No Good Choices
Dan Roach
There are no good choices in this race. Conservative Republican Dan Roach is running unopposed for re-election. He does not have a track record that merits your support. Your name here?
There are no good choices in this race. Conservative Republican Dan Roach is running unopposed for re-election. He does not have a track record that merits your support. Your name here?
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Washington state was ranked as having the fourth most crowded classrooms in the country, making it hard for teachers to teach and students to learn. Like I-728, which was approved by voters in the 2000 election, I-1351 defines specific class size goals that would be reached over four years. It sets a goal of 15 students per teacher in K-3 grades in schools that have high rates of poverty, with higher ratios set for grades beyond third. To meet these goals, schools would have to hire 7,500 new teachers across the state.
I-591 prevents Washington state from adopting any standards for background checks that are stronger than the relatively weak requirements in our Federal law. It would maintain the loophole that allows domestic abusers and other convicted criminals to purchase firearms over the Internet or in a parking lot. The gun lobby filed Initiative 591 to confuse and distract voters from supporting universal background checks. Vote no on Initiative 591.
Initiative 594 is simple: it makes sure that anyone buying a gun in Washington state passes the same background check, no matter where they buy the gun and no matter whom they buy it from. It closes the loophole in our law that allows criminals, domestic abusers and other dangerous people to buy guns from strangers – in parking lots, on the Internet, and at gun shows – with no questions asked.
Thanks to a Tim Eyman initiative, the state legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. A bipartisan majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that marijuana is not a farm product eligible for tax breaks like wheat or dairy. The uncontroversial Senate Bill 6505 passed the legislature 112 to 42. Vote to "maintain" this measure.
This is another Eyman advisory vote. An overwhelming majority of legislators came together earlier this year to clarify that federally recognized Native American tribes must follow the same tax rules as state and local governments when it comes to privately leasing land that is owned exclusively by the tribe. The uncontroversial House Bill 1287 passed the legislature 93 to 44. Vote to "maintain" this measure.
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below congressional districts on your ballot.
Derek Kilmer is a moderate Democrat who is a reliable supporter of creating jobs and improving infrastructure. He has been a leader on small business development and protecting Puget Sound during his first term.
Derek Kilmer is a moderate Democrat who is a reliable supporter of creating jobs and improving infrastructure. He has been a leader on small business development and protecting Puget Sound during his first term.
Jason Ritchie is a rising star who is running an energetic campaign to defeat incumbent Dave Reichert. Ritchie started a business remodeling homes for people with disabilities after his father had a stroke and suffered from limited mobility.
Jason Ritchie is a rising star who is running an energetic campaign to defeat incumbent Dave Reichert. Ritchie started a business remodeling homes for people with disabilities after his father had a stroke and suffered from limited mobility.
Denny Heck has had a long, effective career in both the private and public sectors, most notably as a five-term state representative, House majority leader, chief of staff to former Gov. Booth Gardner, and TVW co-founder.
Denny Heck has had a long, effective career in both the private and public sectors, most notably as a five-term state representative, House majority leader, chief of staff to former Gov. Booth Gardner, and TVW co-founder.
Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below legislative races on your ballot.
Greg Hartman is a former member of the Coast Guard and
firefighter for 34 years. As a public servant, Hartman has seen first hand the
devastating impact of numerous budget cuts. As such, his priorities are to fully
Greg Hartman is a former member of the Coast Guard and
firefighter for 34 years. As a public servant, Hartman has seen first hand the
devastating impact of numerous budget cuts. As such, his priorities are to fully
There are no good choices in this race. Conservative
Republican J.T. Wilcox is opposed by Libertarian Steven Nielson. If you are interested in running for
office in the future, see our friends at Progressive Majority.
Dawn Morrell is a nurse and health care advocate who
fought for mental health care to be integrated into standard health care. Before
winning her seat two years ago, Morrell previously served in the legislature
Dawn Morrell is a nurse and health care advocate who
fought for mental health care to be integrated into standard health care. Before
winning her seat two years ago, Morrell previously served in the legislature
There are no good choices in this race. Eric Renz is a
Puyallup Democrat who leads adult education ministries at First Presbyterian
Judy Arbogast is a longtime education advocate who spent
decades as a teacher at the South Kitsap School District. She promises to fight
for education funding and help fix the dysfunction of the Senate, such as her
Judy Arbogast is a longtime education advocate who spent
decades as a teacher at the South Kitsap School District. She promises to fight
for education funding and help fix the dysfunction of the Senate, such as her
Nathan Schlicher is a doctor, a leader of government
transparency, and was an effective champion of the 26th while serving his
appointment in the Senate in 2013. As an emergency room doctor and an attorney,
Nathan Schlicher is a doctor, a leader of government
transparency, and was an effective champion of the 26th while serving his
appointment in the Senate in 2013. As an emergency room doctor and an attorney,
Representative Larry Seaquist is a moderate Democrat who
chairs the Higher Education Committee. Seaquist has passed significant reforms
through bipartisan compromises, including preventing some cuts to higher
Representative Larry Seaquist is a moderate Democrat who
chairs the Higher Education Committee. Seaquist has passed significant reforms
through bipartisan compromises, including preventing some cuts to higher
Representative Laurie Jinkins has been a passionate and
effective champion for progressive values, particularly in her fight for women,
equality, and closing egregious tax loopholes. She was the first lesbian to
Representative Laurie Jinkins has been a passionate and
effective champion for progressive values, particularly in her fight for women,
equality, and closing egregious tax loopholes. She was the first lesbian to
Jake Fey is a reliable progressive who has been a leader
on education, transportation, and the environment during his first two years in
Olympia. As the son of German immigrants who had to help raise his younger
Jake Fey is a reliable progressive who has been a leader
on education, transportation, and the environment during his first two years in
Olympia. As the son of German immigrants who had to help raise his younger
Rep. Tami Green has been one of the strongest leaders in the House for many years. Green has pushed to close wasteful tax loopholes for Wall Street Banks, big oil companies, and big corporations so that everyone pays their fair share.
Rep. Tami Green has been one of the strongest leaders in the House for many years. Green has pushed to close wasteful tax loopholes for Wall Street Banks, big oil companies, and big corporations so that everyone pays their fair share.
Mary Moss has been a Lakewood City Councilmember for five
years and is very active in her community. She serves on boards of organizations
that advocate for veterans, women, schools, and local businesses. Moss received
Mary Moss has been a Lakewood City Councilmember for five
years and is very active in her community. She serves on boards of organizations
that advocate for veterans, women, schools, and local businesses. Moss received
Christine Kilduff is a state assistant attorney general who has twice been awarded an excellence in outstanding performance award for her work. Kilduff supports a plan to make sure women earn equal pay for equal work and an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy.
Christine Kilduff is a state assistant attorney general who has twice been awarded an excellence in outstanding performance award for her work. Kilduff supports a plan to make sure women earn equal pay for equal work and an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy.
Steve Conway is a skilled negotiator and respected
leader in the Senate. He has been endorsed by advocates for workers, the
environment, social justice, and reproductive choice. His opponent, Terry
Steve Conway is a skilled negotiator and respected
leader in the Senate. He has been endorsed by advocates for workers, the
environment, social justice, and reproductive choice. His opponent, Terry
David Sawyer has long been an advocate for the most
vulnerable when it comes to housing, including this past legislative session
when he co-sponsored a bill to fill a vital state funding need for the homeless.
David Sawyer has long been an advocate for the most
vulnerable when it comes to housing, including this past legislative session
when he co-sponsored a bill to fill a vital state funding need for the homeless.
Representative Steve Kirby is the 6-term incumbent for
the 29th District who is running unopposed for reelection. He is the Chair of
the Businesses and Financial Services Committee and wields considerable
Representative Steve Kirby is the 6-term incumbent for
the 29th District who is running unopposed for reelection. He is the Chair of
the Businesses and Financial Services Committee and wields considerable
There are no good candidates in this race. Pam Roach is
extremely conservative and very volatile. She has been banned from her caucus
for abusing fellow legislators and has been censured for abusing staff. She
Mike Sando is a teacher in Enumclaw who serves on the
Enumclaw Planning Commission and City Council. As a teacher, he says he is
committed to ensuring Washington's public schools are fully-funded. This seat is
Mike Sando is a teacher in Enumclaw who serves on the
Enumclaw Planning Commission and City Council. As a teacher, he says he is
committed to ensuring Washington's public schools are fully-funded. This seat is
Representative Christopher Hurst calls himself an
"independent Democrat" to broadcast his conservative values. Hurst has a
rather conservative voting record on environmental issues, transit, and taxes.
Representative Christopher Hurst calls himself an
"independent Democrat" to broadcast his conservative values. Hurst has a
rather conservative voting record on environmental issues, transit, and taxes.
Incumbent Mark Lindquist was unanimously appointed to be Pierce County Prosecutor in 2009 and was elected to a four-year term in 2010.
Incumbent Mark Lindquist was unanimously appointed to be Pierce County Prosecutor in 2009 and was elected to a four-year term in 2010.
Judge Kevin McCann was appointed to the District Court in a unanimous and bipartisan vote of the Pierce County Council. He formerly led the felony drug unit and the felony crimes unit at the Pierce County Prosecutor's office. McCann is running unopposed and deserves your vote.
Judge Kevin McCann was appointed to the District Court in a unanimous and bipartisan vote of the Pierce County Council. He formerly led the felony drug unit and the felony crimes unit at the Pierce County Prosecutor's office. McCann is running unopposed and deserves your vote.
Claire R. Sussman has been a Pierce Country District Court Judge for 4 years. She is active in her community as a supporter of Lawyers Helping Hungry Children and Girl Scouts of America. Sussman is running unopposed and deserves your vote.
Claire R. Sussman has been a Pierce Country District Court Judge for 4 years. She is active in her community as a supporter of Lawyers Helping Hungry Children and Girl Scouts of America. Sussman is running unopposed and deserves your vote.
Frank Dacca has been a Pierce County District Court Judge for 11 years. He is a dedicated community volunteer who is active in the Fife Historical Society, Youth Education & Sports, and the Fife Park & Senior Services Board. He is running unopposed and deserves your vote.
Frank Dacca has been a Pierce County District Court Judge for 11 years. He is a dedicated community volunteer who is active in the Fife Historical Society, Youth Education & Sports, and the Fife Park & Senior Services Board. He is running unopposed and deserves your vote.
James Heller has served for 29 years as a District Court Judge in Pierce County. He is an instructor at the National Judicial College and the Washington State Judicial College. He is a committtee member of the Washington State Supreme Court Judicial Information System since 1987.
James Heller has served for 29 years as a District Court Judge in Pierce County. He is an instructor at the National Judicial College and the Washington State Judicial College. He is a committtee member of the Washington State Supreme Court Judicial Information System since 1987.
Judy Jasprica has been a Pierce County District Court Judge for 17 years. Jasprica is former Pierce County District Court Commissioner who is considered an expert in domestic violence law. She is an instructor and former Dean at Washington State Judicial College.
Judy Jasprica has been a Pierce County District Court Judge for 17 years. Jasprica is former Pierce County District Court Commissioner who is considered an expert in domestic violence law. She is an instructor and former Dean at Washington State Judicial College.
Maggie Ross has been a Pierce Country District Court Judge for 11 years. Before her election to the District Court in 2002, she served as Pierce County District Commissioner and Pierce county Deputy Prosecutor for 15 years.
Maggie Ross has been a Pierce Country District Court Judge for 11 years. Before her election to the District Court in 2002, she served as Pierce County District Commissioner and Pierce county Deputy Prosecutor for 15 years.
Karla Buttorff has been a Pierce County District Court Judge since 2002. She comes from a background in private law with an emphasis on family law, trust and estates. She is running unopposed.
Karla Buttorff has been a Pierce County District Court Judge since 2002. She comes from a background in private law with an emphasis on family law, trust and estates. She is running unopposed.
Depending on the county district you live in, you may have the following races on your ballot.
There are no good choices in this race. Conservative Republican Dan Roach is running unopposed for re-election. He does not have a track record that merits your support. Your name here?
Rick Talbert is a moderate Democrat. He has performed Pierce County Performance Audits since 2003. He served two terms on the Tacoma City Council and has been a member of the Pierce Transit Board of Directors and the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health.
Rick Talbert is a moderate Democrat. He has performed Pierce County Performance Audits since 2003. He served two terms on the Tacoma City Council and has been a member of the Pierce Transit Board of Directors and the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health.
Derek Young is a four-term Gig Harbor City Council member and small business owner. He wants to improve the county’s mental health and public safety services and has been an advocate for women’s health and reproductive rights.
Derek Young is a four-term Gig Harbor City Council member and small business owner. He wants to improve the county’s mental health and public safety services and has been an advocate for women’s health and reproductive rights.
After serving as a trial court judge on the King County Superior Court for 14 years, Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee to fill a vacancy on the court. Justice Yu is the first Asian American and first member of the LGBT community to serve on the state Supreme Court.
After serving as a trial court judge on the King County Superior Court for 14 years, Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee to fill a vacancy on the court. Justice Yu is the first Asian American and first member of the LGBT community to serve on the state Supreme Court.
Mary Fairhurst, who recently won a multi-year battle with cancer, is running unopposed for her third term on the Supreme Court. Fairhurst was the second woman, first public sector lawyer, and youngest attorney to serve as the President of the Washington State Bar Association.
Mary Fairhurst, who recently won a multi-year battle with cancer, is running unopposed for her third term on the Supreme Court. Fairhurst was the second woman, first public sector lawyer, and youngest attorney to serve as the President of the Washington State Bar Association.
Charles Johnson is the most senior member of the Washington state Supreme Court, having spent 24 years protecting individual rights, ensuring government accountability, and working to ensure those who are less privileged have equal opportunities to succeed.
Charles Johnson is the most senior member of the Washington state Supreme Court, having spent 24 years protecting individual rights, ensuring government accountability, and working to ensure those who are less privileged have equal opportunities to succeed.
Debra Stephens was elected to the state Supreme Court in 2008 after many years in public service. She spent a decade serving students on the school board and mentored at-risk high school students as well as students at Gonzaga University.
Debra Stephens was elected to the state Supreme Court in 2008 after many years in public service. She spent a decade serving students on the school board and mentored at-risk high school students as well as students at Gonzaga University.
We are recommending Karl Williams, although there are two good candidates in this race.
We are recommending Karl Williams, although there are two good candidates in this race.
Depending on where you live, you may have the below court races on your ballot. The Progressive Voters Guide may skip recommendations for unopposed judicial races.
Drew Ann Henke is currently an Administrative Law Judge and has served as Deputy Prosecuting and Defense Attorney in Pierce County. She helped create the Domestic Violence Unit, which became the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center. She is running against Rob Freeby. Henke has received a number of endorsements from progressives and is the best choice in this race.
Drew Ann Henke is currently an Administrative Law Judge and has served as Deputy Prosecuting and Defense Attorney in Pierce County. She helped create the Domestic Violence Unit, which became the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center. She is running against Rob Freeby. Henke has received a number of endorsements from progressives and is the best choice in this race.
Elizabeth Verhey is the presiding Judge on the Tacoma Municipal Court. She has developed a program that maintains a community service work crew as an alternative to incarceration, saving taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars. She is running unopposed and deserves your vote.
Elizabeth Verhey is the presiding Judge on the Tacoma Municipal Court. She has developed a program that maintains a community service work crew as an alternative to incarceration, saving taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars. She is running unopposed and deserves your vote.
Depending on where you live, you may have the following city races on your ballot.
This resolution would amend the wording of various sections of the Tacoma City Charter to conform election-related provisions with the rest of the county and state.
Currently, Tacoma candidates need 10 residents as sponsors and to pay a $50 printing fee to print the Voters' Pamphlet. No other areas in Pierce County have to pay this fee to the County Auditor, and this charter amendment will eliminate this requirement. It will not impact the Voters' Pamphlet. Vote yes on Amendment 1.
This resolution would amend the wording of various sections of the Tacoma City Charter to replace gender-specific language with gender-neutral language.
In 1992, residents of Tacoma voted to make the City Charter gender neutral, but the vote was purely symbolic and did not stick. As a City Charter is a document that reflects our values--including respect for every city worker, no matter their gender--it is time the Charter is updated. Vote yes on Amendment 2.
No one should be fired for who they are, who they love, or where they've come from.
This resolution would amend Article VI, Section 6.7 of the Tacoma City Charter to add color, ancestry, gender-identity, sexual orientation, family status, honorably discharged veteran, and military status to the list of classes protected from discrimination in city employment.
This resolution would amend Article II, Section 2.13 of the Tacoma City Charter to allow emergency ordinances to take effect immediately upon passage rather than after publication.
There is a loophole in the city's charter that requires emergency ordinances to be printed--taking up to two days--before they go into effect. Closing this loophole will protect the city of Tacoma and ensure the city can control its own path when it comes to land use, development, and other issues that need emergency action.
Insuring greater accountability and transparency in city government is important. This resolution would amend Article III, Section 3.4 of the Tacoma City Charter to require City Council confirmation for appointment of department heads.
If the City Council doesn't improve the City Manager's hiring decisions, they have little responsibility for the way the city is run. Vote yes on Amendment 5.
The Director of Utilities is the highest paid employee in the city of Tacoma, making $323,000 per year--twice what the governor is paid. This charter amendment will ensure government accountability and enhance transparency by requiring the City Council to confirm the appointment of the Director of Utilities by the Public Utility Board, with reconfirmation every two years following annual performance reviews. Vote yes on Resolution No. 38953.
This resolution would amend Article III of the Tacoma City Charter by adding a new Section 3.13 to require a Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Tacoma's Landmarks Commission lacks the status of other commissions, yet it plays a big role in projects that impact the city's urban design, including its role in the Union Station Historic District. This amendment will help maintain its presence and value in Tacoma's historic preservation projects. Vote yes on Resolution No. 39854.
This resolution would amend Article II, Section 2.35, of the Tacoma City Charter dealing with term limits, by allowing a Council Member to serve two terms (up to eight years) and the Mayor to serve two terms (up to eight years).
Currently, the charter restricts all elected candidates to 10 consecutive years, which bars an experienced council person from running for mayor. Experience on the council matters for the leaders of our city. Vote yes on Resolution No. 38955.
This resolution would amend Article II, Section 2.3 of the Tacoma City Charter to add a Citizen Commission on Elected Salaries to determine the compensation and salary of the Mayor and Council.
This resolution would amend Article IX of the Tacoma City Charter by deleting Section 9.4, removing the prohibition against new cemeteries, mausoleums, or crematories within the City of Tacoma.
The rules on cemeteries date back to before Tacoma was a city. Removing these rules would have no impact on current or future cemeteries, but leaving the rules in could cause problems with some local churches. Vote yes on Resolution No. 38957.
This resolution would amend Article VI, Section 6.6, of the Tacoma City Charter to allow city employees to contract for utility services and participate in conservation, environmental, and other programs available to the public generally and as otherwise allowed by state law.
This resolution would amend Article VI of the Tacoma City Charter by deleting Section 6.3, removing citizenship and city residency as requirements of eligibility for city employment.
Federal law mandates citizenship for police and firefighters. The rest is unenforceable under federal and state laws. Everyone deserves a chance to work, and as long as an applicant is a resident of the city, they deserve a fair shot at a good job to raise their family. Vote yes on Resolution No. 38959.