05. July 2023 · Comments Off on Benton County Elections – Observer Training · Categories: Announcements, Elections, Recent Events

Good Morning,

Below are our dates for our mandatory observer training and our Official Logic & Accuracy test for the Primary Election.  This is for the paid observer program.

Mandatory Observer Training – July 7th 2:00pm (please keep in mind that any observers you have for your group must come to the training in order to be part of the program)

Official Logic and Accuracy Test – Wednesday July 5th  at 2:00 pm.  Due to this election only being local items the State will not be involved.  It will just be our internal Logic and Accuracy test.

I have attached the coordinator guidelines if you are still going to be the coordinator for your group as well as the observer manual.  If so, please complete and return back to me at your earliest convenience.

We may also be having a test run of our evacuation drill at the time of the training.  If it is scheduled I’ll send out more information as time gets closer.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Link to Observer Manual

Link to Observer Coordinator Guidelines

Amanda Hatfield
Elections Manager
Benton County Auditor | Elections Division
2618 N. Columbia Center Blvd. | Richland, WA 99352
(509) 736-3085 ext. 5639
Email: amanda.hatfield@co.benton.wa.us
www.bentonauditor.com
22. June 2023 · Comments Off on Bob Ferguson Exploratory Dinner · Categories: Announcements, Elections, Recent Events

I’m excited to announce a new event — our first Tri-Cities Dinner to support my Exploratory Campaign for Governor! 

Mark your calendar for Thursday, June 22nd for dinner at Three Rivers Convention Center — CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY.

As Attorney General, I look for opportunities to make the biggest impact for Washingtonians – and the results aren’t too bad! Here are just a few highlights: 

  • Secured over $1.1 billion from our lawsuits against large corporations that illegally fueled the opioid epidemic in pursuit of profits. 
  • Banned the sale of assault weapons. I proposed this legislation seven years in a row until it passed. This is a life saving policy that makes our communities safer. 
  • Led a national coalition to successfully defend reproductive rights and access to mifepristone, the safe abortion pill. 
  • Defeated Donald Trump in court over 50 times. 

I am exploring running for Governor because I want to build on these successes on behalf of the people of Washington state. 

Bob Ferguson for Governor Exploratory Campaign
Tri-Cities Fundraising Dinner
Thursday, June 22nd 
Doors Open: 5:00pm
Dinner: 6:00pm
Three Rivers Convention Center
7016 W Grandridge Blvd, Kennewick 

Confirm your attendance with a donation ONLINE HERE. Questions about the event? Contact bridget@bobferguson.com.

Unlike most politicians, I refuse contributions from large corporations. Consequently, I depend on the financial support of individuals like you. We have an ambitious goal for the Exploratory Campaign of 5,000 Washington donors and financial support from all 39 counties.

This will be a fun evening with some interesting speakers! I hope you can join us. 

Bob

22. April 2023 · Comments Off on Earth Day 2023 · Categories: Elections

            2023 Earth Month Events

First Saturday Bateman Island Bird Walk, Sept. – June.

April 1 – Household Hazardous waste collection day 

April 8 – Tapteal Greenway Bird Walk, Chamna. 8am.

April 8 – Sacajawea Trail Cleanup. Hosted by Tapteal Greenway. 9am.  https://tapteal.org/events/

April 8 – Work Party: Story Circles at Sacajawea State Park. 9am. Lunch provided. https://bmlt.org/events

April 8 – Tri-Cities Food Co-op Meeting. Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Dr. 1pm-2:30pm. tcfcoop.org

April 9 – CB Native Plant Society Badger Mt. wildflower walk 1:30pm – 3pm. More walks: April 15 Juniper Dunes, April 19 Horn Rapids Park.  cbwnps.org/calendar

April 12 – Arbor Day planting, child-sized shovels avail. Kurtzman Park, 331 S. Wehe, Pasco. At 10am and 2pm. 

April 13 – Little Explorers: Nests. REACH Museum. 10am-11am. visitthereach.us/events/

April 15 – Native Plant Appreciation Day 9am-1pm. McNary National Wildlife Refuge. Wildflower tour, crafts, and more. friendsofmcrwr.org/events

April 21 – 30. Mid. Col. Libraries Book Sale. Time varies.

April 22 – State Park Free Day. No Disc. Pass required.

April 22 – W. Richland Earth Day Clean-Up. 8am-2pm. 

April 22 – Earth Day Expo. REACH museum. Music, food trucks, EV show, Poetry Slam, Tri-Talks. Free. 10am-2pm.

April 22 -Tire Recycling. Free. Limit 20 tires/residence.  4951 W. Van Giesen St., W. Richland. 7am-3pm.

April 25 – Native Pollinating Insects & LCBAS meeting.  1st Lutheran Church, 418 N. Yelm, Kennewick. 7pm.

4/26 – Arbor Day Tree Planting. Hanson Park, 602 S. Columbia Center Blvd, 1:30 PM.

April 27 – Little Explorers: Flowers. 10am-11am.    1943 Columbia Park Trail. visitthereach.us/events/

April 28 –  Kids 4 Trees planting at Vista Affordable Housing, 302 South Elm St., Pasco.

April 28 – Book Sale Richland Public library $5 Bag Day. 10am-4pm.  955 Northgate, Richland.

April 28 – Arbor Day Tree Planting. Badger Mt. Park, Richland. 1pm.

May 13 – Inland Empire Century Bike Ride. 6am.

May 13 – Tapteal Greenway 50K Run or Paddle. Benton City boat launch. 8am.

May 13 – Tri-Cities Bike Expo. Kiwanis Clubhouse, Columbia Park Trail. 10am – 1pm.

May 20- Butterfly Dash and Discovery Day. 10am-1pm.

May 20 – Bike Tri Cities Keene Rd. trash pick-up.

June 10 & 19 – State Park Free Day. No pass required.

For more events, see alsctc.org/sustainable-living/ and facebook.com/alsctc.org 

12. January 2023 · Comments Off on Benton County Elections Observer Training February 2023 details · Categories: Committee News, Elections, Recent Events

Good Morning,

Well…..we will have almost a county wide February Election coming up so I wanted to reach out to each of you coordinators (please let me know if you are no longer the coordinator for your party) and give you first few dates for training and our Official L&A test.

Mandatory Observer Training – January 12th 3:00pm (please keep in mind that any observers you have for your group must come to the training in order to be part of the program)

UPDATE! Official Logic and Accuracy Test – Wednesday January 26th at 11:00am.  Due to this election only being School District’s the State will not be involved.  It will just be our internal Logic and Accuracy test.

I am currently working on updating observer materials for 2023 and creating a guide for all observers.  I have attached the coordinator guidelines if you are still going to be the coordinator for your group.  If so, please complete and return back to me at your earliest convenience.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Link to Observer Guidelines

If you wish to volunteer to be an observer for the February Special Election, please contact our Communications Chair, Durga Victorine

Amanda Hatfield
Elections Manager
Benton County Auditor | Elections Division
2618 N. Columbia Center Blvd. | Richland, WA 99352
(509) 736-3085 ext. 5639
Email: amanda.hatfield@co.benton.wa.us
www.bentonauditor.com
10. January 2023 · Comments Off on Benton County Elections Observer Training February 2023 · Categories: Announcements, Committee News, Elections

Greetings,

The Benton County Canvassing Board will be meeting at various times during the February 14, 2023 Special Election cycle.  This is to advise you of the current ballot processing schedule and canvassing board meetings for this election. 

Commencing Monday, January 30, 2023 the following processes may occur daily, depending on the level of ballots returned on a day-to-day basis. 

  • Drop boxes emptied
  • Signature verification
  • Prepping ballots for scanning
  • Scanning of ballots
  • Ballot adjudication/resolution
  • February 23– Pre-Certification processes begin for the February Special Election @ 9 am
  • February 24 – Certification of the February Special Election @ 9am

The processing schedule may be modified from time to time depending on the number of ballots received on a daily basis.


All election processes will take place at our new location. The Benton County Voting Center is now located at 2618 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Richland. 

During the course of processing, no persons except those employed and authorized by the county auditor may touch any ballot, ballot container, or vote tallying system.  We also ask that no photos be taken without the approval of the Election Manager.

To determine which processes are being conducted on a given day, we advise that observers contact our office directly.

Please let me know if you should have any questions.

If you wish to volunteer to be an observer for the February Special Election, please contact our Communications Chair, Durga Victorine

Amanda Hatfield
Elections Manager
Benton County Auditor | Elections Division
2618 N. Columbia Center Blvd. | Richland, WA 99352
(509) 736-3085 ext. 5639
Email: amanda.hatfield@co.benton.wa.us
www.bentonauditor.com
10. November 2022 · Comments Off on Doug White Thank You – November 10, 2022 · Categories: Announcements, Elections

We are Winners!

From the launch on October 9th 2021 to sign waving in White Salmon on November 7th 2022. I (we) have been from one end of this district to the other like no other campaign. And as a result we have achieved great things while making many friends along the way.

For all you have done, thank you

The true heroes are those that give every day to strive for a better future for everyone. They do it without pay, privilege or acknowledgment. It is these selfless acts made on behalf of others, some of them hostile against them, because they believe that no person should be diminished. I am grateful.


09. November 2022 · Comments Off on Doug White Thank You – November 9, 2022 · Categories: Announcements, Elections

Our path got a little longer, but we are stronger for it!

It was a strong campaign that united many people up and down the district. It gave new ideas and fresh hope for many. But most importantly it energized the political spirit and people showed up to volunteer, support and vote. It sometimes seems that change happens in a day, but under further review it becomes clear that it is only through dedicated work over long periods does the opportunity for change emerge. We have set a pace for change and committed ourselves to it. Yesterday was not the day, but that day is close and we will be ready.

Thank you to everyone.

We are Phone Banking every Tuesday and Thursday from now till the election. Canvassers are needed, please contact us to sign up in your county or area. We will provide all you need. Text banking is coming soon! Please check out the events page for Get Out the Vote event near you!


09. November 2022 · Comments Off on WSDCC Results November 9, 2022 · Categories: Announcements, Committee News, Elections

Hello Democrats!

To sum up tonight’s results, Democrats dominated all across the state – thanks to you! Because of your investment of resources, hard work and time we were able to spur terrific Democratic turnout and help put our candidates on the path to victory. While there are still many votes to be counted in the coming days, we feel very good about Democratic performance at this stage of the game and we owe our success to your hard work and investment!

Voter Turnout

Despite rain, sleet, and snow we had a terrific GOTV season and spoke with so many great Democrats statewide!

Overall, 1,724,719  ballots were cast as of this evening. That represents a current turnout rate of 46.5%, that we anticipate will trend to at least 61.2% in the coming days. 

Compared to 2018 (71.8%) and 2014 (54.1%) we are pleased with these statistics. With that being said, we will be working tirelessly in the coming days to make sure every vote is counted and nothing is left on the table! 

Turnout for the five most populous counties was as follows, with 635,388 outstanding ballots left to be counted statewide as of this evening.

King - 44.7%
Pierce – 43.7%
Snohomish – 48.3%
Spokane – 49.6%
Clark – 46.8%

GOTV Statistics

Thanks to the hard work of our organizers and volunteers we were able to rack up some seriously strong GOTV numbers. Here’s what we got done:

Door Knocks – Over 200K!

Calls – Over 820K!

Texts – Over 1.2M!

Volunteer Shifts – We’re still counting!

Results

U.S. Senate

Patty Murray had a decisive victory – carrying 57.01% of votes cast to MAGA Republican opponent Tiffany Smiley’s 42.8%. Murray’s success serves a strong reminder of what we can accomplish when we all work together and show voters that Democrats are the party that will work to improve the lives of every Washingtonian!  

U.S. House

CD 1: Suzan DelBene is coasting toward another term with a decisive 63.6% majority!

CD 2: Rick Larsen is also on track to secure a clean victory with 61.5% of the vote

*CD 3*: Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has taken a solid lead with 52.6% of the vote compared to White Nationalist opponent Joe Kent’s 46.8%. This race is looking like a very solid pickup opportunity and we are watching closely. 

CD 4: Democrat Doug White is behind with just under 31% of total votes. 

CD 5: Our candidate Natasha Hill looks unlikely to catch up, carrying just under 41% of voters. 

CD 6: Derek Kilmer has a commanding lead with a 61.8% majority.

CD 7: Pramila Jayapal has a a more than fivefold advantage over her Republican opponent, with 84.3% and 15.3% respectively

*CD 8*: Incumbent Kim Schrier is on the path to victory with 52.7% of the vote compared to Matt Larkin’s 46.9%. We are feeling good about holding this seat but will continue monitoring closely in the coming days! 

CD 9: Adam Smith had a very strong showing – bringing in 71% of the vote compared to his Republican opponent’s 28.8%.

CD 10: Marilyn Strickland is looking strong with just under 57% of the vote!

Washington – State Executive

We feel confident we’ve elected our first Democratic Secretary of State in nearly 60 years! As of tonight’s last ballot drop Hobbs sits at almost exactly 50% of the vote compared to nonpartisan opponent Julie Anderson’s 46.9%. Write-in candidate and GOP misinformation monger Brad Klippert secured the remaining 3.1% of the vote. 

While we are still watching closely, we feel great about this race and are proud to be on track to elect a Secretary of State that will fight to expand the franchise and lift up the voice of every eligible Washington voter. 

Washington – State Legislature

First of all, we wanted to share a link to the WA Secretary of State’s website (go Hobbs!) where you can see the results of each individual legislative race:

https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20221108/legislative-all.html

But the good news is that we have retained all of our Democratic incumbents in the state House and Senate. We look to be welcoming a new Democratic State Senator in the 42nd district with Sharon Shewmake. 

Not to mention we have five house races that could be pickups that are currently too close to call. 

We’ll send more information about all of these races later in the week after we can factor in additional ballot drops. 

We have a lot to celebrate tonight, but the fight isn’t over. Some races are still extremely close and more ballots will be counted over the course of this week. There are still ballots that will need to be cured because of signature mismatches or failing to sign to the ballot or another discrepancy. 

Our voter protection efforts focused on ballot curing started in late October. It is very specific, time-consuming, and nuanced work. While we have a lot more to do, we are managing it with this top-notch team so it will be efficient and flawless. If we have anything to ask of you, it is to amplify the message that this work will take some time, and we are on it!

In closing, I want to thank you for all you have done to help us build a more powerful and effective State Party over the last six years.

Thanks to your investment, we are now an even more powerful force for progressive change across Washington State and we will continue to lead the way nationwide. Take this as a promise that we are not going anywhere, and we are so grateful to have you stand by us.

Please be aware that we will be sending an update later this week and a more thorough, comprehensive analysis later in the month when all results are certified and we can build a more holistic picture of where races ended up and notable trends that will influence our organizing strategy going forward.

For now, I hope you will join me in holding on tight, waiting for final results and sending every single ounce of positive energy and hope you have toward more Democratic victories. Thank you again for standing with us – we have a lot to celebrate already, but we can’t let up now!

With so much gratitude,

Tina

01. November 2022 · Comments Off on Patty Murray Talking Points November 2022 · Categories: Announcements, Elections

Suggested Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Posts

Tiffany Smiley wants POLITICIANS to be able to make women’s reproductive health care decisions — she is so out of touch with our state’s values. Vote for Patty Murray. #WASen

Tiffany Smiley supported a national abortion ban before she launched her campaign — no matter what she says, we can’t trust her to protect a woman’s right to choose here in Washington. #WASen

Don’t forget! After the primary, Smiley scrubbed her website of her extreme positions in an attempt to mislead the voters of WA state who she knows don’t agree with her. #WASen https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gop-candidate-tiffany-smiley-website_n_6310e628e4b088f7423b9dde

“A rock-solid conservative vote.” That’s what Tiffany Smiley tells her donors she’ll be in the US Senate. You know what that means? A national abortion ban, tax cuts for the rich, ending Social Security and Medicare, and so much worse. The choice is clear: vote for Patty Murray.

→ and add this image!

Last week Tiffany Smiley said she wouldn’t cut Social Security & Medicare for people currently or soon-to-be on it. What about the rest of us?! Patty Murray has worked to protect these programs for EVERYONE— she’s the only choice in this election. #WASen

→ and add this image!

Don’t let Republicans lie their way into office. If Mitch McConnell wins a majority in the Senate, he’ll end Social Security and Medicare as we know it & Tiffany Smiley will help him do it. #WASen

MAGA Republican Tiffany Smiley wants to make the Trump tax cuts for billionaires and giant corporations PERMANENT. Patty Murray is working to lower costs for working families. It’s clear who’s fighting for us. #WASen

Democrats are building a clean energy economy, creating jobs and lowering costs — ALL while saving the planet. Vote for the party that believes in facts and science, not the party of climate deniers! Vote for @MurrayCampaign. #WASen

We need to do more on gun safety & Tiffany Smiley is not up for the job! @MurrayCampaign has a proven track record of working across the aisle to strengthen gun laws—and she knows there’s more work to be done, like universal background checks & an assault weapons ban. #WASen

Tiffany Smiley is an election denier through and through. Up until a few weeks ago she was refusing to say whether Biden was our legitimate President. We need a Senator like @MurrayCampaign who respects our democracy and understands FACTS. #WASen

https://www.thedailybeast.com/moderate-gop-senate-candidate-tiffany-smiley-wont-say-biden-was-legitimately-elected

Make no mistake, Tiffany Smiley and the MAGA Republican party have no plan to deal with inflation and lower costs for working families. #WASen

The Inflation Reduction Act is lowering the cost of energy, health care, and prescription drugs, all thanks to Patty Murray & Democrats. Senate Republicans’ only plan is to undo all that and raise costs on working people. The choice is clear. #WASen

Tiffany Smiley would be the rubber stamp Mitch McConnell needs to cut teacher jobs, end student disability programs, and eliminate Pell Grants — all key components of their MAGA agenda. She won’t put our kids first in the US Senate. #WASen

Patty Murray and Democrats capped the cost of insulin at $35/month for people on Medicare. Senate Republicans & Tiffany Smiley want to reverse that. #WASen

Patty Murray andDemocrats took on Big Pharma and won, giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices. Senate Republicans & Tiffany Smiley want to reverse that. #WASen

There’s less than a week until Election Day! Now’s the time to talk to your neighbors and make sure they turn in their ballots by November 8. Join me in volunteering these final days to reelect Patty Murray and elect Democrats up and down the ticket! https://www.wa-democrats.org/organizingevents/