8th Legislative District

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Statewide Ballot Measures

Initiative #1351

  • VOTE YES

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • 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

Initiative #591

  • 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.

Initiative #594

  • VOTE YES

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • 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

Advisory Vote #8

  • 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

Advisory Vote #9

  • 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

4th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

  • Dan Newhouse photo
    Republican

    Dan Newhouse

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • The only candidates in this race are conservative Republicans who are out of step with mainstream values on many issues. Nevertheless, Dan Newhouse is the better choice in this race. Newhouse is facing Clint Didier, who is an extreme right-wing Tea Party activist and failed candidate for state Commissioner of Public Lands. While we don't agree with Newhouse on his positions on women's health, the environment, or other important issues, he would bring a level of professionalism and rationality that Didier lacks. Newhouse is the best choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Dan Newhouse

    The only candidates in this race are conservative Republicans who are out of step with mainstream values on many issues. Nevertheless, Dan Newhouse is the better choice in this race.

    The only candidates in this race are conservative Republicans who are out of step with mainstream values on many issues. Nevertheless, Dan Newhouse is the better choice in this race. Newhouse is facing Clint Didier, who is an extreme right-wing Tea Party activist and failed candidate for state Commissioner of Public Lands. While we don't agree with Newhouse on his positions on women's health, the environment, or other important issues, he would bring a level of professionalism and rationality that Didier lacks. Newhouse is the best choice in this race.

    Dan Newhouse

    The only candidates in this race are conservative Republicans who are out of step with mainstream values on many issues. Nevertheless, Dan Newhouse is the better choice in this race.

8th Legislative District

State Senator

No Good Choices

There are no good choices in this race. Intellectual property lawyer Doug McKinley, a Democrat, is not running a competitive campaign. Incumbent Sharon Brown is the senator who introduced a bill in 2013 to allow people to refuse to serve gays if they are personally opposed to homosexuality.

Doug McKinley

There are no good choices in this race. Intellectual

property lawyer Doug McKinley, a Democrat, is not running a competitive

campaign. Incumbent Sharon Brown is the senator who introduced a bill in 2013 to

State Representative, Position #1

No Good Choices

There are no good choices in this race. Conservative Brad Klippert does not support equality for all loving, committed couples, is against a woman's right to make her own pregnancy decisions, and is generally an obstacle to progress. He is running unopposed. If you are interested in running for office in the future, please contact our friends at Progressive Majority.

Brad Klippert

There are no good choices in this race. Conservative

Brad Klippert does not support equality for all loving, committed couples, is

against a woman's right to make her own pregnancy decisions, and is generally an

State Representative, Position #2

  • Eric Kalia photo
    Democrat

    Eric Kalia

    Website Facebook
  • Eric Kalia is running to ensure representation in the Washington state legislature includes average citizens alongside wealthy elites. He says he is fed up with the system that is rigged against immigrants, people of color and working families and wants to fight the power dynamic that keeps the system this way. Sadly, with zero dollars raised, he has little chance of defeating his opponent, Larry Haler, a far-right conservative that is an obstacle to progress. Kalia is the better choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Eric Kalia

    Eric Kalia is running to ensure representation in the

    Washington state legislature includes average citizens alongside wealthy elites.

    He says he is fed up with the system that is rigged against immigrants, people

    Eric Kalia is running to ensure representation in the Washington state legislature includes average citizens alongside wealthy elites. He says he is fed up with the system that is rigged against immigrants, people of color and working families and wants to fight the power dynamic that keeps the system this way. Sadly, with zero dollars raised, he has little chance of defeating his opponent, Larry Haler, a far-right conservative that is an obstacle to progress. Kalia is the better choice in this race.

    Eric Kalia

    Eric Kalia is running to ensure representation in the

    Washington state legislature includes average citizens alongside wealthy elites.

    He says he is fed up with the system that is rigged against immigrants, people

State Supreme Court

Justice, Position #1

  • Mary Yu photo

    Mary Yu

    Website Facebook Endorsements
  • 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

Justice, Position #3

  • Mary E. Fairhurst photo

    Mary E. Fairhurst

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  • 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.

Justice, Position #4

  • Charles W. Johnson photo

    Charles W. Johnson

    Website Endorsements
  • 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

Justice, Position #7

  • Debra Stephens photo

    Debra Stephens

    Facebook
  • 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.