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  • VOTE YES

  • 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. Some progressives oppose I-1351 because it is expensive, does not include a funding source, and could preclude other important investments. We are recommending a yes vote to send a strong message to the legislature to fully fund education.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05
    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. Some progressives oppose I-1351 because it is expensive, does not include a funding source, and could preclude other important investments. We are recommending a yes vote to send a strong message to the legislature to fully fund education.
    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. Some progressives oppose I-1351 because it is expensive, does not include a funding source, and could preclude other important investments. We are recommending a yes vote to send a strong message to the legislature to fully fund education.

    Vote YES for smaller class sizes

    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.

  • Endorsed By The Stranger, Washington State Labor Council, Service Employees International Union, Washington CAN!, Bellevue School Board, Walla Walla School Board, Tacoma Council PTA
  • VOTE NO

  • 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.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05
    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.
    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.

    Vote NO on I-591

    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.

  • VOTE YES

  • 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.

    Criminal and public safety background checks dramatically reduce dangerous people’s access to guns. Supporters gathered more than 345,000 signatures to place this common sense proposal on the ballot after the legislature failed to act. Please vote yes on I-594 and ensure that we close the private gun sales loophole and help save lives.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05
    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.

    Criminal and public safety background checks dramatically reduce dangerous people’s access to guns. Supporters gathered more than 345,000 signatures to place this common sense proposal on the ballot after the legislature failed to act. Please vote yes on I-594 and ensure that we close the private gun sales loophole and help save lives.
    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.

    Criminal and public safety background checks dramatically reduce dangerous people’s access to guns. Supporters gathered more than 345,000 signatures to place this common sense proposal on the ballot after the legislature failed to act. Please vote yes on I-594 and ensure that we close the private gun sales loophole and help save lives.

    Vote YES on I-594 – Universal Background Checks

    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.

  • Endorsed By American Federation of Teachers - WA, Children's Campaign Fund, Fuse, The Stranger, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Legal Voice, Greater Seattle Business Association, Faith Action Network, Doctors for America, MomsRising.org, Washington Academy of Family Physicians, Grandmothers Against Gun Violence
  • VOTE MAINTAINED

    Vote MAINTAINED on Statewide Advisory Ballot Measure #8

  • 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.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05
    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.
    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.

    Vote "Maintain" on Tax Advisory Vote No. 8

    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.

  • Endorsed By The Stranger
  • VOTE MAINTAINED

    Vote MAINTAINED on Statewide Advisory Ballot Measure #9

  • 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.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05
    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.
    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.

    Vote "Maintain" on Tax Advisory Vote No. 9

    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.

  • Endorsed By The Stranger

Congress

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below congressional districts on your ballot.

  • 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. With a strong commitment to progressive values on issues such as immigration reform, protecting safe and legal access to abortion, and fully funding education, Ritchie would be a welcome change to the district.

    Conservative Republican Dave Reichert has passed only one law in the last 10 years--renaming a post office--and is an ineffective representative for the district. Ritchie deserves your vote.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Jason Ritchie

    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. With a strong commitment to progressive values on issues such as immigration reform, protecting safe and legal access to abortion, and fully funding education, Ritchie would be a welcome change to the district.

    Conservative Republican Dave Reichert has passed only one law in the last 10 years--renaming a post office--and is an ineffective representative for the district. Ritchie deserves your vote.

    Jason Ritchie

    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.

  • 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. Smith has worked hard to connect with and represent his new constituents after this district changed considerably in the redistricting process. He continues to be an advocate for greater equality and fought House Republicans' efforts to slash food stamps in the most recent farm bill.

    Smith faces Republican Doug Basler, who is not running a competitive campaign. Smith deserves your vote.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Adam Smith

    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.

    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. Smith has worked hard to connect with and represent his new constituents after this district changed considerably in the redistricting process. He continues to be an advocate for greater equality and fought House Republicans' efforts to slash food stamps in the most recent farm bill.

    Smith faces Republican Doug Basler, who is not running a competitive campaign. Smith deserves your vote.

    Adam Smith

    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.

  • Shari Song is long-time community leader and small business owner. She strongly supports a plan to ensure equal pay for equal work. Song believes a woman, not her employer or her boss, should make her own health care decisions. Song’s priorities are job development and education funding, as well as transportation and transit.

    Her opponent is former Democrat turned Republican Mark Miloscia. He supports allowing employers to deny coverage for birth control and co-sponsored a bill that could ban many forms of birth control. His campaign is heavily funded by corporate lobbyists and wealthy special interests.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Shari Song

    Shari Song is long-time community leader and small business owner. She strongly supports a plan to ensure equal pay for equal work. Song believes a woman, not her employer or her boss, should make her own health care decisions.

    Shari Song is long-time community leader and small business owner. She strongly supports a plan to ensure equal pay for equal work. Song believes a woman, not her employer or her boss, should make her own health care decisions. Song’s priorities are job development and education funding, as well as transportation and transit.

    Her opponent is former Democrat turned Republican Mark Miloscia. He supports allowing employers to deny coverage for birth control and co-sponsored a bill that could ban many forms of birth control. His campaign is heavily funded by corporate lobbyists and wealthy special interests.

    Shari Song

    Shari Song is long-time community leader and small business owner. She strongly supports a plan to ensure equal pay for equal work. Song believes a woman, not her employer or her boss, should make her own health care decisions.

  • Gregory Baruso is a 28-year veteran of the Port of Seattle Fire Department and the Chair of the Federal Way Diversity Commission. In addition to his public safety experience and leadership, Baruso will focus on education and tax issues, including tax loophole accountability. Baruso is challenging first-term Republican Linda Kochmar, who was narrowly elected in 2012. She doesn't support access to safe and legal abortion and has not distinguished herself from the Republican Party line in her first two years in office. Baruso is the best choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Greg Baruso

    Gregory Baruso is a 28-year veteran of the Port of

    Seattle Fire Department and the Chair of the Federal Way Diversity Commission.

    In addition to his public safety experience and leadership, Baruso will focus on

    Gregory Baruso is a 28-year veteran of the Port of Seattle Fire Department and the Chair of the Federal Way Diversity Commission. In addition to his public safety experience and leadership, Baruso will focus on education and tax issues, including tax loophole accountability. Baruso is challenging first-term Republican Linda Kochmar, who was narrowly elected in 2012. She doesn't support access to safe and legal abortion and has not distinguished herself from the Republican Party line in her first two years in office. Baruso is the best choice in this race.

    Greg Baruso

    Gregory Baruso is a 28-year veteran of the Port of

    Seattle Fire Department and the Chair of the Federal Way Diversity Commission.

    In addition to his public safety experience and leadership, Baruso will focus on

  • Endorsed By: American Federation of Teachers - WA, Progressive Majority WA, The Stranger, Washington State Labor Council, SEIU Local 925, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, Teamsters Joint Council 28, UFCW 3000, Pro-Choice Washington, South King County Firefighters, SeaTac Firefighters, Shoreline Firefighters, Valley Professional Firefighters, Tacoma Firefighters, Burien Firefighters, Yakima Firefighters, Kirkland Firefighters, Spokane Firefighters, Tukwila Firefighters, Pierce County Firefighters, Vancouver Firefighters Washington, King County Democrats
  • State Rep. Roger Freeman passed away last week after battling cancer. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. His name will remain on the ballot.

    His opponent, Republican Jack Dovey, has a history of legal and financial improprieties. By voting for Roger Freeman, you will set up a process where local Democrats and the King and Pierce County Councils will appoint someone to fill his seat.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Roger Freeman

    State Rep. Roger Freeman passed away last week after battling cancer. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. His name will remain on the ballot.

    State Rep. Roger Freeman passed away last week after battling cancer. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. His name will remain on the ballot.

    His opponent, Republican Jack Dovey, has a history of legal and financial improprieties. By voting for Roger Freeman, you will set up a process where local Democrats and the King and Pierce County Councils will appoint someone to fill his seat.

    Roger Freeman

    State Rep. Roger Freeman passed away last week after battling cancer. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. His name will remain on the ballot.

  • King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg is running unopposed for re-election. Satterberg is a competent prosecutor with broad support. He is a responsible, moderate voice who has endorsed I-594 to require background checks for all gun sales in Washington. He also dismissed all misdemeanor marijuana possessions immediately after voters approved I-502 to legalize marijuana in Washington. Satterberg deserves your vote.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Dan Satterberg

    King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg is running unopposed for re-election. Satterberg is a competent prosecutor with broad support. He is a responsible, moderate voice who has endorsed I-594 to require background checks for all gun sales in Washington.

    King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg is running unopposed for re-election. Satterberg is a competent prosecutor with broad support. He is a responsible, moderate voice who has endorsed I-594 to require background checks for all gun sales in Washington. He also dismissed all misdemeanor marijuana possessions immediately after voters approved I-502 to legalize marijuana in Washington. Satterberg deserves your vote.

    Dan Satterberg

    King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg is running unopposed for re-election. Satterberg is a competent prosecutor with broad support. He is a responsible, moderate voice who has endorsed I-594 to require background checks for all gun sales in Washington.

  • Endorsed By: SEIU 775, Teamsters Joint Council 28, King County Police Officers’ Guild, the Seattle Police Officers’ Guild, Teamsters Local Union 117, Teamsters Local Union 174, Teamsters Local Union 763
  • 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. She is well known for writing a decision as a trial court judge that overturned a Tim Eyman-sponsored initiative that would have forced a re-vote on Sound Transit’s light rail. She has received the highest possible rating from six bar associations and was awarded the Municipal League Foundation’s “2013 Public Official of the Year.” Justice Mary Yu is extremely qualified and deserves your vote.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Mary Yu

    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. She is well known for writing a decision as a trial court judge that overturned a Tim Eyman-sponsored initiative that would have forced a re-vote on Sound Transit’s light rail. She has received the highest possible rating from six bar associations and was awarded the Municipal League Foundation’s “2013 Public Official of the Year.” Justice Mary Yu is extremely qualified and deserves your vote.

    Mary Yu

    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.

  • Endorsed By: National Women's Political Caucus of WA, Washington State Labor Council, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, WA State Council of Firefighters, <br><br>King County Bar Association Rating: Exceptionally Well Qualified
  • 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. Throughout her career, she has worked to enhance opportunities for women and people of color in law and has been awarded many awards for her work. She has also led the first statewide conferences on domestic violence and planned and facilitated a youth violence summit. Fairhurst is running unopposed and deserves your vote.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Mary E. Fairhurst

    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. Throughout her career, she has worked to enhance opportunities for women and people of color in law and has been awarded many awards for her work. She has also led the first statewide conferences on domestic violence and planned and facilitated a youth violence summit. Fairhurst is running unopposed and deserves your vote.

    Mary E. Fairhurst

    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. He is endorsed by a number of Republicans and Democrats alike for his fairness, integrity, and impartiality. Johnson's opponent, Eddie Yoon, became the first Korean-American attorney in the Northwest and has spent a large part of his career working on international issues, including his current role teaching at a women's law school in Seoul. Johnson deserves your vote due to his ratings from a number of lawyers' groups as "exceptionally well-qualified" and his support from a large number of our partners.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Charles W. Johnson

    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. He is endorsed by a number of Republicans and Democrats alike for his fairness, integrity, and impartiality. Johnson's opponent, Eddie Yoon, became the first Korean-American attorney in the Northwest and has spent a large part of his career working on international issues, including his current role teaching at a women's law school in Seoul. Johnson deserves your vote due to his ratings from a number of lawyers' groups as "exceptionally well-qualified" and his support from a large number of our partners.

    Charles W. Johnson

    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.

  • Endorsed By: The Stranger, Washington State Labor Council, Teamsters Joint Council 28, Pro-Choice Washington, WA State Council of Firefighters, <br><br>King County Bar Association Rating: Exceptionally Well Qualified
  • 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. Stephens is also the first woman from Eastern Washington to serve on the Supreme Court. She has been rated exceptionally well-qualified by numerous legal groups and endorsed by a number of progressives. Her opponent, John (Zamboni) Scannell, is a disbarred attorney and Seattle activist who is running to change the Washington attorney disciplinary system. Due to her years of public service and experience, Stephens deserves your vote.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Debra Stephens

    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. Stephens is also the first woman from Eastern Washington to serve on the Supreme Court. She has been rated exceptionally well-qualified by numerous legal groups and endorsed by a number of progressives. Her opponent, John (Zamboni) Scannell, is a disbarred attorney and Seattle activist who is running to change the Washington attorney disciplinary system. Due to her years of public service and experience, Stephens deserves your vote.

    Debra Stephens

    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.

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below court races on your ballot. The Progressive Voters Guide may skip recommendations for unopposed judicial races.

  • We are recommending Karl Williams, although there are two good candidates in this race.

    Karl Williams has 27 years of courtroom experience, including 18 years as Pierce County District Court Judge Pro Tem. He is also a board member of the Tacoma Narrows Rotary, a volunteer at his church, and an active member of both the Pierce County Minority Bar Association and the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective. Williams has garnered an impressive number of endorsements from progressive leaders across the state, including State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu and local leaders such as Mayor Marilyn Strickland, Sen. Jeannie Darneille, Rep. Tami Green, and former Pierce County Executive & former Pierce County Prosecutor John Ladenberg Sr. He is also endorsed by Democratic district organizations.

    His opponent, Jeanette Lineberry, is an attorney at Lineberry Law Firm and is a former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Pierce County. She also provides free legal representation for low-income individuals in family law cases and volunteers in the community. Lineberry has earned endorsements from progressive Democrats and unions as well as co-endorsements from Democratic District organizations.

    Although both are strong candidates, our recommendation goes to Williams based on his years of experience, the fact that his election would increase diversity and representation on the bench, and the number of progressives leaders backing him.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Karl Williams

    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.

    Karl Williams has 27 years of courtroom experience, including 18 years as Pierce County District Court Judge Pro Tem. He is also a board member of the Tacoma Narrows Rotary, a volunteer at his church, and an active member of both the Pierce County Minority Bar Association and the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective. Williams has garnered an impressive number of endorsements from progressive leaders across the state, including State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu and local leaders such as Mayor Marilyn Strickland, Sen. Jeannie Darneille, Rep. Tami Green, and former Pierce County Executive & former Pierce County Prosecutor John Ladenberg Sr. He is also endorsed by Democratic district organizations.

    His opponent, Jeanette Lineberry, is an attorney at Lineberry Law Firm and is a former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Pierce County. She also provides free legal representation for low-income individuals in family law cases and volunteers in the community. Lineberry has earned endorsements from progressive Democrats and unions as well as co-endorsements from Democratic District organizations.

    Although both are strong candidates, our recommendation goes to Williams based on his years of experience, the fact that his election would increase diversity and representation on the bench, and the number of progressives leaders backing him.

    Karl Williams

    We are recommending Karl Williams, although there are two good candidates in this race.

  • Endorsed By: 25th Legislative District Democrats, 26th Legislative District Democrats, 27th Legislative District Democrats, 28th Legislative District Democrats, 30th Legislative District Democrats, 31st Legislative District Democrats, Pierce County Democrats, Pierce County Young Democrats, The Black Collective of Tacoma-Pierce County
  • Judge Ruhl was appointed by Governor Inslee in March of 2014 to replace the retiring Judge White. Before his appointment, he was an attorney with Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, working in banking and commercial litigation. Ruhl is a past president of the King County Bar Association and is the founding president and former board member of the Dispute Resolution Center of King County. He helped found the website VotingForJudges.org, a nonpartisan resource for information on judicial candidates. Ruhl deserves your vote.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    John Ruhl

    Judge Ruhl was appointed by Governor Inslee in March of 2014 to replace the retiring Judge White. Before his appointment, he was an attorney with Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, working in banking and commercial litigation.

    Judge Ruhl was appointed by Governor Inslee in March of 2014 to replace the retiring Judge White. Before his appointment, he was an attorney with Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, working in banking and commercial litigation. Ruhl is a past president of the King County Bar Association and is the founding president and former board member of the Dispute Resolution Center of King County. He helped found the website VotingForJudges.org, a nonpartisan resource for information on judicial candidates. Ruhl deserves your vote.

    John Ruhl

    Judge Ruhl was appointed by Governor Inslee in March of 2014 to replace the retiring Judge White. Before his appointment, he was an attorney with Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, working in banking and commercial litigation.

  • Endorsed By: King County Bar Association Rating: Exceptionally Well Qualified