Benton County Democratic Central Committee

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Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lived an extraordinary life. At 33 he was pressing the case of civil rights with President John Kennedy, at 34 he galvanized the nation with his “I Have a Dream” speech, at 35 he won the Nobel Peace Prize, and at 39 his life and work were cut short by assassination.

During the less than 13 years of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s leadership of the modern American Civil Rights Movement, from December 1955 until April 4, 1968, African Americans achieved more genuine progress toward racial equality in America than the previous 350 years had produced. Dr. King is widely regarded as America’s pre-eminent advocate of nonviolence and one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in world history. (The King Center website)

He has left a legacy of hope and inspiration that continues to this day. We celebrate Dr. King’s work and accomplishments on this day of commemoration.

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WA Democracy Legislative Newsletter – January 16, 2023

Washington State Democracy Legislation & Action Needed

The Washington State legislative session began last week on January 9, 2023. We encourage you to contact your local legislators in support of bills listed below, as well as other legislation you support. You can find your local legislators HERE.

*Please note things move quickly during the legislative session, and some of the info shared may change. Please check each bill page for the latest information.

Current Legislation & Action Needed This Week:

Updating Online Voter Registration:

Enhancing Voting Rights Act (2 bills):

Enhancing Automatic Voter Registration (2 bills):

Advisory Votes (2 bills):

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Other Democracy Legislation Coming This Session:

Public Funding of Elections for Legislative Races

Summary: Creates a democracy voucher program (similar to Seattle’s Democracy Voucher Program) to publicly finance legislative political campaigns. The program would provide Washington state residents four $25 vouchers that can be pledged to eligible candidates running for state legislative district offices. It allows eligible WA residents to participate in local government by supporting campaigns and/or running for office themselves.

Ranked Choice Voting for Presidential Primaries

Summary: Allows the presidential primary to 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.

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Also join us for our annual

Democracy Lobby Week 2023 – February 6-10, 2023

Attend this year’s Democracy Lobby Week 2023, jointly sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Washington and Fix Democracy First. This event will be held online February 6-10, 2023.

It’s going to be a busy and exciting legislative session! Lots of important legislation will be introduced and voted on, so here’s a way to get in on the action, and make your voice heard, including the chance to meet online with your state representatives and senators. 

Planned sessions include hearing about current legislation, learning from issue experts, getting lobbying tips on how to talk to your legislators, and opportunities to speak with your own legislators.

Our goal is to facilitate your participation in our Washington State government, and to give you the tools you need to work effectively with your legislators.

Preliminary schedule:

Monday, Feb. 6, 2023: Main program

• Updates and talking points on current legislation and issues for the legislative session
• Hear directly from a panel of legislators, both Republicans and Democrats
• “How to Lobby,” presented by the LWWA Lobby Team, including contacting legislators, following the progress of bills, developing talking points, and Q&A session

Tuesday – Thursday, Feb. 7 – Feb. 9

• Virtual meetings with your legislators during the day plus evening programs on topics such as proportional representation & ranked choice voting, campaign finance reform, climate, health, and more.

Friday, February 10

• Wrap-up. Evening Celebration – Share Suggestions & Feedback

Important Note: All events will be recorded (except for legislator meetings). If you are not sure you can make it to one or more of the events, please register anyway, as all registrants will receive links to all events.

FAQ:

How will virtual legislative meetings work?

During Lobby Week, members will have the opportunity to meet with their legislators to discuss upcoming legislation. Meetings with legislators will be scheduled by a local Legislative District Meeting Coordinator based on legislative districts. Most meetings with legislators will be during the day on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, although some meetings may be scheduled at other times. Legislative District Meeting Coordinators will provide Zoom links and other information as needed.

How much does it cost to attend?

The registration fee is $5 per person. All proceeds from these fees and any additional donations will go to defray the costs of this event. Any surplus fees and donations will be split equally between the League of Women Voters of Washington and Fix Democracy First to support our important advocacy work.

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Support our democracy efforts by making a donation to Fix Democracy First today. We can’t do this work without you!

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