Hi Friends,
I wanted to be sure you read last week’s ringing endorsement from The Seattle Times editorial board. The editorial hammers several reasons it is so important we have a strong Primary Election and then win in November.
“[Secretary of State Steve] Hobbs, a Democrat, has held his ground amid attacks from some on the far right who have taken a cue from former President Donald Trump by questioning the integrity of Washington’s vote-by-mail system.
“To combat such tactics Hobbs expanded voter education across the state by letting voters know more about what happens to their ballots once they are placed in a drop box.”
The Times editorial continues…
“In May 2023, Hobbs’ office hired Logically, a British AI company, to monitor what people are saying on social media, including X, Facebook, Rumble and Truth Social… The effort is to alert Hobbs’ office to misinformation about elections, mined from public posts, so staffers can counter with accurate information. It is neither spying nor censorship, as critics suggest.”
“As secretary of state, I need to know what people are saying. I need to be able to counter a false narrative before it trends,” Hobbs told The Times editorial board.
“Hobbs also was instrumental in the passing of Senate Bill 5152 that prohibits political campaigns from using false images, videos or audio without a disclosure that the material has been manipulated. “Deepfake” campaign material, as it called, can trick voters into thinking what they see and hear is actually true. Campaigns in Washington targeted by deepfakes can now go to court to seek an injunction and sue for damages. Hobbs also requested a bill that allows people to register to vote online with the last four digits of a Social Security number instead of a driver’s license or state ID number.”
“Elections are the foundation of preserving democracy, nationally and locally. Washington needs a secretary of state who is dedicated to preserving a fair voting system and to make it more accessible. Hobbs is best suited for this challenge.”
The funds we raise this month will determine what we can plan to spend in this election. Now is the time to make a donation to ensure accessibility and security are the top priorities to the people running Washington elections.
Thank you for your help.
Steve
Friends of Steve Hobbs · 3309 114th Dr NE · Lake Stevens, WA 98258-8787 · USA