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Democrat

Rebecca Francik

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Former Pasco city councilmember and career educator Rebecca Francik is seeking to fill the House seat in the 16th Legislative District vacated by retiring Representative Terry Nealey. Since beginning her career in public service 21 years ago, Francik has been committed to fighting for the needs of Southeast Washingtonians. If elected, Francik wants to bridge the partisan divide by putting the needs of working families first. Her campaign platform is focused on infrastructure development, education, and creating more economic opportunity for small business owners and farmers.

Francik faces a tough race against Walla Walla County Republican Chair Skylar Rude. In 2016, Rude and Francik faced one another in the primary for a legislative seat, where Rude lost to Francik by fewer than 400 votes. Currently, Rude works as Republican state Sen. Maureen Walsh's legislative aide. Rude is extremely conservative on fiscal issues; for example, he supports sub-minimum wages to make entry-level positions cheaper for business.

Francik is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Former Pasco city councilmember and career educator Rebecca Francik is seeking to fill the House seat in the 16th Legislative District vacated by retiring Representative Terry Nealey. Since beginning her career in public service 21 years ago, Francik has been committed to fighting for the needs of Southeast Washingtonians. If elected, Francik wants to bridge the partisan divide by putting the needs of working families first. Her campaign platform is focused on infrastructure development, education, and creating more economic opportunity for small business owners and farmers.

Francik faces a tough race against Walla Walla County Republican Chair Skylar Rude. In 2016, Rude and Francik faced one another in the primary for a legislative seat, where Rude lost to Francik by fewer than 400 votes. Currently, Rude works as Republican state Sen. Maureen Walsh's legislative aide. Rude is extremely conservative on fiscal issues; for example, he supports sub-minimum wages to make entry-level positions cheaper for business.

Francik is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

16th 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

Website Facebook Endorsements

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

Website Facebook Endorsements

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

Congress

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

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

5th Congressional District

U.S. Representative

Lisa Brown photo
Democrat

Lisa Brown

Website Facebook Endorsements

It’s time for new leadership in Congress, and that starts here in Eastern Washington with Lisa Brown.

Brown is a former state Senator and chancellor of Washington State University Spokane. Brown is committed to building an economy that works for all of us and ensuring access to quality, affordable health care for every family. She is focused on listening to the needs of our local communities, not lobbyists, campaign donors, and national political leaders. She will protect our local environment, supports reproductive rights, and supports comprehensive immigration reform that protects Dreamers.

Brown’s opponent, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, is a party-line member of the House Republican leadership who has lost touch with the people she is supposed to represent. Rep. McMorris Rodgers was an enthusiastic supporter of the Republicans’ $1.5 trillion tax giveaway to billionaires and corporations. Last year, Rep. McMorris Rodgers was the only member of the Washington state delegation to vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would have eliminated health care for 23 million Americans, including approximately 30,000 people in Eastern Washington.

Brown is the clear choice in this race because she is committed to putting working families first. Vote Lisa Brown for Congress in Washington's 5th Congressional District.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

It’s time for new leadership in Congress, and that starts here in Eastern Washington with Lisa Brown.

Brown is a former state Senator and chancellor of Washington State University Spokane. Brown is committed to building an economy that works for all of us and ensuring access to quality, affordable health care for every family. She is focused on listening to the needs of our local communities, not lobbyists, campaign donors, and national political leaders. She will protect our local environment, supports reproductive rights, and supports comprehensive immigration reform that protects Dreamers.

Brown’s opponent, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, is a party-line member of the House Republican leadership who has lost touch with the people she is supposed to represent. Rep. McMorris Rodgers was an enthusiastic supporter of the Republicans’ $1.5 trillion tax giveaway to billionaires and corporations. Last year, Rep. McMorris Rodgers was the only member of the Washington state delegation to vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would have eliminated health care for 23 million Americans, including approximately 30,000 people in Eastern Washington.

Brown is the clear choice in this race because she is committed to putting working families first. Vote Lisa Brown for Congress in Washington's 5th Congressional District.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

16th Legislative District

State Representative, Position #1

Everett Maroon photo
Democrat

Everett Maroon

Website Facebook Endorsements

Democrat Everett Maroon is running to ensure that the economic needs of Southeast Washington are represented in Olympia. Currently, Maroon is the executive director of a local health care nonprofit. If elected, Maroon plans to focus on strengthening health care in rural communities and supporting local infrastructure development. Maroon's comprehensive vision for the 16th Legislative District has earned him the endorsement and support of several local democratic organizations and newspapers.

Maroon is challenging incumbent Republican Rep. William "Bill" Jenkin. Rep. Jenkin is a conservative Republican who is opposed to fully funding schools and reproductive freedom for women. Maroon is the better choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Democrat Everett Maroon is running to ensure that the economic needs of Southeast Washington are represented in Olympia. Currently, Maroon is the executive director of a local health care nonprofit. If elected, Maroon plans to focus on strengthening health care in rural communities and supporting local infrastructure development. Maroon's comprehensive vision for the 16th Legislative District has earned him the endorsement and support of several local democratic organizations and newspapers.

Maroon is challenging incumbent Republican Rep. William "Bill" Jenkin. Rep. Jenkin is a conservative Republican who is opposed to fully funding schools and reproductive freedom for women. Maroon is the better choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: Equal Rights Washington , Pro-Choice Washington , Walla Walla Democrats, Franklin County Democrats

State Representative, Position #2

Rebecca Francik photo
Democrat

Rebecca Francik

Website Facebook Endorsements

Former Pasco city councilmember and career educator Rebecca Francik is seeking to fill the House seat in the 16th Legislative District vacated by retiring Representative Terry Nealey. Since beginning her career in public service 21 years ago, Francik has been committed to fighting for the needs of Southeast Washingtonians. If elected, Francik wants to bridge the partisan divide by putting the needs of working families first. Her campaign platform is focused on infrastructure development, education, and creating more economic opportunity for small business owners and farmers.

Francik faces a tough race against Walla Walla County Republican Chair Skylar Rude. In 2016, Rude and Francik faced one another in the primary for a legislative seat, where Rude lost to Francik by fewer than 400 votes. Currently, Rude works as Republican state Sen. Maureen Walsh's legislative aide. Rude is extremely conservative on fiscal issues; for example, he supports sub-minimum wages to make entry-level positions cheaper for business.

Francik is the best choice in this race.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Former Pasco city councilmember and career educator Rebecca Francik is seeking to fill the House seat in the 16th Legislative District vacated by retiring Representative Terry Nealey. Since beginning her career in public service 21 years ago, Francik has been committed to fighting for the needs of Southeast Washingtonians. If elected, Francik wants to bridge the partisan divide by putting the needs of working families first. Her campaign platform is focused on infrastructure development, education, and creating more economic opportunity for small business owners and farmers.

Francik faces a tough race against Walla Walla County Republican Chair Skylar Rude. In 2016, Rude and Francik faced one another in the primary for a legislative seat, where Rude lost to Francik by fewer than 400 votes. Currently, Rude works as Republican state Sen. Maureen Walsh's legislative aide. Rude is extremely conservative on fiscal issues; for example, he supports sub-minimum wages to make entry-level positions cheaper for business.

Francik is the best 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

Website Facebook Endorsements

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