(1) Prior to use in conducting any primary or election, the secretary of state must approve systems used in the conduct of elections, including:

(a) Voting systems, voting devices, or vote tallying systems, unless approved under this chapter or the former chapter 29.34 RCW before March 22, 1982; and

(b) Any mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic equipment or platform, including software, firmware, or hardware that is used:

(i) In issuing a ballot;

(ii) To facilitate voters' response to a required notice;

(iii) To provide an electronic means for submission of a ballot declaration signature under RCW 29A.60.165; or

(iv) To issue, authenticate, or validate voter identification.

(2) The secretary of state may, after review, determine that a modification, change, or improvement to any voting system or component of a system does not require a full reexamination or reapproval by the secretary of state under RCW 29A.12.020.

Findings—Intent—2025 c 329: See note following RCW 29A.12.210.

Intent—Effective date—1990 c 59: See notes following RCW 29A.04.013.

Severability—1982 c 40: See note following RCW 29A.12.020.