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Democrat

Bengie Aguilar

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Democratic community leader Bengie Aguilar is challenging Republican Senator Jim Honeyford for the 15th Legislative District Senate seat. As a former Sunnyside city councilmember and 40-year resident of the Yakima Valley, Aguilar understands the challenges facing rural communities in Central Washington. Aguilar's campaign is focused on providing legislative solutions that support agricultural businesses and the economies of smaller cities and towns. Additionally, Aguilar wants to address rising health care costs and the impacts of climate change on rural Washington communities.

Aguilar faces an uphill challenge against Sen. Honeyford, who has held this Senate seat for the past 20 years. Throughout his tenure, Sen. Honeyford has been a staunch conservative and a major obstacle to progressive budget solutions that protect the most vulnerable. Aguilar is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Democratic community leader Bengie Aguilar is challenging Republican Senator Jim Honeyford for the 15th Legislative District Senate seat. As a former Sunnyside city councilmember and 40-year resident of the Yakima Valley, Aguilar understands the challenges facing rural communities in Central Washington. Aguilar's campaign is focused on providing legislative solutions that support agricultural businesses and the economies of smaller cities and towns. Additionally, Aguilar wants to address rising health care costs and the impacts of climate change on rural Washington communities.

Aguilar faces an uphill challenge against Sen. Honeyford, who has held this Senate seat for the past 20 years. Throughout his tenure, Sen. Honeyford has been a staunch conservative and a major obstacle to progressive budget solutions that protect the most vulnerable. Aguilar is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

15th Legislative District

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Election Day November 6, 2018
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Statewide Ballot Measures

Initiative #1631

VOTE YES

Vote YES for Jobs and Clean Energy

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Initiative 1631 is our best opportunity to accelerate clean energy solutions and build healthier communities for everyone in Washington.

This initiative will charge our state’s largest corporate polluters a fee that will be used to create local jobs by investing in clean energy, healthy forests, and clean water. I-1631 is essential to pass a clean and healthy Washington on to future generations. It will create 40,000 jobs by investing in water and forestry projects, energy efficiency, and clean transportation. These investments are a practical first step to ensure clean air and clean water for everyone in Washington. These will look different in every community, from energy efficiency upgrades for our homes and businesses to keeping our forests healthy so they clean our air and investing in cleaner transportation options for more communities.

The oil industry is spending tens of millions of dollars to confuse voters about I-1631 so they can continue polluting for free and raking in record profits. We can't wait any longer to act. Vote YES on I-1631.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Initiative 1631 is our best opportunity to accelerate clean energy solutions and build healthier communities for everyone in Washington.

This initiative will charge our state’s largest corporate polluters a fee that will be used to create local jobs by investing in clean energy, healthy forests, and clean water. I-1631 is essential to pass a clean and healthy Washington on to future generations. It will create 40,000 jobs by investing in water and forestry projects, energy efficiency, and clean transportation. These investments are a practical first step to ensure clean air and clean water for everyone in Washington. These will look different in every community, from energy efficiency upgrades for our homes and businesses to keeping our forests healthy so they clean our air and investing in cleaner transportation options for more communities.

The oil industry is spending tens of millions of dollars to confuse voters about I-1631 so they can continue polluting for free and raking in record profits. We can't wait any longer to act. Vote YES on I-1631.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Initiative #1634

VOTE NO

Vote NO on I-1634

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Initiative 1634 would prevent cities and counties in Washington from passing new taxes on sugary beverages. Such taxes are aimed at discouraging people from buying sweetened drinks that have been linked to type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and tooth decay.

I-1634 is backed primarily by millions of dollars from a handful of big soda companies. It also has support from some labor unions that represent workers whose jobs could be impacted by soda taxes. The campaign’s highly deceptive ads focus on grocery taxes despite the fact that groceries have been exempt from sales taxes since 1977.

Progressive advocates oppose efforts like this to use state laws to prevent localities from taking action that’s right for their communities. In recent years, Republican legislators have sought to use similar legislation to reverse Seattle’s $15 minimum wage and progressive paid sick leave laws in Tacoma and Spokane.

We’re sympathetic to the concerns of union workers in the beverage industry and we agree that our tax system is upside-down and disproportionately hurts low-income families. However, we don’t think that preempting local legislation that taxes sugary drinks is the way to fix it.

Don’t be fooled by Big Soda’s misleading ads. Vote NO on I-1634.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Initiative 1634 would prevent cities and counties in Washington from passing new taxes on sugary beverages. Such taxes are aimed at discouraging people from buying sweetened drinks that have been linked to type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and tooth decay.

I-1634 is backed primarily by millions of dollars from a handful of big soda companies. It also has support from some labor unions that represent workers whose jobs could be impacted by soda taxes. The campaign’s highly deceptive ads focus on grocery taxes despite the fact that groceries have been exempt from sales taxes since 1977.

Progressive advocates oppose efforts like this to use state laws to prevent localities from taking action that’s right for their communities. In recent years, Republican legislators have sought to use similar legislation to reverse Seattle’s $15 minimum wage and progressive paid sick leave laws in Tacoma and Spokane.

We’re sympathetic to the concerns of union workers in the beverage industry and we agree that our tax system is upside-down and disproportionately hurts low-income families. However, we don’t think that preempting local legislation that taxes sugary drinks is the way to fix it.

Don’t be fooled by Big Soda’s misleading ads. Vote NO on I-1634.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Opposed By The Stranger , WA Federation of State Employees, Council 28 , American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Children’s Alliance, El Centro de La Raza

Initiative #1639

VOTE YES

Vote YES to Reduce Gun Violence

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Initiative 1639 is the most comprehensive gun violence prevention measure put forward in Washington state history. It's a commonsense initiative that will reduce gun violence and keep our schools and communities safe. I-1639 would raise the age to purchase semi-automatic assault rifles from 18 to 21 and require enhanced background checks and safety training for purchasing these particularly lethal weapons. It will also incentivize secure storage of all firearms by holding gun owners accountable if a child or other legally prohibited person uses their weapon to harm themselves or someone else.

Someone is killed with a gun in Washington state every 14 hours and more than 200,000 students have experienced gun violence at school since Columbine. Unfortunately, the gun lobby has prevented our elected officials from acting to prevent it, so we'll do it ourselves. Vote YES on I-1639 to keep our schools and communities safe.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Initiative 1639 is the most comprehensive gun violence prevention measure put forward in Washington state history. It's a commonsense initiative that will reduce gun violence and keep our schools and communities safe. I-1639 would raise the age to purchase semi-automatic assault rifles from 18 to 21 and require enhanced background checks and safety training for purchasing these particularly lethal weapons. It will also incentivize secure storage of all firearms by holding gun owners accountable if a child or other legally prohibited person uses their weapon to harm themselves or someone else.

Someone is killed with a gun in Washington state every 14 hours and more than 200,000 students have experienced gun violence at school since Columbine. Unfortunately, the gun lobby has prevented our elected officials from acting to prevent it, so we'll do it ourselves. Vote YES on I-1639 to keep our schools and communities safe.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Initiative #940

VOTE YES

Vote YES for Police Accountability

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Last year, more people in Washington were killed in encounters with law enforcement than in 45 other states, and almost one-third of them were experiencing a mental health crisis. Initiative 940 would improve de-escalation, first aid, and mental health crisis training for law enforcement and help save lives.

Currently, officers are only required to receive eight hours of "crisis intervention training." Initiative 940 would ensure that every officer receives extensive training and continuing education in de-escalating potential confrontations. The primary goal is preventing tragedies in the first place, but when a tragedy does occur Initiative 940 would also create a fair and independent investigation process and bring our use of force standard in line with 27 other states.

Vote YES on Initiative 940 to improve training for law enforcement and help save lives.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Last year, more people in Washington were killed in encounters with law enforcement than in 45 other states, and almost one-third of them were experiencing a mental health crisis. Initiative 940 would improve de-escalation, first aid, and mental health crisis training for law enforcement and help save lives.

Currently, officers are only required to receive eight hours of "crisis intervention training." Initiative 940 would ensure that every officer receives extensive training and continuing education in de-escalating potential confrontations. The primary goal is preventing tragedies in the first place, but when a tragedy does occur Initiative 940 would also create a fair and independent investigation process and bring our use of force standard in line with 27 other states.

Vote YES on Initiative 940 to improve training for law enforcement and help save lives.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Advisory Vote #19

VOTE MAINTAINED

Maintain Funding for Oil Spill Prevention

A bipartisan group of legislators passed Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6269 to fund oil spill prevention and cleanup. The legislation directs the Department of Ecology to improve prevention for oil spills in Puget Sound, as well as around oil refineries, railroads, and pipelines. This bill was funded by a $0.05 tax per 42-gallon barrel of oil used by boats and marine terminals.

Because of a Tim Eyman initiative the Legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. Vote MAINTAINED on Advisory Vote 19.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

A bipartisan group of legislators passed Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 6269 to fund oil spill prevention and cleanup. The legislation directs the Department of Ecology to improve prevention for oil spills in Puget Sound, as well as around oil refineries, railroads, and pipelines. This bill was funded by a $0.05 tax per 42-gallon barrel of oil used by boats and marine terminals.

Because of a Tim Eyman initiative the Legislature is required to submit any bill it passes that closes tax loopholes or raises revenue to a non-binding advisory vote. Vote MAINTAINED on Advisory Vote 19.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By The Stranger

Federal

U.S. Senator

Maria Cantwell photo
Democrat

Maria Cantwell

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Senator Maria Cantwell was first elected in 2000 and continues to represent our state's progressive values in our nation's capital. Sen. Cantwell has been a leader on a wide range of issues including reproductive rights, supporting the Children's Health Insurance Program, defending net neutrality, passing oil spill legislation to protect our water, working on clean energy policies, and many more.

Sen. Cantwell is opposed by Republican Susan Hutchison. Hutchison is a former news anchor and past chair of the state Republican Party. She ran for King County Executive in 2009 and lost by twenty points. Hutchison is well-known for being a party-line Republican and for her fierce defense of President Donald Trump, including calling fellow Republican Ted Cruz a "traitor" for not supporting the president's campaign.

Sen. Cantwell has been a tenacious advocate for the people of Washington state and is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Senator Maria Cantwell was first elected in 2000 and continues to represent our state's progressive values in our nation's capital. Sen. Cantwell has been a leader on a wide range of issues including reproductive rights, supporting the Children's Health Insurance Program, defending net neutrality, passing oil spill legislation to protect our water, working on clean energy policies, and many more.

Sen. Cantwell is opposed by Republican Susan Hutchison. Hutchison is a former news anchor and past chair of the state Republican Party. She ran for King County Executive in 2009 and lost by twenty points. Hutchison is well-known for being a party-line Republican and for her fierce defense of President Donald Trump, including calling fellow Republican Ted Cruz a "traitor" for not supporting the president's campaign.

Sen. Cantwell has been a tenacious advocate for the people of Washington state and is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

4th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

Christine Brown photo
Democrat

Christine Brown

Website Facebook Endorsements

Christine Brown is a former news anchor who has served on many community boards, including the Board of Directors for the Yakima Chamber of Commerce and the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce. She is seeking bipartisan action on climate change, a path towards citizenship for undocumented workers, and health care for all through a single-payer system that would extend the coverage of the Affordable Care Act. She also supports the transition to clean energy and consumer protections against big banks.

Brown is challenging Republican Representative Dan Newhouse. Rep. Newhouse is the former director of the state Department of Agriculture and a pro-Trump representative who has voted with the president 96 percent of the time. He supports Trump's tax plan and repealing the Affordable Care Act, which provides health care to hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians.

Brown is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Christine Brown is a former news anchor who has served on many community boards, including the Board of Directors for the Yakima Chamber of Commerce and the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce. She is seeking bipartisan action on climate change, a path towards citizenship for undocumented workers, and health care for all through a single-payer system that would extend the coverage of the Affordable Care Act. She also supports the transition to clean energy and consumer protections against big banks.

Brown is challenging Republican Representative Dan Newhouse. Rep. Newhouse is the former director of the state Department of Agriculture and a pro-Trump representative who has voted with the president 96 percent of the time. He supports Trump's tax plan and repealing the Affordable Care Act, which provides health care to hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians.

Brown is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

15th Legislative District

State Senator

Bengie Aguilar photo
Democrat

Bengie Aguilar

Website Facebook Endorsements

Democratic community leader Bengie Aguilar is challenging Republican Senator Jim Honeyford for the 15th Legislative District Senate seat. As a former Sunnyside city councilmember and 40-year resident of the Yakima Valley, Aguilar understands the challenges facing rural communities in Central Washington. Aguilar's campaign is focused on providing legislative solutions that support agricultural businesses and the economies of smaller cities and towns. Additionally, Aguilar wants to address rising health care costs and the impacts of climate change on rural Washington communities.

Aguilar faces an uphill challenge against Sen. Honeyford, who has held this Senate seat for the past 20 years. Throughout his tenure, Sen. Honeyford has been a staunch conservative and a major obstacle to progressive budget solutions that protect the most vulnerable. Aguilar is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Democratic community leader Bengie Aguilar is challenging Republican Senator Jim Honeyford for the 15th Legislative District Senate seat. As a former Sunnyside city councilmember and 40-year resident of the Yakima Valley, Aguilar understands the challenges facing rural communities in Central Washington. Aguilar's campaign is focused on providing legislative solutions that support agricultural businesses and the economies of smaller cities and towns. Additionally, Aguilar wants to address rising health care costs and the impacts of climate change on rural Washington communities.

Aguilar faces an uphill challenge against Sen. Honeyford, who has held this Senate seat for the past 20 years. Throughout his tenure, Sen. Honeyford has been a staunch conservative and a major obstacle to progressive budget solutions that protect the most vulnerable. Aguilar is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

State Representative, Position #1

Jack McEntire photo
Democrat

Jack McEntire

Website Facebook

Democrat Jack McEntire is running for the 15th Legislative District House Position 1. Currently, McEntire serves as the Vice Chair of the Yakima County Democrats. He is heavily involved in the community and believes that Washington's working families deserve leadership that prioritizes children and public safety. He is also committed to improving access to quality health care for all central Washington families.

McEntire is challenging Republican Rep. Bruce Chandler, who has done a poor job providing policy solutions to struggling working families. Rep. Chandler has opposed progressive economic reforms like raising the minimum wage and ensuring equal pay protections for women. McEntire is the clear choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Democrat Jack McEntire is running for the 15th Legislative District House Position 1. Currently, McEntire serves as the Vice Chair of the Yakima County Democrats. He is heavily involved in the community and believes that Washington's working families deserve leadership that prioritizes children and public safety. He is also committed to improving access to quality health care for all central Washington families.

McEntire is challenging Republican Rep. Bruce Chandler, who has done a poor job providing policy solutions to struggling working families. Rep. Chandler has opposed progressive economic reforms like raising the minimum wage and ensuring equal pay protections for women. McEntire is the clear choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Pro-Choice Washington

State Representative, Position #2

A.J. Cooper photo
Democrat

A.J. Cooper

Website Facebook Endorsements

Career educator A.J. Cooper is running for the 15th Legislative District House Position 2. Cooper previously worked at Grafton Integrated Health Network and as a high school mathematics teacher before taking a job working with seniors at the YWCA. Cooper is prioritizing bringing living wage jobs to central Washington, protecting workers' rights, and fighting climate change. If elected, Cooper also wants to protect quality health care and inclusive workplace protections, as well as a woman's right to safe abortion access.

Cooper is running against Republican Selah city councilmember Jeremie Dufault after incumbent Rep. David Taylor lost the primary election. Councilmember Dufault is serving his first term in office and is the Vice Chairman of the Yakima County Republican Central Committee.

A.J. Cooper is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Career educator A.J. Cooper is running for the 15th Legislative District House Position 2. Cooper previously worked at Grafton Integrated Health Network and as a high school mathematics teacher before taking a job working with seniors at the YWCA. Cooper is prioritizing bringing living wage jobs to central Washington, protecting workers' rights, and fighting climate change. If elected, Cooper also wants to protect quality health care and inclusive workplace protections, as well as a woman's right to safe abortion access.

Cooper is running against Republican Selah city councilmember Jeremie Dufault after incumbent Rep. David Taylor lost the primary election. Councilmember Dufault is serving his first term in office and is the Vice Chairman of the Yakima County Republican Central Committee.

A.J. Cooper is the clear progressive choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

State Supreme Court

Justice, Position #2

Susan Owens photo

Susan Owens

Website

First elected in 2000, Supreme Court Justice Susan Justice Owens brings more 40 years of legal experience to Washington's Supreme Court. Prior to serving on the court, Justice Owens served nineteen years as a District Court Judge in Western Clallam County. Justice Owens has been a leader in the judicial community on addressing the impacts of domestic violence on children. Nationally, Justice Owens is a judicial trainer on this topic and participated in the writing of the Northwest Tribal Judges Domestic Violence Manual. Justice Owens is running unopposed for re-election and has earned your support.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

First elected in 2000, Supreme Court Justice Susan Justice Owens brings more 40 years of legal experience to Washington's Supreme Court. Prior to serving on the court, Justice Owens served nineteen years as a District Court Judge in Western Clallam County. Justice Owens has been a leader in the judicial community on addressing the impacts of domestic violence on children. Nationally, Justice Owens is a judicial trainer on this topic and participated in the writing of the Northwest Tribal Judges Domestic Violence Manual. Justice Owens is running unopposed for re-election and has earned your support.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Justice, Position #8

Steve Gonzalez photo

Steve Gonzalez

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Supreme Court Justice Steve Gonzalez has earned national recognition for his judicial expertise and work to increase access to the judicial system. Before serving on the Supreme Court, Justice Gonzalez served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and on the King County Superior Court for more than 10 years hearing criminal, juvenile, and family law cases. Justice Gonzalez is devoted to working for the people of Washington and serves as a board member for the Washington Leadership Institute, an organization that supports emerging community leaders from diverse backgrounds. As one of the few multi-lingual justices, he chairs the Interpreter Commission. Justice Gonzalez is rated "Exceptionally Well Qualified" by 10 independent bar associations in Washington state.

Gonzalez is being challenged by Bellevue-based attorney Nathan Choi, who ran unsuccessfully for a judicial seat on the Court of Appeals in 2016. Since then, Choi has faced numerous ethical controversies. In 2017, the King County Bar Association formally reprimanded Choi for violating KCBA's fair campaign practices guidelines by releasing misleading campaign materials and failing to follow state candidate rules. In February of this year, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson formally filed a lawsuit against Nathan Choi in a Thurston County Court. The case is still open.

Justice Steve Gonzalez is the best choice for Supreme Court Justice Position 8.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Supreme Court Justice Steve Gonzalez has earned national recognition for his judicial expertise and work to increase access to the judicial system. Before serving on the Supreme Court, Justice Gonzalez served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and on the King County Superior Court for more than 10 years hearing criminal, juvenile, and family law cases. Justice Gonzalez is devoted to working for the people of Washington and serves as a board member for the Washington Leadership Institute, an organization that supports emerging community leaders from diverse backgrounds. As one of the few multi-lingual justices, he chairs the Interpreter Commission. Justice Gonzalez is rated "Exceptionally Well Qualified" by 10 independent bar associations in Washington state.

Gonzalez is being challenged by Bellevue-based attorney Nathan Choi, who ran unsuccessfully for a judicial seat on the Court of Appeals in 2016. Since then, Choi has faced numerous ethical controversies. In 2017, the King County Bar Association formally reprimanded Choi for violating KCBA's fair campaign practices guidelines by releasing misleading campaign materials and failing to follow state candidate rules. In February of this year, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson formally filed a lawsuit against Nathan Choi in a Thurston County Court. The case is still open.

Justice Steve Gonzalez is the best choice for Supreme Court Justice Position 8.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Justice, Position #9

Sheryl Gordon McCloud photo

Sheryl Gordon McCloud

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Washington Supreme Court Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud has been a fierce defender of constitutional rights and has written the decision in several consequential court cases. Prior to serving on the Supreme Court, she worked as an accomplished appellate court attorney for nearly three decades and was a founding member of the Washington Appellate Lawyers Association. Her strong judicial track record has earned a rating of "Exceptionally Well Qualified" by 10 independent state bar associations, including Washington Women Lawyers and the newly-minted Veterans Bar Association.

Justice McCloud in running unopposed for Position 9 and deserves your vote.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Washington Supreme Court Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud has been a fierce defender of constitutional rights and has written the decision in several consequential court cases. Prior to serving on the Supreme Court, she worked as an accomplished appellate court attorney for nearly three decades and was a founding member of the Washington Appellate Lawyers Association. Her strong judicial track record has earned a rating of "Exceptionally Well Qualified" by 10 independent state bar associations, including Washington Women Lawyers and the newly-minted Veterans Bar Association.

Justice McCloud in running unopposed for Position 9 and deserves your vote.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Court of Appeals, Division Three, District Three

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

Judge, Position #3

Robert Lawrence-Berrey photo

Robert Lawrence-Berrey

Judge Robert Lawrence-Berrey is the chief judge for Division 3 of Washington’s Court of Appeals. Appointed in May 2014, Judge Lawrence-Berrey was elected the following November. Prior to serving on the appellate court, Judge Lawrence-Berrey worked for 20 years as a trial and appellate attorney and served three years as a Yakima County Superior Court Judge. Judge Lawrence-Berrey is also highly active in the community. He has served on the Yakima Symphony Orchestra Board, the Yakima Juvenile Court Community Accountability Board, and the Central Washington Multiple Sclerosis Society Board. Judge Robert Lawrence-Berrey is running unopposed for re-election and deserves your vote.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Judge Robert Lawrence-Berrey is the chief judge for Division 3 of Washington’s Court of Appeals. Appointed in May 2014, Judge Lawrence-Berrey was elected the following November. Prior to serving on the appellate court, Judge Lawrence-Berrey worked for 20 years as a trial and appellate attorney and served three years as a Yakima County Superior Court Judge. Judge Lawrence-Berrey is also highly active in the community. He has served on the Yakima Symphony Orchestra Board, the Yakima Juvenile Court Community Accountability Board, and the Central Washington Multiple Sclerosis Society Board. Judge Robert Lawrence-Berrey is running unopposed for re-election and deserves your vote.

Last updated: 2023-04-05