WA Institute for a Democratic Future – January 3, 2025

Posted on January 3, 2025

Ring in the new year with the new class

It’s that time of year again when we can reconnect with our own cohorts, meet more alumni, and ensure the newest class gets a warm welcome. In case you missed our earlier email, please join us tonight!

Will we see you there?

If you already got your ticket, please be sure to check the “location” section within your payment confirmation that was emailed to you. [We’re in a cute lil library above Pike Place! It does have an elevator for anyone who needs it as well.]

After having the most applicants since the pandemic, we conducted and culled through loads of interviews for our next fellowship. It was so lovely seeing familiar faces and getting to know new ones. Thanks to all who helped!

We settled on a full class of 32 people—read all about them here.
If you already want the AI deepfake quiz in the last newsletter, the answer is, the woman and the helicopter images!

Our mailing address is:

Institute for a Democratic Future

401 2nd Ave S Ste 303

Seattle, WA 98104

	
						
			
						
				
				
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				            Benton County WA Democrats
				        							Serving the Democrats of Benton County, WA
						
		
	

	
	
					
				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 5 days ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		Your voice matters. The decisions shaping our neighborhoods, schools, housing, transit, and quality of life are made right here.VOTE NOW!You have ONE WEEK left to fill out your ballot! Election Day is on November 4th.			
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				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 6 days ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		There has been a lot of conversation and questions regarding the City of Richland Charter Amendment Measure No. 1 (aka Richland Districting). Background:Since Richland was incorporated, 67 years ago, its population has more than doubled (from 24,000 to over 60,000) and its land area has significantly expanded (from 8 square miles to 35 square miles). In a nutshell:The current at-large system, which was adopted in 1958, means that everyone in Richland votes for all 7 City Council positions. Many citizens of Richland have felt under represented and argue that the city has outgrown its current at-large system. ✅ Voting YES on Measure No. 1 supports changing the City Council election structure so that five of the seven council members are elected by geographic district. This is intended to improve accountability and achieve more even representation across the city.❌ Voting No on Measure No. 1 supports keeping the City Council election structure the way that it is.Richland voters, the choice is yours. Do you feel fairly represented by the current system? Or would you rather have council members serve both their district and the city? -------------- Need more details? Here are some common questions:❓ Question: How were the districts created?Answer: The districts were created by following Washington State law using 2020 census population data and GIS precinct data layers. The district boundaries  are contiguous, and are equal in population. Council members serve both their district and the city as a whole, preserving teamwork while preventing lockstep conformity. - A Better Richland (ABR) used the state law (RCW 29A.76.010) and guidance from the Municipal Research and Services Center to draw the districts.- The state law requires 1) each district be as close as possible in population, 2) that the districts be composed of whole precincts, and 3) the precincts in a district be contiguous.- Each proposed district has almost exactly 12,000 residents per 2020 census data. The population of each Richland precinct (a geographical area defined by the state for electoral purposes) varies from 361 to 2,219 people. The whole, contiguous precincts for each district are listed in the proposed charter amendment.❓ Question: What is going on with the Proposed District 2?This proposed district takes that particular shape due to the population density in that area and the guidelines listed above (continuous districts with approximately 12,000 residents).❓ Question: Is this politically motivated? Is this gerrymandering?Answer: The proposal is a non-partisan effort supported by Richland voters across the political spectrum. Claims that districts are politically motivated or gerrymandered are completely unfounded. Check out the proposed district boundaries at abetterrichland.com and decide for yourself: experience.arcgis.com/experience/40eb8af4aef640b5a5cba2ef523b1bc2/page/Page?org=s-d-gSources:app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=29A.76.010mrsc.org/explore-topics/elections/basics/district-based-elections?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZB...www.abetterrichland.com/charter-amendment-1 www.sos.wa.gov/elections/data-research/reports-data-and-statistics/precinct-shapefiles?fbclid=IwZ...			
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				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 1 week ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		Still not sure who or what to vote for?Here are two great nonpartisan resources:✅ TriCitiesVote.com is a nonpartisan, community-driven website that provides key information—including candidates' views, donors, and endorsements—to help you make informed decisions.✅ Indivisible Tri-Cities Voter Tool (linktr.ee/IndivisibleTriCitiesVoterTools) is a one-stop guide for local voters. From Essential Voting Links to Get To Know Your Candidates, everything you need is in one convenient place!And don’t forget to VOTE!			
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				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 2 weeks ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		Your presence at Saturday’s No Kings protest was powerful. Now, we need you to help turn that energy into action! The Benton County Democrats' General Meeting is where you can meet fellow advocates, learn more about nonviolent resistance strategies, and help mobilize our voters for change.🗓️ Thursday, October 23rd🕡6:30 - 8:30pm📍Round Table Pizza - Kennewick location(3300 W Clearwater Ave, Kennewick)			
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				Benton County WA Democrats
				 
			
			
 2 weeks ago 
			
	
		
	



	
		Let’s talk about School Boards. ❗Kennewick, Prosser, and Richland pay attention ❗School boards make important decisions about public schools. They hold significant power over children's rights, setting policies that determine curricula, extracurricular programs, student discipline, and how district funds are spent. Kennewick, Prosser, and Richland have some big decisions to make in this election. We’ve outlined some quick points on each candidate to help with your research but remember to read your Voters’ Pamphlet and to research each candidate (some of them have campaign websites that make their goals loud and clear). And don’t forget to VOTE!  Even if you don’t have children your vote could help your neighbors, family members, or the kids who sell lemonade down the street every summer. Remember, the policies and decisions made by school boards can have long-lasting effects on your community and its future generations.			
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	November 2025
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
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2	3	4 TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday November 4, 2025 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day. https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/ See more details Richland City Council Richland City Council November 4, 2025 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA See more details • •	5	6 Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs November 6, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1 Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends. See more details •	7	8
9	10 Benton County Executive Board Benton County Executive Board November 10, 2025 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair. See more details •	11 TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday November 11, 2025 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day. https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/ See more details Kennewick City Council Workshop Kennewick City Council Workshop November 11, 2025 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM See more details • •	12	13 Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs November 13, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1 Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends. See more details •	14	15
16	17	18 TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday November 18, 2025 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day. https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/ See more details Richland City Council Richland City Council November 18, 2025 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA See more details • •	19	20 Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs November 20, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1 Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends. See more details •	21	22
23	24	25 TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday November 25, 2025 3:45 PM - 5:45 PM John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day. https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/ See more details Richland City Council Workshop Richland City Council Workshop November 25, 2025 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA See more details • •	26	27 Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs November 27, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1 Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends. See more details BCDCC General Public Meeting BCDCC General Public Meeting November 27, 2025 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair. See more details • •	28	29
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