U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democrat representing Washington's 3rd District, pressed the House Appropriations Committee to preserve the state's mail-in voting system during debate over the Financial Services and General Government spending bill. Her amendment would have prohibited the federal government from using appropriated funds to restrict mail-in ballot access for eligible citizens. The committee voted down the measure.
Gluesenkamp Perez framed mail-in voting as essential infrastructure for working Americans. "Washington state has been using mail ballots for decades for safe and secure election administration," she said in remarks during the committee debate. She highlighted the practical advantages of the system, noting that it allows people working shift jobs, caring for children, or living in rural areas to participate in elections without facing the logistical barriers of in-person voting.
The congresswoman also emphasized the security and transparency features of mail-in ballots. She pointed out that the system produces "a full, auditable paper trail of election records," which she said aligns with guidance from the Election Assistance Commission for conducting secure elections.
The failed amendment marks the second consecutive year Gluesenkamp Perez has sought to legislatively protect mail-in voting at the federal appropriations level. Last year's similar effort also faced rejection from the committee.
Beyond her committee work, Gluesenkamp Perez recently joined colleagues in signing a letter to the president requesting that he revoke a recently issued executive order that restricts access to mail-in voting.
