Senate OKs earlier date for presidential primary

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, March 7, 2017

OLYMPIA — Washington’s presidential primary would be held on the second Tuesday in March rather than in late May under a bill approved Monday by state senators.

The legislation also requires voters be given a chance to participate without affiliating with either the Republican or Democratic parties. Under Senate Bill 5333, those votes would be tallied and reported separately from votes cast by those who do choose to associate with one of the major parties.

The bill passed on a 34-15 vote. All 24 Republicans and 10 Democrats, including Sens. Marko Liias of Lynnwood, Steve Hobbs of Lake Stevens and Guy Palumbo of Maltby, supported the legislation.