Doug White Insider – October 28, 2022

14. August 2023 · Comments Off on Doug White Insider – October 28, 2022 · Categories: Uncategorized

INSIDER

OCTOBER 28, 2022

GET YOUR VOTE OUT

 I was busy the last few weeks traveling to different areas in our District, getting to know voters, sharing my vision and commitment when I get elected. WA Democrat Latino Caucus, the Tri-Cities Herald,

Ballots are arriving in mailboxes across the state – that means every day is Election Day. Make sure you return your ballot by mail or in a drop box near you by November 8. Let’s flip WA-04 and bring real leadership to Central Washington!

El sábado pasado, yo estuve presente en el Parque Volunteer para la marcha de mujeres. Las legislaturas estatales, el gobierno federal, y la corte suprema no pueden arrebatarnos nuestro derecho de tomar decisiones acerca de nuestras vidas, ni la autonomía de nuestros cuerpos. La constitución protege todo ciudadano nacido, o naturalizado en este país con derechos y protecciones que no pueden ser negados. Republicanos, especialmente el Representante de nuestro Distrito, Dan Newhouse, eligió votar ‘No’ en 2022 sobre el Acto de Protección de la Salud Femenina. No respeta los fundamentos básicos de los derechos humanos. ¿Como podemos esperar que el ayude a nuestra comunidad, o, que ayude y represente a nuestra gente?

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I was honored to be invited to White Swan High School as they are launching a Farm to Table program to teach students about their heritage and self-sufficient farming through growing their own food.

Good education is the backbone of a civilized and developed community. We have always been living in this land, in all its diverse beauty and abundance, and our kids should have all opportunities to learn and appreciate the gift of nature.

Tuve el honor de ser invitado a la Preparatoria White Swan ya que están lanzando un programa Del Campo-a la-Mesa para ensenar a los estudiantes sobre su herencia y como ser independientes en la siembra de sus propios alimentos. La educación apropiada es la columna de una comunidad desarrollada y civilizada. Siempre hemos vivido en esta tierra con todo su esplendor diverso y su abundancia, y nuestros hijos deben tener todas las oportunidades de aprender y apreciar el obsequio de la naturaleza.

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As Election Day is coming up in less than two weeks, I have more chances to participate in multiple Candidate Forums, in Ephrata, in Tonasket, in White Salmon, at the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce…etc. While Dan Newhouse, as usual, was a no-show.

This proved that the leader of this district has always been absent. We need someone that has the skills and capability to see the future and deliver!

Instead of arguing, we should be building! Infrastructure, energy, and rail attract family-wage jobs and secure our future. These forums are how politics should be as people face their elected officials and candidates. By sharing my visions and thoughts on critical matters such as water shortage, infrastructure, cleaning up the Hanford site, or Snake River Dams removal, I am able to reassure you and your trust that I am the right person for the job.

A medida que se aproximan las elecciones, dentro de cuatro semanas, eh tenido mas oportunidades de participar en múltiples foros de candidatura, en Ephrata, en Tonasket, en White Salmon, en la Cámara de Comercio del Valle de Wenatchee… etc. Y como de costumbre Dan Newhouse no se presento.

Esto demuestra que el líder de este distrito siempre ha estado ausente. Necesitamos alguien que posea las habilidades y la capacidad de visualizar el futuro y someter lo. ¡En lugar de discutir, deberíamos estar construyendo! Infraestructura, energía, y tranvía atraen ingresos familiares y aseguran nuestro futuro. Estos Foros son como la política debería ser mientras la gente enfrenta sus funcionarios electivos y candidatos. Al compartir mi visión y pensamientos sobre asuntos críticos tales como escasez de agua, infraestructura, la limpieza del sitio de Hanford, o la eliminación de presas del rio Snake, puedo asegurarles y a su confianza que soy la persona adecuada para esta candidatura.

I was in a debate organized by the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board. Thirty minutes of questions with Rep. Dan Newhouse. Smart and sharp is how I would describe it.Check out these links to read about my answers.

Q&A: Newhouse, White discuss views on housing, homelessness

Republican Dan Newhouse of Sunnyside is defending his U.S. House seat against Democrat Doug White of Yakima in the Nov. 8 general election. The Yakima Herald-Republic asked each to talk about their views on housing and homelessness: The issues of homelessness and housing are compounded in the Yakima Valley.

Q&A: Newhouse, White discuss views on public safety

Republican Dan Newhouse of Sunnyside is defending his U.S. House seat against Democrat Doug White of Yakima in the Nov. 8 general election. The Yakima Herald-Republic asked each to talk about their views on Public safety: Yakama Nation and Yakima County law enforcement leaders recently sent a letter to federal officials requesting more public safety resources, including funding to support hiring more officers and support for a regional crime center.

Q&A: Newhouse, White discuss views on health care

Republican Dan Newhouse of Sunnyside is defending his U.S. House seat against Democrat Doug White of Yakima in the Nov. 8 general election. The Yakima Herald-Republic asked each to talk about their views on health care: Yakima’s only full-service hospital and trauma center reported $28.1 million in losses in the first two quarters of 2022, and the Yakima Valley’s other two hospitals, Astria facilities in Sunnyside and Toppenish, also reported first-quarter losses.

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I was at pancakes with politicians this morning on NBC Right Now. Dad jokes, interviews, and pancakes.

These television appearances gave me a chance to show supporters, not just my ideal visions for the District but also let me express my personality. A chance to show you who I am as an individual. My decision to run for Congress genuinely comes from the heart as all I want is to protect our community, increase our living standard and restore the area’s economy following the rise of inflation and climate change.

For politicians who just want to hang on to power and make profits from tax money would not be able to assist everyone’s needs. All Dan knows is dams, corporations and big business, and doing exactly as his party handlers tell him to do. All that needs to be done is to look at his voting record.

Pancakes with Politicians: Doug White

KENNEWICK, Wash.- KNDU’s Pancakes with Politicians highlights candidates for different elected offices around the region. Catch the series weekdays from 5-7 a.m. The general election is Tuesday, November, 8, 2022. Doug White is running for Congress as a Democrat from Washington’s fourth district. White was born and raised in Yakima and is a fourth-generation central Washington farmer.

We only get one voice in Congress, just one. We can no longer allow our elected officials to squander our money and our future. Newhouse supported increasing our debt by $8 Trillion Dollars and the largest trade imbalance with China in our nation’s history. He cut corporate taxes by 14%, but not ours and he and his wealthy friends skimmed $300 Billion dollars off a program for small businesses.

I am a strong leader and I will make our government accountable. I have a plan and I can deliver. I ask for your vote.

Spanish translation: Daniel Octavius

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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!

Check Out Our Events

Our upcoming campaign events in different locations are the perfect opportunity to meet Doug and hear his vision for our district directly from him.

Can’t make it to an event? Please consider contributing to Doug’s campaign as we enter the final weeks of the election!

See you on the campaign trail,
Team Doug

We need volunteers! Phone banking, Texting, Canvassing, Letter writing and so much more. Join us now for Blue in ’22.

*

¡¡Necesitamos voluntarios! Llamadas telefónicas, mensajes de texto, campañas de publicidad, escribir cartas y mucho más. Únase a nosotros ahora para la democracia en ’22.

Volunteer Form
Info@DougWhite4Congress.us
(509) 394-4449

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Faith Action Network Update 2022-10-25

14. August 2023 · Comments Off on Faith Action Network Update 2022-10-25 · Categories: Uncategorized

It’s Time to Vote! Ballots have landed across the state. Vote by November 8 for candidates with the best solutions for our communities! Let’s keep ensuring everyone’s voting rights are protected—see Free the Vote WA. Artwork by Yorlanda Walls.

Register for Annual Dinner!

Tables are filling up for our Renton and Spokane in-person annual dinner Pathways of Solidarity on Sunday, November 20, with opportunities for you to join remotely too. Please register online soon to save your place! We are preparing for an inspiring evening, with the Northwest African American Museum ACE Gospel Choir lifting our spirits with song, and loyal FAN supporter Rick Steves  graciously offering a matching gift to encourage our network to keep advocating. We hope to see you there! In-person attendance will be limited to increase COVID safety. Registration closes November 11.

Register Online

Food Policy in WA

During Food Week of Action mid-October, we hosted a webinar on Food Policy in Washington with our friends at Northwest Harvest, featuring Christina Wong, Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, and Rita Chang, Right to Food Campaign Manager, along with FAN’s Policy Engagement Director Kristin Ang. We are grateful for colleagues that provided the overview of legislation at the federal level as well as the Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition agenda unfolding at the state level for 2023. You can watch the recording of the webinar, then take action to call on Congress to end hunger for children and families. You can also write a Letter to the Editor with this handy tool.

Follow Up from Indigenous Writers Events

We were also delighted to co-host two events this month focused on indigenous peoples. If you missed these opportunities, you can view Sarah Augustine’s talk and resources on the Doctrine of Discovery and the Indian Child Welfare Act (a case will be heard in the Supreme Court in November) at our INIC webpage.

We highly recommend both of our presenters’ books for your own reading or faith community study:

The Land is Not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery, by Sarah Augustine
Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery, by Mark Charles and Soong-Chan Rah.

Accessing Healthcare

The WA Cares Fund is inviting faith-based organizations to a virtual roundtable event on October 26 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. They’ll be sharing the latest program updates and asking for your feedback on how to best communicate with faith communities in the state.

The WA Cares Fund is a first-in-the-nation program designed to make long-term care accessible for all working Washingtonians. We know faith communities play a central role in the lives of many Washington families and we would value your input as we work to implement the program.

Please RSVP to kristen.maki@dshs.wa.gov. 

Immigrant Relief Fund

Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network has launched the Washington Immigrant Relief Fund. Immigrants living in Washington affected by COVID-19 can apply now to receive a payment of at least $1,000 in pandemic relief. Applications are open now until November 14, 2022. Apply here.

Opportunity

Help implement the Working Families Tax Credit. The Dept. of Revenue is hiring six additional call center staff representatives to make sure implementation is successful. Please share with your networks; recruitment closes 10/31: Public Benefits Specialist 2 – Working Families Tax Credit

Events

Thursday, October 27, 1-2 pm, online. Path Forward hosted Children’s Alliance. Find out more here.

Thursday, October 27, 4:30 pm, online. Global screening of the new award-winning film, “The Ants & The Grass Hopper” hosted by the Presbyterian Hunger Program and the Office of Public Witness. Find out more here.

Friday, October 28, 9 am-4:30 pm, online. Hosted by Native-led nonprofit Se’Si’Le  with Earth Ministry/WAIPL. Salmon Seas Celebration and Honoring on Sunday, October 30 from 6-8 pm, online. Find out more about these events here.

Friday, October 28 7-9 pm and October 29 9 am-5:30 pm, in-person, Rainer Arts Center, 3515 S Alaska St, Seattle, The Work That Reconnects: Cultivating Resilience For Creative Liberation. Sponsored by Valley and Mountain Fellowship. Find out more here.

Sunday October 30, 2pm, in person, Plymouth UCC Church 1217 6th Ave, Seattle WA 98101. Souls to the Polls Washington State in partnership with the Poor People’s Campaign will be gathering for an inspiring rally and program. More info at WAPPC Facebook.

Sunday November 6, 4-6 pm, in-person and online, Rainer Arts Center, 3515 S Alaska St, Seattle, 98118. White Christian Nationalism and the Midterm Elections, Valley and Mountain Fellowship will host a dialogue between Rev. Dr. Obery Hendricks and Dr. Anthea Butler, moderated by FAN Board Member Rev. Dr. Edward Donalson, III.The event will be livestreamed on the Valley and Mountain page here.

Monday, November 7, 7-8pm, in-person and online,St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E, Seattle, 98102. United For Good: An Interfaith Prayer Vigil on the Eve of Elections. Find out more here.

We always post the E-News to our website each week at fanwa.org/news/.

Stay connected with our emails! Please be sure to list fan@fanwa.org as a safe sender by adding us to your contacts. 

Faith Action Network
3720 Airport Way S
Seattle, WA 98134
United States

Patty Murray Update October 17, 2022

14. August 2023 · Comments Off on Patty Murray Update October 17, 2022 · Categories: Announcements, Elections, Uncategorized

Hi all,

Happy ballot drop week! As the campaign closes in on the final stretch we have several exciting events and updates to share.

For those of you in the Greater Seattle area, we are excited to announce Sen. Elizabeth Warren is coming to town this weekend. Senator Murray will host a large campaign rally with her and other elected leaders this Friday evening at 5pm at the Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater. You can sign up to join us HERE, and share the Facebook event for the rally HERE. Then on Saturday, Sens. Murray and Warren will lead a canvass kickoff in South Seattle. You can sign up to join us knocking doors HERE.

Senator Murray will close out this busy weekend with her debate against Tiffany Smiley in Spokane Sunday night. Folks on the east side of the state are invited to join us for a day of activity around the debate. We’ll have a canvass kick off in the morning and important visibility support ahead of the debate Sunday afternoon. Sign up for both events HERE. For folks who will be watching from other corners of the state, we’d love your support on social media rapid response. Sign up HERE if you’d like to be involved.

These high profile events are part of our ongoing Patty for WA GOTV and town hall tour that we kicked off last week. Over the weekend, Sen. Murray was in 5 different counties headlining canvass launches and she also held town halls with reproductive rights advocates and small business owners last week. We have a great campaign side town hall coming up tomorrow in Seattle, focused on families and the care economy. We’d love to have more folks join us so feel free to share with your networks and sign up HERE.

In case it’s helpful, sharing some suggested draft Facebook and Instagram posts and tweets HERE that you’re free to use and repurpose when talking about Senator Murray’s race this week.

As always, please let me know if there are any questions or if you need anything further from the campaign!

Best,
Kate--
Kate Baumgartner
Political Director
People for Patty Murray
kate@pattymurray.com

Faith Action Network South Central Cluster

13. November 2022 · Comments Off on Faith Action Network South Central Cluster · Categories: Uncategorized

Hello Faith Advocates!

We look forward to gathering with you at our upcoming South-Central Regional Cluster Gathering this Sunday, November 13, at 2:30 pm, in person at Shalom United Church of Christ at 505 McMurray Street in Richland, and also on line. For those in the Yakima area, you also have the option of joining a watch party at Wesley United Methodist Church at 14 N 48th Avenue in Yakima.

Please register here your intention  to attend this gathering, including letting us know if you will be attending in person or on line. Everyone who registers will receive an emailed link to join on line. This email will come from Anderson@FANWA.Org.

Cluster gatherings are designed for learning from each other about what is happening in and around our region while also working together to develop ways that FAN can help us respond to issues collectively and powerfully.

We hope to see you Sunday. Until then, stay well and well loved!

See you soon, 

Eric 

Eric Don Anderson, M. Div.
South Central WA Regional Organizer, he/him/his
FAITH ACTION NETWORK
www.FANWA.org
509.492.2216

LWV Voter Newsletter 10-2022

07. October 2022 · Comments Off on LWV Voter Newsletter 10-2022 · Categories: Uncategorized
Democracy in Action Across Washington State | News from the League of Women Voters of WA

To Do List

  • Make sure your friends, family, and neighbors are ready to vote! Send them to VOTE411.org to help them learn about the voting process, what’s on their ballot, and candidate responses to questions. It works everywhere in the US!
  • Want to learn more about the candidates? Check out one of the many candidate debates and forums happening this month!
  • Not sure how to address election misinformation? LWVWA has put together quick and easy infobits you can refer to whenever an election question comes up—make sure to bookmark it on your PC and phone.

Upcoming Events

10.21 FRI | Ballot Drop
This is the start of the 18-day voting period (through Election Day). Ballots are mailed out and Accessible Voting Units (AVUs) are available at voting centers.
        
10.23 SUN | Secretary of State Candidate Debate, 3:30p.m.
The debate between candidates for Washington Secretary of State, Julie Anderson and Steve Hobbs, will be held at Gonzaga University. The debate will be aired and recorded for viewing by voters throughout the state (see TVW and area public broadcasters for times) and a recording will be posted on lwvwa.org. Submit Questions and Get Tickets. 
10.23 SUN | Senate Candidate Debate, 5p.m.
The debate between Democratic Sen. Patty Murray and Republican challenger Tiffany Smiley will be held at Gonzaga University. The debate will be aired and recorded for viewing by voters throughout the state (see TVW and area public broadcasters for times) and a recording will be posted on lwvwa.org. Submit Questions and Get Tickets. 
        
10.31 MON | Deadline for Online and Mail-in Voter Registration
Online and mail registrations must be received 8 days before Election Day. Register to vote in person during business hours and any time before 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
        
11.8 TUE | General Election
Deposit your ballot in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Registered voters can go to the VoteWA website to find their nearest drop box location based on the address where you are registered to vote (click on "Drop Box and Voting Center Locations" to see your options). You can also access individual county election websites to find ballot drop boxes, get information about voting, and request assistance with voting. 

Around the League

Power Up for Democracy

It’s time to consider how we can use our individual and collective power to effectively move our mission of empowering voters and defending democracy forward.

Read more

Save the Date! Action Workshop & Speak Up School

Add these dates to your calendar today. You won’t want to miss our Action Workshop on 12/10/22, and Speak Up School on 1/7/23. More details regarding times and locations coming soon.

Read more

Join the Board and See the State 

There are many excellent reasons to join the LWVWA board. But there’s also a “hidden” reason: you will be able to visit various local Leagues and see the sights of our state.

Read more
Join Your Local League
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Any person 16 and older may become a voting member of the League
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Support the League
We're able to continue our mission of empowering voters and defending democracy because of support from folks like you. Show your support by donating to the League of Women Voters of Washington right now!
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

The League of Women Voters of Washington
1511 Third Ave, Suite 900
Seattle, WA 98101
United States

Yakima County Call-to-Meeting September 2022

14. September 2022 · Comments Off on Yakima County Call-to-Meeting September 2022 · Categories: Uncategorized

Greetings Democrats,

We are at the Central WA State Fair this week! Come see us at our booth in the SunDome, on the east side (closest to the rides). Take a selfie with Daisy the Democratic Donkey! We also have buttons, t-shirts, magnets, and candidate literature available. 

The Fair is one of our important fundraisers every year that helps us sustain our operations through the fall and winter months. It’s also a great way to be present and visible in the community, share information about our candidates, register voters, and let people know that yes, there ARE Democrats in Yakima!

Fair hours are from noon-10pm Monday-Thursday, noon-11pm on Friday, 11am-11pm on Saturday, and 11am-9pm on Sunday.

Hope to see you there! 

September meeting postponed to Oct. 3rd

Due to the Fair, our September regular meeting will be postponed to NEXT Monday Oct. 3rd at 6pm. We will be in person at the office and on Zoom.

Our office is also closed this week so that we can staff our fair booth. If you need candidate signs, please reply to this email or call 509-452-7197 to make an appointment. We will be back to regular office hours next week.

Upcoming Events

September 26 – Doug White Virtual General Election Campaign Kickoff, 6:30 PM via Zoom. Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/s/86436923073

September 23-October 2 – Central Washington State Fair – Come see us in the SunDome! 

September 29 – Sign waving in support of Ukraine, 40th & Summitview, Yakima, 4-6pm

October 1 – Weekend of Action – CANVASSING 10am-3pm, 402 S 3rd St., Yakima. Join the Washington State Democrats in canvassing fellow Democrats in our community to increase voter turnout and support for our awesome candidates up and down the ballot ahead of the critical November general election! We’ll meet on Saturday at 10am at The Yakima County Democrats Office for a brief training before we head out to knock doors! Sign up here.

October 2 – Weekend of Action – PHONE BANK 2pm-5pm, 402 S 3rd St., Yakima. Join the Washington State Democrats in Phone banking fellow Democrats during our Weekend of Action to increase voter turnout and support for our awesome candidates up and down the ballot ahead of the critical November general election! We’ll meet on Sunday at 10am at The Yakima County Democrats Office for a brief training before we jump on the phone to call voters. 

October 3 – Yakima County Democrats and 14th LD Democrats Monthly Meeting, 6pm, 402 S 3rd Street, Yakima. Also accessible via Zoom.

Your financial support is needed

Like many of our fellow Americans, the Yakima Democrats are basically living “paycheck to paycheck.” Since we are entirely supported by donations, that paycheck is YOU!

We are still in need of about 20 monthly donors at $20 a month to be able to pay our rent, utilities, and other bills. These include things like a Zoom subscription, PO Box fees, and ActBlue fees. 

Thank you to everyone who has already made a one time or recurring donation. We are here because of YOU! We just need a few more folks pitching in to close the gap.

Click here to donate via ActBlue, or mail a check to Yakima Democrats, PO Box 121, Yakima WA 98907.

Thank you as always, and we hope to see you at the Fair and upcoming events!

Naomi Whitmore
Chair, Yakima County Democrats
Aileen Kane
Chair, 14th LD Democrats
Our mailing address is:
Yakima County Democrats
402 S 3rd St
Yakima, WA 98901-2834

Add us to your address book

Fix Democracy First Happy Hour August 24, 2022

24. August 2022 · Comments Off on Fix Democracy First Happy Hour August 24, 2022 · Categories: Uncategorized

Democracy Happy Hour, August 24 @ 5 pm PT:

Are We Coming Closer to Civil War?

Democracy Happy Hour August 24 @ 5 pm PT!

Grab a drink and come hear about the latest democracy news, ongoing efforts to fix democracy, and actions you can take at our weekly Democracy Happy Hour, Wednesdays @ 5 pm PT.

Topic for August 24, 2022:
Are We Coming Closer to Civil War?

Upcoming Topics in August:

  • Aug 31 – Youth Involvement to Strengthen Democracy
  • Sept 7 – Why Do We Need the Separation of Church & State?
  • Sept 14 – Minority Rule: How did we get here?
  • Sept 21 – Benefits & Types of Public Funding for Elections
  • Sept 28 – Next U.S. Supreme Court Session: What can we expect?
REGISTER for Democracy Happy Hour

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Please submit any questions to: cindy@fixdemocracyfirst.org.

FDF Legislative Newsletter March 7, 2022

07. March 2022 · Comments Off on FDF Legislative Newsletter March 7, 2022 · Categories: Announcements, Uncategorized

WA Democracy Legislation Weekly Newsletter March 7, 2022

Washington State Democracy Legislation

SESSION UPDATE: The legislative session is wrapping up and will end this Thursday, March 10th. Last Friday was the deadline for bills still alive to pass the opposite chamber. Unfortunately, only a few bills passed, which now move to the Governor’s desk for signing. Many of the bills that did not pass this year, will be reintroduced next session in 2023. 

We will also be hosting a WA 2022 Legislation Recap at our Democracy Happy Hour this week on March 9th @ 5 pm. Register HERE.

BILLS PASSED (awaiting Governor signature):

Prison Gerrymandering:

SB 5583 – Local redistricting to reflect last known residence for incarcerated persons

Bill Summary: It is the responsibility of each county, municipal corporation, and special purpose district with a governing to periodically adjust census data for local redistricting to reflect the last known place of residence for incarcerated persons.

Community Councils:

HB 1769 – Sunsetting Community Councils

Bill Summary: Sunsets the last two community councils in Washington state in Houghton Community Council in Kirkland and East Bellevue Community Council in Bellevue.

Ballot Impact Statements:

HB 1876 – Adds a fiscal impact statement to ballot measures

Bill Summary: This bill would add public investment impact disclosures for certain ballot measures that repeal, levy, or modify any tax or fee and have a fiscal impact showing how adoption of the measure would cause a net change in state revenue.

Weapon Restrictions

HB 1630 – Establishing restrictions on the possession of weapons in certain locations.

Bill Summary:

  • Prohibits the knowing open carry and possession of firearms and other prohibited weapons on to or in school areas and areas of facilities while being used for official meetings of a school district board of directors and requires the school district board of directors to post signs at such locations providing notice of the restrictions.
  • Prohibits the knowing open carry of firearms and other prohibited weapons while knowingly being in a local government building used in connection with meetings of the governing body of the local government or any location of a public meeting or hearing of the governing body of a local government during the meeting or hearing and requires a local government to post signs at such locations providing notice of the restrictions.
  • Prohibits the knowing carry and possession of firearms and other prohibited weapons in election-related offices and facilities and requires election officials to post signs at election-related facilities providing notice of the restrictions.
  • Makes violations of these restrictions a misdemeanor for first time offenses while second and subsequent violations are gross.

Campaign Funds for Child Care:

SB 5855 – Concerning the use of campaign funds to reimburse expenses for child care and other caregiving services.

Bill Summary: Authorizes the use of campaign contributions to reimburse candidates for expenses for the direct care, protection, and supervision of a child or person over whom the candidate has direct caregiving responsibility incurred directly due to campaign activities.

Ballot Casting Locations:

HB 1716 – Concerning locations at which ballots may be cast.

Bill Summary: 

  • Requires that county auditors open a voting center during a special election only if the county is conducting a special election.
  • Requires that county auditors open a voting center, rather than only conduct in-person voter registration, at certain locations.
  • Restricts certain political activity near voting centers, student engagement hubs, and ballot drop boxes during the voting period.

BILLS THAT DID NOT PASS THIS SESSION:

Voting Rights Act Enhancements:

SB 5597 – WA Voting Rights Act Enhancements

Bill Summary:

  • Pre-clearance – Codifies factors which establish a presumptive case of vote dilution in violation of the Washington Voting Rights Act (WVRA).
  • Establishes a mechanism for claimants who send successful notices of potential WVRA violations to recover costs of up to $50,000 from jurisdictions for research needed to send the notice.
  • Requires certain jurisdictions to obtain pre-clearance for changes to covered voting practices.
  • Establishes a data repository at the University of Washington to assist jurisdictions and researches in election best practices.

Secure Automatic Voter Registration:

SB 5636 – Expanding and Enhancing Automatic Voter Registration

Bill Summary: Modifies voter registration at the Department of Licensing (DOL) and Health Benefit Exchange to make registration of eligible applicants automatic with the agency transaction unless subsequently declined in writing. 

Ranked Choice Voting:

Local Options for Ranked Choice Voting

HB 1156 &  SB 5584 –  Bill Summary: Permits the use of ranked choice voting (RCV) in elections for offices in counties, cities, towns, school districts, fire districts, and port districts, and establishes certain requirements for RCV ballot design and vote tabulation.

Ranked Choice Voting for Presidential Primaries – 2 bills 

HB 1926 & SB 5851 – Bill Summary:  The presidential primary shall be conducted using ranked choice voting, unless a party has fielded two or fewer candidates, in which case the presidential primary for that party shall be conducted in substantially the same manner as a state primary under this title. 

Redistricting Plan:

SB 5560 – Procedures for approval and submission of the redistricting plan

Bill Summary:

  • Redistricting plan must include at least:
    • (a) Maps showing the division of the state into congressional and legislative districts; and
    • (b) complete descriptions of each district using official census units, such as tracts and blocks, sufficient to codify the plan.
  • The redistricting plan must be prepared and published and be made available to the public at the time the plan is submitted to the legislature.
  • The commission must make a redistricting plan publicly available at least 72 hours before voting to approve the plan. Once the plan has been made publicly available, any amendments to the plan must be debated and voted on in open session, and at least 24 hours must pass after any amendments are adopted before the commission may vote on final approval of the plan.

Advisory Votes:

SB 5182 – Eliminating Advisory Votes

Bill Summary: 

  • Repeals the requirement that advisory votes for tax increase legislation appear on the ballot and voters’ pamphlet.
  • Requires that a fiscal impact statement appear in the voters’ pamphlet for legislation passed affecting state revenues.
  • Requires that a pie chart showing operating budget expenditures for the most recent biennium appear in the voters’ pamphlet.

Election Officials Protection:

HB 1618 – Prohibiting weapons at election-related offices

  • Restricts the carrying and possession of firearms and other specified weapons in certain election offices and facilities.
  • Requires posted notice of such restrictions at election offices and facilities.

Odd-Year Elections:

HB 1727 – Eliminating Odd-Year Elections

Bill Summary: Eliminates odd-year elections in Washington State, including special elections. Includes all state, county, city, town, and district general elections for the election of federal, state, legislative, judicial, county, city, town, and district officers, and for any measure (referendums and ballot initiatives) for adoption and approval or rejection. The benefit and goal is to increase voter participation, as currently odd-year elections have the lowest turnout and decisions are often made by a minority of the voters.

Public Disclosure:

HB 1919 – Public Disclosure Commission Recommendations

Bill Summary:

  • Updates campaign reporting deadlines to ensure voters have weekly access to campaign financing information to match the longer period ballots are available for voting.
  • Clarifying for the voter when political ads are endorsing a candidate who is running in a different election or a race other than the current one, and ads that encourage votes for a person who is not a candidate as of the date the ad is run.

 Election Officials Protection:

SB 5148 – Concerning the harassment of election officials.

Bill Summary: Elevates the crime of harassment to a Class C felony when the harassment is directed at an election official with the Secretary of State or county auditor’s office.

Conservation Districts

HB 1910 – Conservation District Elections

Bill Summary: This bill would put all conservation district elections on the regular ballot, all positions will be elected, landownership requirement will be removed, and public disclosure will be required. 

Close Lobbying Revolving Door:

SB 5170 – Employment After Public Service in State Government

Bill Summary:

  • Prohibits various state officers and employees from receiving compensation for certain lobbying activities for one year after leaving state service.
  • Requires state officers and employees subject to that prohibition to file post-employment disclosure statements.
  • Requires display of post-employment disclosure statements on the Executive Ethics Board’s website. 

Women’s Suffrage Day:

HB 1485 – Women’s Suffrage Day a Legal Holiday

Bill Summary: Designates March 22 to be a state legal holiday, recognized as Women’s Suffrage Day.

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