified letter to the challenged voter's address

Creates new criminal penalties: false swearing charges with fines up to $10,000 for knowingly providing false information in challenges, and misdemeanor charges for each challenge filed knowingly without reasonable cause

Allows county auditors to dismiss challenges without a hearing if probable cause is lacking or if the auditor can independently verify voter eligibility, and extends the publication timeline from 72 hours to 10 business days

Requires immediate cancellation of voter registration when county auditors receive verified official information that a voter has registered in another state more recently than in Washington