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Progressive Voters Guide :: Statewide

Real progress means voting every race and issue.

Return Ballots by November 6th

The election has huge implications for our families, our communities, and our state. Our goal is to make smart, informed voting based on progressive values easier for you. We worked with Washington's leading progressive organizations to produce a Progressive Voters Guide—your ticket to highly informed recommendations about the races on your ballot.

The Progressive Voters Guide identifies the candidates with the most progressive track records and the ballot measure positions that will protect or promote progress in Washington.

Vote in every race on your ballot! It's our right and our responsibility, and they all impact our families and future in important ways. Please forward this guide to your friends and family, return your ballot by Tuesday, November 6th.

Progressive Voters Guide :: Statewide

Statewide Ballot Measures

Initiative 1185

Initiative 1240

  •  

    Most progressive organizations are opposing I-1240. Because there are progressive education advocates on both sides of this initiative, we asked each of the campaigns to present their case.

    Initiative 1240 would authorize the creation of 40 charter schools, independently managed by non-profits, over a 5-year period. A newly-created charter school commission would oversee the new system. Charter schools would use the same funding from the existing public school system and would not charge tuition.

Referendum 74

Initiative 502

Constitutional Amendments

SJR 8221

  • Thumbs Down
     

    The Legislature passed this constitutional amendment to reduce the amount Washington is able to borrow for construction projects. Supporters say this will help maintain the state's strong credit rating and reduce the amount of interest paid by the state. Opponents say this will limit the state's ability to finance important infrastructure projects, such as school construction, roads and bridges. We lean against because we believe the Legislature should do more in creating jobs and investing in our future.

    Opposed by: Washington State National Organization for Women PAC, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Washington Building and Construction Trades Council

SJR 8223

  • Thumbs Up
     

    The Legislature passed this constitutional amendment to give the University of Washington and Washington State University greater flexibility with their investments. Under this resolution, these universities could invest some funds in private companies or stock with approval from the Legislature.


    Partner Media Endorsements: The Stranger

State Advisory Votes

Advisory Vote 1 (ESB 6635)

  • Thumbs Up
     

    This advisory vote asks voters to support or oppose the Legislature's action to close an outdated tax loophole for Wall Street Banks. A recent Tim Eyman initiative requires this symbolic vote for all bills which raise revenue or close tax loopholes. While the measure has no direct action, it's important to show support for closing unjust and costly tax loopholes for special interests.

    Endorsements and Supporters include: Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest

Advisory Vote 2 (SHB 2590)

  • Thumbs Up
     

    This advisory vote asks voters to support or oppose the Legislature's action to maintain a fuel-safety fee on large, commercial fuel purchases. The revenue raised by this fee is used to ensure the safety of underground gasoline storage tanks. Like Advisory Vote 1, a recent Tim Eyman initiative requires this symbolic vote for all bills which raise revenue or close tax loopholes. While the measure has no direct action, it's important to show support for this environmental and public safety measure.

Federal Races

President

U.S. Senator

U.S. Representative

You will have one of the below Congressional races on your ballot.

  • 1st Congressional District

    Suzan DelBene

    Suzan DelBene

    Democrat

    Environment Icon Labor and Working Families Icon Reproductive Freedom Icon Education Icon Social Justice Icon
     
     

    Suzan DelBene is a former Microsoft vice president who also worked at several Internet start-ups. DelBene supports a reform agenda including legislation to protect our economy against Wall Street recklessness, adopting the "Buffett Rule" to ensure that those making a million dollars or more a year do not pay a lower tax rate than middle class families, and smart tax policy that supports businesses here at home.

    DelBene is running against tea party conservative John Koster in a race with national implications for control of the House of Representatives. Unlike her opponent, DelBene will protect choice for women, support marriage equality, and protect social security and Medicare.

    Endorsements and Supporters include: American Federation of Teachers - Washington, Sierra Club, OneAmerica Votes, Washington State National Organization for Women PAC, Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, SEIU, Environment Washington

    2nd Congressional District

    Rick Larsen

    Rick Larsen

    Democrat

    Environment Icon Labor and Working Families Icon Reproductive Freedom Icon Social Justice Icon
     
     

    Representative Rick Larsen has admirably represented Washington's 2nd District since 2000. During his time in Congress, Larsen fought to have Boeing workers build the next fleet of Air Force tankers, ensuring that living-wage jobs stay in Washington. Larsen has also been a consistent advocate for women's health in the House.

    Larsen's opponent is Republican Dan Mathews, who is against choice and marriage equality.

    Endorsements and Supporters include: Sierra Club, Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Washington State Council of Firefighters, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, SEIU

    3rd Congressional District

    Jon T. Haugen

    Jon T. Haugen

    Democrat

     
     

    Jon T. Haugen is the main Democratic contender against incumbent Jaime Herrera Beutler. Haugen served as a U.S. Navy pilot for 24 years and became involved in politics after seeing how hard school levies were to pass. Haugen believes it is imperative to save Medicare and Social Security. In order to pay for these priorities, Haugen wants to increase the capital gains tax, end the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, and bring our troops home.

    Haugen's opponent, Herrera Beutler, is a far-right conservative who wants to slash investments in critical social programs and is unresponsive to the opinions and needs of her district.

    4th Congressional District

    Mary Baechler

    Mary Baechler

    Democrat

    Labor and Working Families Icon
     
     

    Mary Baechler is a progressive activist who has also run a small business. She is running to preserve Social Security and Medicare, create jobs through fair and equitable taxation, and achieve equal rights. Baechler's opponent, Doc Hastings, is known as an obstacle to progress. He is a far-right conservative who supports defunding the U.N. and climate programs, as well as consistently attacking women's rights. While It will be tough to beat Hastings in this conservative district, Baechler's strong progressive values makes her the best choice in this race.

    Endorsements and Supporters include: Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO)

    5th Congressinal District

    Rich Cowan

    Rich Cowan

    Democrat

    Labor and Working Families Icon Reproductive Freedom Icon Education Icon Social Justice Icon
     
     

    Rich Cowan is currently the CEO of North by Northwest Productions and plans to use his business experience to improve Congress. Cowan wants to end tax breaks for big corporations that move American jobs overseas, strengthen Medicare and Social Security, and create living wage jobs by improving infrastructure.

    Cowan's opponent, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, is one of the highest ranking members of the far-right, obstructionist, House leadership. She has garnered a reputation of being anti-environment, anti-choice, anti-equality, and even anti-education funding. Rick Cowan is the better choice for Congress.

    Endorsements and Supporters include: American Federation of Teachers - Washington, Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Washington State Council of Firefighters, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, Spokane Regional Labor Council

    6th Congressional District

    Derek Kilmer

    Derek Kilmer

    Democrat

    Environment Icon Labor and Working Families Icon Reproductive Freedom Icon Social Justice Icon
     
     

    Derek Kilmer is running for the seat vacated by Norm Dicks' retirement in the 6th District. Kilmer has served in the Legislature since 2005, where he has been a strong voice for education and workforce development. If elected to Congress, he aims to create jobs, strengthen schools, and protect veterans. Kilmer's opponent, conservative newcomer Bill Driscoll, doesn't share his depth of experience or progressive values. Kilmer is clear choice for the 6th District.

    Endorsements and Supporters include: Sierra Club, Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Washington State Council of Firefighters, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, SEIU, League of Conservation Voters, Environment Washington, Washington State Council of Machinists

    7th Congressional District

    Jim McDermott

    Jim McDermott

    Democrat

    Labor and Working Families Icon Reproductive Freedom Icon Social Justice Icon
     
     

    Representative Jim McDermott has represented the 7th District since 1989 and is a champion of progressive values. McDermott is a member of the Progressive Caucus and serves on the House Ways and Means Committee. He's also served as a consistent progressive voice in the House, where he co-sponsored a bill that would tax bonuses of Wall Street executives, advocated for alternative energy, and helped lead the fight against troop involvement in Iraq. McDermott is also an outspoken supporter of health care reform and women's rights.

    McDermott's opponent is conservative attorney Ron Bemis, in his first run for public office.

    Endorsements and Supporters include: OneAmerica Votes, Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, SEIU
    Partner Media Endorsements: The Stranger

    8th Congressional District

    Karen Porterfield
     
     

    Karen Porterfield is the main Democratic challenger for the 8th District. Porterfield has more than 25 years of experience in the non-profit world that has shaped her progressive outlook. If elected, Porterfield would dedicate herself to fighting for women's rights, reforming Wall Street, and creating an equitable tax code. Porterfield's opponent, Republican Dave Reichert, has voted in lock-step with his party on nearly every major piece of legislation. Porterfield's progressive values, as well as Reichert's hardline conservative voting record, make Porterfield the best choice for Congress.

    Endorsements and Supporters include: Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO)

    9th Congressional District

    Adam Smith

    Adam Smith

    Democrat

    Environment Icon Labor and Working Families Icon Reproductive Freedom Icon Social Justice Icon
     
     

    Representative Adam Smith has served in the U.S. House since 1997. Smith is a moderate Democrat who has been a reliable vote on progressive issues, including marriage equality and eliminating Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Smith is also in favor of more progressive taxation and immigration reform, including the DREAM Act. Smith has also worked hard to meet his new constituents after this district changed considerably in the redistricting process.

    His opponent, far-right conservative Jim Postma, is rabidly anti-choice and anti-immigrant, against marriage equality and wants to repeal health care reform. Smith is the clear choice in the 9th District.

    Endorsements and Supporters include: Sierra Club, OneAmerica Votes, Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Washington State Council of Firefighters, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, SEIU, Washington Education Association
    Partner Media Endorsements: The Stranger

    10th Congressional District

    Denny Heck

    Denny Heck

    Democrat

    Environment Icon Labor and Working Families Icon Reproductive Freedom Icon Social Justice Icon
     
     

    Denny Heck is running for Congress in the newly created 10th District. He is a native Washingtonian who served in the Washington state House for nearly a decade before retiring in 1986. He then co-founded TVW to give citizens greater access to state government. He has also helped several small businesses grow and was an original investor in Real Networks. Heck's experience in both the public and private sector has shown him how to help small business owners and create jobs.

    Heck's opponent is conservative Republican Dick Muri, whose platform focuses on Tea Party priorities. Muri has committed to repealing the entire health insurance reform law.

    Endorsements and Supporters include: Sierra Club, Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Labor Council (AFL-CIO), Washington State Council of Firefighters, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, SEIU

Statewide Offices

Governor

Lt. Governor

Progressive endorsements are split in this race. See the full guide below.

Secretary of State

State Treasurer

  • Jim McIntire
     

    Jim McIntire has done an impressive job of protecting the state's credit worthiness and fiscal reputation during challenging times. He brings a diverse range of experience to his work, having served as an economist, Chair of the Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board, and former Chair of the House Finance Committee. McIntire has protected the long term interests of taxpayers, limited state debt, reduced interest costs, and encouraged investment in the future. His opponent, Sharon Hanek, is a Tea Party-style Republican who mounted a successful write-in campaign during the primary.

    Endorsements and Supporters include: Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Council of Firefighters, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, SEIU (925, 1199NW)

State Auditor

  • Troy Kelley
     

    We are not thrilled with our choices in this race. Rep. Troy Kelley is a conservative Democrat who is more moderate on social issues. He is a previous chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Review committee, a member of the National Guard and a small business owner in Pierce County. His voting record on environmental and labor issues has been poor, and has some personal baggage with sketchy business schemes and legal problems, settled out of court. However, his opponent, James Watkins, is a far-right Tea Party supporter who wants to eliminate all Federal funding for education. Kelley isn't perfect, but he's the best choice for Washington State Auditor.

    Endorsements and Supporters include: American Federation of Teachers - Washington, Children’s Campaign Fund, Equal Rights Washington, Washington State Council of Firefighters, SEIU (725NW, 925, 1199NW), Washington Education Association, various local trade unions and firefighter organizations.

Attorney General

Commissioner of Public Lands

Insurance Commissioner

Supreme Court Justice

Position #9

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About This Voters Guide

The symbols indicate that a candidate has endorsements from groups dedicated to that issue area.

Environment IconEnvironment
Labor & Working Families IconLabor & Working Families
Reproductive Freedom IconReproductive Freedom
Education IconEducation
Social Justice IconSocial Justice

Voter Guide Partners

  • American Federation of Teachers - Washington
  • Asian Pacific Islander Americans for Civic Empowerment (APACE)
  • Cascade Bicycle Club
  • Equal Rights Washington
  • Fuse Washington
  • Latino PAC
  • League of Education Voters
  • NARAL Pro-Choice Washington
  • National Women's Political Caucus of Washington
  • OneAmerica Votes
  • Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest
  • Progressive Majority
  • SEIU Healthcare 1199NW
  • SEIU Healthcare 775NW
  • SEIU Local 925
  • Sierra Club
  • Teamsters Joint Council #28
  • UFCW 21
  • Washington Bus
  • Washington CAN!
  • Washington Conservation Voters
  • Washington State Council of Firefighters
  • Washington State Labor Council
  • Washington State National Organization for Women PAC