MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
We will submit our official application to the DNC in just a few hours in hopes of becoming one of the first five states to host an early presidential primary in 2024. In our bid, we highlighted the many characteristics that put Washington on the forefront of progressive politics and make our state such a wonderful place to call home, like our expansive and diverse communities of color, Democratic-led state government, strong union presence, and world-class, mail-in election system (a personal favorite of mine).
Last week, I spoke of the progress made in recent years to improve and increase voting access. And while we are continuing to find ways to make further advancements there, the GOP is laser-focused on voter intimidation and spreading blatant falsehoods. Right now, right-wing groups are going door-to-door asking about people’s voter registration statuses at private residences. This is illegal, and has the potential to scare individuals from voting in the midterm. But it’s part of the GOP’s nationwide crusade to erect unnecessary and often harmful hurdles to the ballot box.
Our democracy is at its best when everyone participates. We will NOT allow votes to be suppressed in Washington state. This is why we filed motions to intervene in and dismiss the many baseless lawsuits filed by far-right Republican activists last fall, demanding unlawful Arizona-style “audits” of the 2020 results in counties across the state under the guise of election integrity.
On Thursday, Washington’s state Supreme Court announced it had imposed more than $28,000 in fines against that group and its attorney for a lack of real evidence. While we celebrate this victory and the ones preceding it, we all know this was an incredible waste of time, talent, and financial resources to fight wild conspiracies based on Trumpian delusions.
Washington is so lucky to have such a fantastic Secretary of State like Steve Hobbs, who is working hard to ensure voting is safe, secure, and accessible. Remember, this is the first time the position has been held by a Democrat in 60 years. The only way to keep our elections free and fair in Washington state is reelecting Hobbs. We can’t afford to lose that office for another six decades — and together, we won’t.
WORKING FOR WASHINGTON
Tomorrow marks the official start of the 2022 election cycle, as we launch the first of many statewide Days of Action in communities across Washington. We must build as much momentum ahead of the midterm as we can, and this is a great opportunity to do just that.
Grab your door-knocking shoes and join us as we mobilize our neighborhoods, get people registered to vote, and spread the word about the incredible slate of Democratic candidates running in 2022.
Tomorrow’s event is our biggest of the year so far, and we need your help to make it a success. It’s not too late; invite everyone in your local area to help (register below). If you can’t attend and want to support our efforts, chip in HERE. And be sure to watch for upcoming Days of Action near you!
DEMOCRATS IN THE NEWS
'Stop the Steal' Group Fined Over Lack of Evidence in Voter Fraud Lawsuit The efforts of Attorney General Bob Ferguson led Washington state's Supreme Court to impose more than $28,000 in fines on an "election integrity" group and its lawyer for providing minimal evidence in its lawsuit alleging state officials illegally registered non-citizens to vote.
‘Is this the Interurban?’ Trail advocates seek federal money U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen biked a portion of the Interurban Trail in Mountlake Terrace alongside a group of advocates to discuss how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law can help improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Snohomish County.
Find additional news and more on our website and social media!
STAFF CORNER
We’re thrilled to highlight two of our newest staff members: Cat Wolf and Julian Mydlil. Cat will serve as the regional field director in northwest Washington, and Julian as a field organizer. Both are integral in making sure we get out the vote in every race and every place in Washington state!
Want to join our growing field organizing team, or know of anyone who’d make a great addition? Tell them to visit wa-democrats.org/jobs to learn more.
SAVE THE DATE
Day of Action Our first of many statewide Days of Action is set for Saturday, June 4, where we’ll knock doors, mobilize our communities, and get voters excited about local candidates. Join now.
Clark County - Vancouver, 10 a.m. to noon; 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Special guests: District 18 House candidates Duncan Camacho and John Zingale and District 17 House candidates Terri Niles and Joe Kear.
King County - Issaquah, 10 a.m. to noon Special guests: Chair Tina Podlodowski, Sen. Lisa Wellman, Rep. My-Linh Thai, Rep. Lisa Callan, Rep. David Hackney, and Black Diamond City Councilmember Kristiana de Leon
Snohomish County - Snohomish, 10 a.m. to noon Special guests: Sen. John Lovick, Rep. April Berg, and Rep. Emily Wicks
Pierce County - noon to 2:30 p.m. Special guests: Chair Tina Podlodowski, Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins, and Sen. Yasmin Trudeau
Walla Walla County – Walla Walla, noon to 2:30 p.m.
Special guests: Danielle Garbe Reser and District 18 House candidates Jeff Strickler and Jan Corn
Washington State Democratic Convention Join us for our party’s annual convention June 24-25 at the Tacoma Convention Center, with the gala set for the evening of the 25th. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from many remarkable local and national Democratic leaders. Watch for the announcement of our incredible lineup soon!
Snag your tickets TODAY!
GET INVOLVED
For the week of June 5-9:
- Covington Virtual Phone Bank, 2-4 p.m. June 5
- Everett Virtual Phone Bank, 4:30-7 p.m. June 5
- Bellingham Virtual Phone Bank, 5-7 p.m. June 7
- Federal Way Virtual Phone Bank, 5-7 p.m. June 7
- Clark County Star Trek Phone Bank, 5-7 p.m. June 8
- King County Star Trek Phone Bank, 5-7 p.m. June 8
- South Sound Star Trek Phone Bank, June 8
Learn more of what’s happening in your neck of the woods and sign up for event alerts HERE.
From now until November, we have to mobilize every Democratic voter in Washington state — and we need your help to accomplish that. Join our incredible team of volunteers!
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Connections Lab: Stop, Drop, and Roll Workshop | 8 to 11:30 a.m. June 25 Learn the science behind framing and leave with skills to create effective messages that tell people who Democrats are, what we believe, and why our ideas work better for all Americans.
Use the promo code “ASDC” at checkout to attend for free. Register HERE.
Connections Lab: Framing the Impending Roe v. Wade Decision | 5-6 p.m. June 27 Hear from a messaging expert on how best to frame and discuss the U.S. Supreme Court’s impending decision likely overturning Roe v. Wade, jeopardizing access to abortion.
Register to attend for free HERE.
Keep in touch, stay engaged, and as always, thank you for all you do!
With gratitude,
Chair Tina Podlodowski Washington State Democratic Party
Washington State Democrats PO Box 4027 Seattle, WA 98194 United States