Advisory Opinion 04-02
Date
05/20/2004
Number
04-02
Requester
Sen. Karen Keiser
Topic
Normal and Regular Conduct - Voter Registration
Issue/Question
​May a legislator mail unsolicited voter registration materials at public expense, urging constituents to register absentee and return form to Secretary of State?
Summary
​No. The Act prohibits use of public resources to directly or indirectly assist a campaign. Legislators have greater flexibility under the Act to respond to a constituent than to initiate communication. Exceptions to the prohibition on use of public resources are strictly construed. While some officials have direct statutory responsibilities associated with voter registration, it is not "normal and regular conduct" for legislators to use public resources to get out the vote. RCW 42.52.180.