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Election Day November 6, 2018
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The Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information you need to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Vote in every race on your ballot! It's our right and our responsibility. Please share this guide with your friends and remember to vote by November 6!

Statewide Ballot Measures

VOTE YES

Vote YES for Jobs and Clean Energy

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
VOTE NO

Vote NO on I-1634

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
VOTE YES

Vote YES to Reduce Gun Violence

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

VOTE YES

Vote YES for Police Accountability

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
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

Snohomish County Ballot Measures

VOTE APPROVED

Vote YES to Modernize Emergency Services

The Snohomish County Council has put forth Proposition No. 1 to replace the outdated 20-year-old emergency radio system used by first responders. When natural disasters such as wildfires and landslides take place; firefighters, EMTs, and police depend on a functioning radio system to communicate and save lives. The sales tax increase would fund a modern, $70 million emergency radio system and would cost a consumer $.01 on a $10 purchase beginning in April of 2019. Approve Proposition No. 1 to modernize Snohomish County's 911 system!

Last updated: 2023-04-05

The Snohomish County Council has put forth Proposition No. 1 to replace the outdated 20-year-old emergency radio system used by first responders. When natural disasters such as wildfires and landslides take place; firefighters, EMTs, and police depend on a functioning radio system to communicate and save lives. The sales tax increase would fund a modern, $70 million emergency radio system and would cost a consumer $.01 on a $10 purchase beginning in April of 2019. Approve Proposition No. 1 to modernize Snohomish County's 911 system!

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Federal

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

Snohomish County

Adam Cornell has served as the Snohomish County Deputy Prosecutor for 15 years and has been endorsed by Mark Roe, the departing incumbent. His platform is centered on alternative justice programs, alternative sentences, and treatment programs for those suffering from mental illness and addiction issues. Adam Cornell is running unopposed and deserves your vote.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Adam Cornell has served as the Snohomish County Deputy Prosecutor for 15 years and has been endorsed by Mark Roe, the departing incumbent. His platform is centered on alternative justice programs, alternative sentences, and treatment programs for those suffering from mental illness and addiction issues. Adam Cornell is running unopposed and deserves your vote.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Snohomish County Labor Council, Snohomish County Democrats, Aerospace Machinists District Lodge 751

State Supreme Court

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

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

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

Other Ballot Measures

VOTE YES

Fire District #15 - Proposition Number 1

As the regional population has increased over the previous five years, the demand for emergency medical and fire protection services has increased by more than 50 percent. To continue providing 24/7 life-saving services to the community, Snohomish County Fire Protection District No. 15 - serving the northern half of the Tulalip Indian Reservation - is seeking to restore funding levels of the EMS levy to the 2002 voter-approved tax rate of a $1.50 tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value. Passage of this critical levy would finance fire protection operations, equipment replacement, stabilize staffing, and an increase in emergency medical service levels. Vote YES to give our local first responders the support they need to keep us safe.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

As the regional population has increased over the previous five years, the demand for emergency medical and fire protection services has increased by more than 50 percent. To continue providing 24/7 life-saving services to the community, Snohomish County Fire Protection District No. 15 - serving the northern half of the Tulalip Indian Reservation - is seeking to restore funding levels of the EMS levy to the 2002 voter-approved tax rate of a $1.50 tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value. Passage of this critical levy would finance fire protection operations, equipment replacement, stabilize staffing, and an increase in emergency medical service levels. Vote YES to give our local first responders the support they need to keep us safe.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Other Races in Snohomish County

Mary Rollins is running to ensure that utilities are managed in the most equitable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly way possible. She serves as chair of the 38th Legislative District Democrats and is focused on reducing energy costs for Snohomish County families. One of Rollins' proposals is to build charging stations at the local PUD office to support the growing number of electric vehicle users.

Rollins is running against conservative incumbent Sidney "Sid" Logan. Logan is a former Shell engineer and consultant who is running after being appointed to this seat last year.

Rollins is the best choice for Snohomish County PUD Commissioner Position 1 because of her commitment to renewable energy and keeping costs low for consumers.

Last updated: 2023-04-11

Mary Rollins is running to ensure that utilities are managed in the most equitable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly way possible. She serves as chair of the 38th Legislative District Democrats and is focused on reducing energy costs for Snohomish County families. One of Rollins' proposals is to build charging stations at the local PUD office to support the growing number of electric vehicle users.

Rollins is running against conservative incumbent Sidney "Sid" Logan. Logan is a former Shell engineer and consultant who is running after being appointed to this seat last year.

Rollins is the best choice for Snohomish County PUD Commissioner Position 1 because of her commitment to renewable energy and keeping costs low for consumers.

Last updated: 2023-04-11

Endorsed By: Sierra Club , Washington Conservation Action , Snohomish County Democrats

Rebecca Wolfe is an educator running for Snohomish County Public Utility District Commissioner in District 2. Wolfe has volunteered and worked with a variety of environmental groups, such as the Washington State Sierra Club and the City of Edmonds Tree Board, as well as local commissions like the Edmonds Economic Development Commission. Wolfe is running to promote climate protection, clean energy sources, and evidence-based energy policy. She's also running to increase fiscal responsibility in the district. Wolfe cites the $9 million used on the tabled hydroelectric project at Sunset Falls on the Skykomish River as an example of funding that could have been used for solar and energy-efficient projects instead.

Wolfe is running against business consultant and South Snohomish Fire & Rescue Commissioner David Chan, who is running to increase efficiencies within the department and keep rates low. If elected, Chan has pledged to negotiate deals from bulk suppliers. Chan was reprimanded last year for a racist comment made about "cheap" Mexican workers during a Snohomish County Fire District 1 meeting.

Wolfe is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-11

Rebecca Wolfe is an educator running for Snohomish County Public Utility District Commissioner in District 2. Wolfe has volunteered and worked with a variety of environmental groups, such as the Washington State Sierra Club and the City of Edmonds Tree Board, as well as local commissions like the Edmonds Economic Development Commission. Wolfe is running to promote climate protection, clean energy sources, and evidence-based energy policy. She's also running to increase fiscal responsibility in the district. Wolfe cites the $9 million used on the tabled hydroelectric project at Sunset Falls on the Skykomish River as an example of funding that could have been used for solar and energy-efficient projects instead.

Wolfe is running against business consultant and South Snohomish Fire & Rescue Commissioner David Chan, who is running to increase efficiencies within the department and keep rates low. If elected, Chan has pledged to negotiate deals from bulk suppliers. Chan was reprimanded last year for a racist comment made about "cheap" Mexican workers during a Snohomish County Fire District 1 meeting.

Wolfe is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-11

Endorsed By: Sierra Club , Washington Conservation Action , Snohomish County Democrats