News

OLYMPIA — New laws and funding requested and supported by Secretary of State Steve Hobbs during the 2023 Legislative session will help ensure the integrity of Washington’s elections and improve access to the ballot for eligible voters.

The bipartisan elections measures signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee help advance Secretary Hobbs’ top priorities of election security, voter education, and fighting election disinformation.

“These new laws and critical funding will go a long way toward reducing barriers to voter registration and enhancing election security,” Secretary Hobbs… Read more

OLYMPIA — Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs issued the following statement in response to Governor Jay Inslee’s proclamation of a special legislative session.

“As Secretary of State, it is my duty to add the Washington State Seal to Governor Inslee’s proclamation of a special legislative session to establish a policy on drug possession. I support this extraordinary action, which provides the Legislature time and authority to create consistent statewide laws that balance compassion with accountability.

“… Read more

OLYMPIA — State funding is now available to local governments through Washington State Archives’ Local Records Grant Program.

The Local Records Grant Program helps local government agencies upgrade their technological resources for records management and retention, and better respond to public-records requests. Since its inception in 2005, the program has awarded more than  $4 million to hundreds of agencies including cities, towns, and counties; fire, school, hospital, port, and public-utility districts;… Read more

OLYMPIA — Candidate Filing Week is May 15-19, and the Office of the Secretary of State is joining county elections offices across Washington to accept applications for public office. 

Nearly 3,400 local offices across the state are up for election this year, including more than 100 mayorships; many city and county council positions; and port, hospital, water, fire, and parks and recreation districts.

People interested in running for local or county offices may file with the … Read more

SEATTLE — Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL), which provides access to information and reading materials for people who are unable to read standard print, is seeking donations during GiveBIG 2023 May 2-3.

WTBBL’s goal is to raise at least $10,000 to support the library’s new podcasting program, which will offer diverse programming including current and timely stories, connect the community with information and resources, highlight authors and library services,… Read more

OLYMPIA — The Office of the Secretary of State is now accepting nominations for Washington’s Medals of Merit and Valor, the highest civilian honors awarded to the people of Washington.

The Medal of Merit recognizes exceptional individuals who perform outstanding services for Washington and its residents. The Medal of Valor is awarded to anyone who has saved, or attempted to save, the life of… Read more

WTBBL's First Quarter 2023 Reading Matters Newsletter is now available.

Read the Fiscal Year 2021 annual report

OLYMPIA — Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs responds to former President Trump’s unfounded social media attack on the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC):

“If you support accuracy of the voter roll, you support ERIC. Washington state has benefited from ERIC since its Republican secretary of state helped found the multistate partnership in 2012. Attacks on ERIC undermine the hard work of keeping America’s voter rolls up to date and accurate. Every year, ERIC flags thousands of out-of-date voter records for state review, and in 2022 alone helped update 175,279… Read more

OLYMPIA — Secretary of State Steve Hobbs continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, one year into the unprovoked invasion by Russia.

Through the Office of the Secretary of State’s Combined Fund Drive (CFD), Washington state employees and retirees have donated more than $146,200 to over 15 charitable organizations that support Ukrainian relief. Of these donations, more than $12,200 were specifically dedicated to Ukraine.

“I am continually inspired by the generosity of Washingtonians who are supporting Ukraine in its… Read more