(1) During the voting period that begins eighteen days before and ends the day of a special election, general election, or primary, no person may, within a voting center:

     (a) Suggest or persuade or attempt to suggest or persuade any voter to vote for or against any candidate or ballot measure;

     (b) Circulate cards or handbills of any kind;

     (c) Solicit signatures to any kind of petition; or

     (d) Engage in any practice which interferes with the freedom of voters to exercise their franchise or disrupts the administration of the voting center.

     (2) No person may obstruct the doors or entries to a building in which a voting center or ballot drop location is located or prevent free access to and from any voting center or ballot drop location. Any sheriff, deputy sheriff, or municipal law enforcement officer shall prevent such obstruction, and may arrest any person creating such obstruction.

     (3) Any violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor, punishable to the same extent as a gross misdemeanor that is punishable under RCW 9A.20.021, and the person convicted may be ordered to pay the costs of prosecution.

[2011 c 10 § 69; 2003 c 111 § 2121. Prior: 1991 c 81 § 20; 1990 c 59 § 75; 1984 c 35 § 1; 1983 1st ex.s. c 33 § 1; 1965 c 9 § 29.51.020; prior: (i) 1947 c 35 § 1, part; 1889 p 412 § 33, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 5298, part. (ii) 1895 c 156 § 7, part; 1889 p 409 § 22, part; Code 1881 § 3079, part; 1865 p 34 § 4, part; RRS § 5279, part. Formerly RCW 29.51.020]

NOTES:

     Notice to registered poll voters -- Elections by mail -- 2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.

     Effective date -- 1991 c 81: See note following RCW 29A.84.540.

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