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  • VOTE YES

    Vote YES on Prop 1: Access for All

  • Public funding for arts and science programs has been cut in half over the last decade. These cuts predominantly hurt schools in low-income communities, despite the fact that exposure to arts, science, and heritage experiences can dramatically improve a child's educational success. King County Prop. 1 will improve education outcomes for every student in King County by expanding access to arts, science, and heritage education. Prop. 1 will fund in-class programs and free field trips for every student in every district to our region's world-class museums, science institutions, and cultural centers, as well as provide free and reduced-price memberships to regional institutions for people on a fixed budget, including seniors, low-income, and middle-class families. Finally, Prop 1. will provide stable funding for more than 300 small community-based arts, science, and heritage institutions throughout the entire county, with money set aside to further boost grants for small organizations that primarily serve communities of color.

    Access for All is funded by a 1/10 of one cent increase in the county sales tax, or one penny for every $10 you spend. Vote YES on Proposition 1 to ensure every student in King County has access to arts, science, and heritage education.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05
    Public funding for arts and science programs has been cut in half over the last decade. These cuts predominantly hurt schools in low-income communities, despite the fact that exposure to arts, science, and heritage experiences can dramatically improve a child's educational success. King County Prop. 1 will improve education outcomes for every student in King County by expanding access to arts, science, and heritage education. Prop. 1 will fund in-class programs and free field trips for every student in every district to our region's world-class museums, science institutions, and cultural centers, as well as provide free and reduced-price memberships to regional institutions for people on a fixed budget, including seniors, low-income, and middle-class families. Finally, Prop 1. will provide stable funding for more than 300 small community-based arts, science, and heritage institutions throughout the entire county, with money set aside to further boost grants for small organizations that primarily serve communities of color.

    Access for All is funded by a 1/10 of one cent increase in the county sales tax, or one penny for every $10 you spend. Vote YES on Proposition 1 to ensure every student in King County has access to arts, science, and heritage education.
    Public funding for arts and science programs has been cut in half over the last decade. These cuts predominantly hurt schools in low-income communities, despite the fact that exposure to arts, science, and heritage experiences can dramatically improve a child's educational success. King County Prop. 1 will improve education outcomes for every student in King County by expanding access to arts, science, and heritage education. Prop. 1 will fund in-class programs and free field trips for every student in every district to our region's world-class museums, science institutions, and cultural centers, as well as provide free and reduced-price memberships to regional institutions for people on a fixed budget, including seniors, low-income, and middle-class families. Finally, Prop 1. will provide stable funding for more than 300 small community-based arts, science, and heritage institutions throughout the entire county, with money set aside to further boost grants for small organizations that primarily serve communities of color.

    Access for All is funded by a 1/10 of one cent increase in the county sales tax, or one penny for every $10 you spend. Vote YES on Proposition 1 to ensure every student in King County has access to arts, science, and heritage education.

    King County Proposition 1

    Public funding for arts and science programs has been cut in half over the last decade. These cuts predominantly hurt schools in low-income communities, despite the fact that exposure to arts, science, and heritage experiences can dramatically improve a child's educational success.

Legislative Races

Depending on where you live, you may have one of the below legislative races on your ballot.

  • It is vital that Manka Dhingra be elected as state Senator for the 45th District. Dhingra is the Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, an anti-domestic violence activist, and a supervisor for both the Mental Health and Veterans courts. She has the experience necessary to handle her targeted issues of homelessness, substance abuse, closing tax loopholes, and promoting equity, justice, and inclusion.

    Dhingra is running against Republican Jinyoung Englund and Parker Harris, who declared no party. Englund has spent her career as a political operative working for Republicans from Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Jeb Bush to Dino Rossi. She only recently moved to the district from Washington, D.C. where she worked as a lobbyist.

    This race is so important because the Republican-controlled state Senate has used their single-seat majority to grind Olympia to a halt on climate change, tax reform, workers’ rights, health care, voting rights, and other key issues. If a progressive wins this race, it will flip control of the Senate from Republicans to Democrats and open the door to passing legislation addressing many priority issues. Manka Dhingra is clearly the best choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Manka Dhingra

    It is vital that Manka Dhingra be elected as state Senator for the 45th District. Dhingra is the Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, an anti-domestic violence activist, and a supervisor for both the Mental Health and Veterans courts.

    It is vital that Manka Dhingra be elected as state Senator for the 45th District. Dhingra is the Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, an anti-domestic violence activist, and a supervisor for both the Mental Health and Veterans courts. She has the experience necessary to handle her targeted issues of homelessness, substance abuse, closing tax loopholes, and promoting equity, justice, and inclusion.

    Dhingra is running against Republican Jinyoung Englund and Parker Harris, who declared no party. Englund has spent her career as a political operative working for Republicans from Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Jeb Bush to Dino Rossi. She only recently moved to the district from Washington, D.C. where she worked as a lobbyist.

    This race is so important because the Republican-controlled state Senate has used their single-seat majority to grind Olympia to a halt on climate change, tax reform, workers’ rights, health care, voting rights, and other key issues. If a progressive wins this race, it will flip control of the Senate from Republicans to Democrats and open the door to passing legislation addressing many priority issues. Manka Dhingra is clearly the best choice in this race.

    Manka Dhingra

    It is vital that Manka Dhingra be elected as state Senator for the 45th District. Dhingra is the Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, an anti-domestic violence activist, and a supervisor for both the Mental Health and Veterans courts.

  • Patty Kuderer has been an effective and reliably progressive leader in her first few months in the state Senate. After winning her re-election campaign for the House in 2016, she was appointed to the Senate to replace Cyrus Habib. In her first years in the legislature she has focused on equitable education funding and passed bills to help students who are deaf or hard of hearing succeed. Her resume of community engagement includes PTSA and organizations such as NARAL, the Peace Alliance, and the Chrysalis Domestic Violence Center. If re-elected, she intends to focus on education, health care rights, and fixing our state's upside down tax code. Kuderer is opposed by Michelle Darnell and Richard Knierim. Kuderer is the best choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Patty Kuderer

    Patty Kuderer has been an effective and reliably progressive leader in her first few months in the state Senate. After winning her re-election campaign for the House in 2016, she was appointed to the Senate to replace Cyrus Habib.

    Patty Kuderer has been an effective and reliably progressive leader in her first few months in the state Senate. After winning her re-election campaign for the House in 2016, she was appointed to the Senate to replace Cyrus Habib. In her first years in the legislature she has focused on equitable education funding and passed bills to help students who are deaf or hard of hearing succeed. Her resume of community engagement includes PTSA and organizations such as NARAL, the Peace Alliance, and the Chrysalis Domestic Violence Center. If re-elected, she intends to focus on education, health care rights, and fixing our state's upside down tax code. Kuderer is opposed by Michelle Darnell and Richard Knierim. Kuderer is the best choice in this race.

    Patty Kuderer

    Patty Kuderer has been an effective and reliably progressive leader in her first few months in the state Senate. After winning her re-election campaign for the House in 2016, she was appointed to the Senate to replace Cyrus Habib.

  • A biotech professional and former member of the Bellevue City Council, Vandana Slatter was appointed to the state house in early 2017 and is now running to retain her seat. In her role as representative, Slatter has focused on education and equity issues, working on legislation benefiting homeless youth, fully funding schools, and providing health care for all. She has served on the boards of several organizations and nonprofits, including the Children's Institute for Learning Differences, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, Global Social Business Partners, and the Cancer Center at Overlake Hospital Foundation.

    She is running against Libertarian Ciaran Dougherty, a computational linguist who lacks Slatter's knowledge and experience with public policy. Slatter is the best choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Vandana Slatter

    A biotech professional and former member of the Bellevue City Council, Vandana Slatter was appointed to the state house in early 2017 and is now running to retain her seat.

    A biotech professional and former member of the Bellevue City Council, Vandana Slatter was appointed to the state house in early 2017 and is now running to retain her seat. In her role as representative, Slatter has focused on education and equity issues, working on legislation benefiting homeless youth, fully funding schools, and providing health care for all. She has served on the boards of several organizations and nonprofits, including the Children's Institute for Learning Differences, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington, Global Social Business Partners, and the Cancer Center at Overlake Hospital Foundation.

    She is running against Libertarian Ciaran Dougherty, a computational linguist who lacks Slatter's knowledge and experience with public policy. Slatter is the best choice in this race.

    Vandana Slatter

    A biotech professional and former member of the Bellevue City Council, Vandana Slatter was appointed to the state house in early 2017 and is now running to retain her seat.

  • Incumbent Dow Constantine has been a strong and effective leader for King County. In his first two terms, Constantine has defended King County Metro transit service, improved key infrastructure, and promoted the health of our natural environment. Constantine is leading efforts to protect King County from the Trump administration by proposing to triple the Veterans and Human Services Levy and offering regional support for the Paris climate agreement.

    He is running against three perennial candidates: Goodspaceguy, retired engineer and light rail opponent Bill Hirt, and physicist Stan Lippmann. Constantine has clearly earned another term as county executive.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Dow Constantine

    Incumbent Dow Constantine has been a strong and effective leader for King County. In his first two terms, Constantine has defended King County Metro transit service, improved key infrastructure, and promoted the health of our natural environment.

    Incumbent Dow Constantine has been a strong and effective leader for King County. In his first two terms, Constantine has defended King County Metro transit service, improved key infrastructure, and promoted the health of our natural environment. Constantine is leading efforts to protect King County from the Trump administration by proposing to triple the Veterans and Human Services Levy and offering regional support for the Paris climate agreement.

    He is running against three perennial candidates: Goodspaceguy, retired engineer and light rail opponent Bill Hirt, and physicist Stan Lippmann. Constantine has clearly earned another term as county executive.

    Dow Constantine

    Incumbent Dow Constantine has been a strong and effective leader for King County. In his first two terms, Constantine has defended King County Metro transit service, improved key infrastructure, and promoted the health of our natural environment.

  • John Creighton is running for his fourth term on the Port of Seattle Commission. He has sought to increase public accountability and protect family-wage jobs at the port. Creighton also helped create the Northwest Seaport Alliance so that Seattle and Tacoma are working collaboratively instead of in competition against one another.

    We were extremely disappointed that Creighton voted in 2015 to allow Shell Oil to base its arctic drilling operations in Seattle. Nevertheless, Creighton has earned the broadest support from progressive advocates in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    John Creighton

    Submitted by lori on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 15:10

    John Creighton is running for his fourth term on the Port of Seattle Commission. He has sought to increase public accountability and protect family-wage jobs at the port.

    John Creighton is running for his fourth term on the Port of Seattle Commission. He has sought to increase public accountability and protect family-wage jobs at the port. Creighton also helped create the Northwest Seaport Alliance so that Seattle and Tacoma are working collaboratively instead of in competition against one another.

    We were extremely disappointed that Creighton voted in 2015 to allow Shell Oil to base its arctic drilling operations in Seattle. Nevertheless, Creighton has earned the broadest support from progressive advocates in this race.

    John Creighton

    Submitted by lori on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 15:10

    John Creighton is running for his fourth term on the Port of Seattle Commission. He has sought to increase public accountability and protect family-wage jobs at the port.

  • Progressive Ryan Calkins is challenging the incumbent, John Creighton, to bring new leadership to the Port of Seattle. Calkins is a small business owner who supports a $15 minimum wage and wants to improve environmental protections at the Port. He has proposed electrifying port vehicles to reduce pollution and the carbon footprint of the port. Calkins has earned the support of many local Democratic organizations while Creighton has the lead among labor unions and progressive advocacy organizations.

    Also running in this race is former state Senator Claudia Kauffman. Currently the Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, she was an effective progressive legislator in Olympia and was the first Native American woman elected to the state Senate in Washington history.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Ryan Calkins

    Submitted by lori on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 15:17

    Progressive Ryan Calkins is challenging the incumbent, John Creighton, to bring new leadership to the Port of Seattle. Calkins is a small business owner who supports a $15 minimum wage and wants to improve environmental protections at the Port.

    Progressive Ryan Calkins is challenging the incumbent, John Creighton, to bring new leadership to the Port of Seattle. Calkins is a small business owner who supports a $15 minimum wage and wants to improve environmental protections at the Port. He has proposed electrifying port vehicles to reduce pollution and the carbon footprint of the port. Calkins has earned the support of many local Democratic organizations while Creighton has the lead among labor unions and progressive advocacy organizations.

    Also running in this race is former state Senator Claudia Kauffman. Currently the Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, she was an effective progressive legislator in Olympia and was the first Native American woman elected to the state Senate in Washington history.

    Ryan Calkins

    Submitted by lori on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 15:17

    Progressive Ryan Calkins is challenging the incumbent, John Creighton, to bring new leadership to the Port of Seattle. Calkins is a small business owner who supports a $15 minimum wage and wants to improve environmental protections at the Port.

  • Endorsed By: The Stranger, SEIU Local 6
  • Stephanie Bowman has an extensive background in economic development, transportation, and community planning. Prior to joining the Port of Seattle, Bowman was the Manager of Federal Governmental Affairs for the Port of Tacoma and the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Bowman has focused on jobs and trade as Port Commissioner, including connecting students in Seattle Public Schools with internships at the Port.

    We were extremely disappointed that Bowman voted in 2015 to allow Shell Oil to base its arctic drilling operations in Seattle. In addition, she voted to use taxpayer money to file a legal challenge against SeaTac's $15 per hour minimum wage. However, like her colleague John Creighton, Bowman has earned the broadest support from progressive advocates.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Stephanie Bowman

    Submitted by lori on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 15:37

    Stephanie Bowman has an extensive background in economic development, transportation, and community planning. Prior to joining the Port of Seattle, Bowman was the Manager of Federal Governmental Affairs for the Port of Tacoma and the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

    Stephanie Bowman has an extensive background in economic development, transportation, and community planning. Prior to joining the Port of Seattle, Bowman was the Manager of Federal Governmental Affairs for the Port of Tacoma and the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Bowman has focused on jobs and trade as Port Commissioner, including connecting students in Seattle Public Schools with internships at the Port.

    We were extremely disappointed that Bowman voted in 2015 to allow Shell Oil to base its arctic drilling operations in Seattle. In addition, she voted to use taxpayer money to file a legal challenge against SeaTac's $15 per hour minimum wage. However, like her colleague John Creighton, Bowman has earned the broadest support from progressive advocates.

    Stephanie Bowman

    Submitted by lori on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 15:37

    Stephanie Bowman has an extensive background in economic development, transportation, and community planning. Prior to joining the Port of Seattle, Bowman was the Manager of Federal Governmental Affairs for the Port of Tacoma and the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

  • Ahmed Abdi is a Somali immigrant who fled a civil war to start a family here in Seattle. He worked as an organizer on the campaign to raise the SeaTac minimum wage to $15 per hour and other workers' rights issues. Today, he provides trainings to low-wage workers about their labor rights through the Fair Work Center.

    Also running in this race is Lisa Espinosa, a sustainability consultant with the King County Housing Authority who is not running a viable campaign.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Ahmed Abdi

    Submitted by Collin on Wed, 07/12/2017 - 09:21

    Ahmed Abdi is a Somali immigrant who fled a civil war to start a family here in Seattle. He worked as an organizer on the campaign to raise the SeaTac minimum wage to $15 per hour and other workers' rights issues.

    Ahmed Abdi is a Somali immigrant who fled a civil war to start a family here in Seattle. He worked as an organizer on the campaign to raise the SeaTac minimum wage to $15 per hour and other workers' rights issues. Today, he provides trainings to low-wage workers about their labor rights through the Fair Work Center.

    Also running in this race is Lisa Espinosa, a sustainability consultant with the King County Housing Authority who is not running a viable campaign.

    Ahmed Abdi

    Submitted by Collin on Wed, 07/12/2017 - 09:21

    Ahmed Abdi is a Somali immigrant who fled a civil war to start a family here in Seattle. He worked as an organizer on the campaign to raise the SeaTac minimum wage to $15 per hour and other workers' rights issues.

  • Endorsed By: SEIU 775, The Stranger, Teamsters Local 117, King County Democrats, SEIU Local 6
  • John Persak has been a longshore worker for the last 13 years and has worked on port issues for the last six years through the Longshoremen Worker’s Union. In addition to supporting a working waterfront, Persak supports policies to reduce the port’s environmental impact and wants to protect low-income neighborhoods and communities of color around the Port. Persak has earned strong support from labor unions and a sole endorsement from the King County Democrats.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    John Persak

    Submitted by lori on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 15:23

    John Persak has been a longshore worker for the last 13 years and has worked on port issues for the last six years through the Longshoremen Worker’s Union.

    John Persak has been a longshore worker for the last 13 years and has worked on port issues for the last six years through the Longshoremen Worker’s Union. In addition to supporting a working waterfront, Persak supports policies to reduce the port’s environmental impact and wants to protect low-income neighborhoods and communities of color around the Port. Persak has earned strong support from labor unions and a sole endorsement from the King County Democrats.

    John Persak

    Submitted by lori on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 15:23

    John Persak has been a longshore worker for the last 13 years and has worked on port issues for the last six years through the Longshoremen Worker’s Union.

  • Progressive former City Council president Peter Steinbrueck is also a strong candidate for Port of Seattle Position 4. He is drawing upon his lengthy experience in public policy and civic activism to build a campaign platform focused on making the Port of Seattle a leader in reducing carbon emissions and protecting shorelines. Steinbrueck has earned the support of several local Democratic organizations.

    There are six other candidates running for the open Position 4 at the Port of Seattle: Preeti Shridhar, Richard Pope, Brooks Salazar, Ray S. Armitstead, Fernando Martinez, and Ken Rogers. Shridhar has distinguished herself as a public affairs administrator for the City of Renton and earned the endorsement of The Stranger newspaper.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Peter Steinbrueck

    Submitted by Collin on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 21:22

    Progressive former City Council president Peter Steinbrueck is also a strong candidate for Port of Seattle Position 4.

    Progressive former City Council president Peter Steinbrueck is also a strong candidate for Port of Seattle Position 4. He is drawing upon his lengthy experience in public policy and civic activism to build a campaign platform focused on making the Port of Seattle a leader in reducing carbon emissions and protecting shorelines. Steinbrueck has earned the support of several local Democratic organizations.

    There are six other candidates running for the open Position 4 at the Port of Seattle: Preeti Shridhar, Richard Pope, Brooks Salazar, Ray S. Armitstead, Fernando Martinez, and Ken Rogers. Shridhar has distinguished herself as a public affairs administrator for the City of Renton and earned the endorsement of The Stranger newspaper.

    Peter Steinbrueck

    Submitted by Collin on Tue, 07/11/2017 - 21:22

    Progressive former City Council president Peter Steinbrueck is also a strong candidate for Port of Seattle Position 4.

  • Jon Pascal was appointed to Position 2 in late 2016, and is running now for Doreen Marchione's seat in Position 7. Pascal has a long history of civic engagement, including serving on the Kirkland Transportation Commission, Planning Commission, and the Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods. Pascal wants to expand Green Kirkland Partnership's volunteer program for parks and open spaces as well as increase park-and-ride options to increase mass transit ridership.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Jon Pascal

    Jon Pascal was appointed to Position 2 in late 2016, and is running now for Doreen Marchione's seat in Position 7. Pascal has a long history of civic engagement, including serving on the Kirkland Transportation Commission, Planning Commission, and the Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods.

    Jon Pascal was appointed to Position 2 in late 2016, and is running now for Doreen Marchione's seat in Position 7. Pascal has a long history of civic engagement, including serving on the Kirkland Transportation Commission, Planning Commission, and the Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods. Pascal wants to expand Green Kirkland Partnership's volunteer program for parks and open spaces as well as increase park-and-ride options to increase mass transit ridership.

    Jon Pascal

    Jon Pascal was appointed to Position 2 in late 2016, and is running now for Doreen Marchione's seat in Position 7. Pascal has a long history of civic engagement, including serving on the Kirkland Transportation Commission, Planning Commission, and the Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods.

  • Endorsed By: Kirkland Firefighters, IAFF Local 2545
  • Uzma Butte is the Director of Spectrum Academy and a progressive activist in Kirkland. Butte is a member of Kirkland Downtown Rotary Club, a PTSA member, and an activist with ACLU People Power, Indivisible, and East Shore Unitarian Universalists. Her campaign has prioritized affordable housing, stronger transit systems, improved senior centers, and promoting religious and cultural acceptance.

    The third candidate, Imran Peerbhai, is not running a competitive campaign. We lean toward Pascal in this race because of his experience and broader progressive support.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Uzma Butte

    Uzma Butte is the Director of Spectrum Academy and a progressive activist in Kirkland. Butte is a member of Kirkland Downtown Rotary Club, a PTSA member, and an activist with ACLU People Power, Indivisible, and East Shore Unitarian Universalists.

    Uzma Butte is the Director of Spectrum Academy and a progressive activist in Kirkland. Butte is a member of Kirkland Downtown Rotary Club, a PTSA member, and an activist with ACLU People Power, Indivisible, and East Shore Unitarian Universalists. Her campaign has prioritized affordable housing, stronger transit systems, improved senior centers, and promoting religious and cultural acceptance.

    The third candidate, Imran Peerbhai, is not running a competitive campaign. We lean toward Pascal in this race because of his experience and broader progressive support.

    Uzma Butte

    Uzma Butte is the Director of Spectrum Academy and a progressive activist in Kirkland. Butte is a member of Kirkland Downtown Rotary Club, a PTSA member, and an activist with ACLU People Power, Indivisible, and East Shore Unitarian Universalists.