Progressive Voters Guide Powered by Fuse WA
Kate Baldwin photo

Kate Baldwin

Website Facebook Endorsements

Kate Baldwin is running for Auburn City Council, Position 2. She works with IT departments for companies and public entities including REI and the City of Tacoma.

Baldwin's top campaign priorities include leading on a housing-first approach for people experiencing homelessness, supporting a sustainable growth plan, promoting economic development, and ensuring Auburn is a diverse community that brings safety for all, including safety from police violence.

Baldwin faces Wendee Odell, an army veteran, and former correctional officer with the Arizona Department of Corrections. Her platform contains conservative language stoking fear about crime and local public safety.

Baldwin is the best choice in this race for Auburn City Council, Position 2.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Kate Baldwin is running for Auburn City Council, Position 2. She works with IT departments for companies and public entities including REI and the City of Tacoma.

Baldwin's top campaign priorities include leading on a housing-first approach for people experiencing homelessness, supporting a sustainable growth plan, promoting economic development, and ensuring Auburn is a diverse community that brings safety for all, including safety from police violence.

Baldwin faces Wendee Odell, an army veteran, and former correctional officer with the Arizona Department of Corrections. Her platform contains conservative language stoking fear about crime and local public safety.

Baldwin is the best choice in this race for Auburn City Council, Position 2.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

City of Auburn

Not in City of Auburn? Find your state's guide.

Election Day November 2, 2021
Find Drop Box Locations
Ballot Drop Boxes

Statewide Ballot Measures

Advisory Vote #36

VOTE MAINTAINED

Vote Maintained to strengthen mental health crisis support

This spring, lawmakers passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1477 to expand the state’s crisis response system to include a new hotline dealing exclusively with mental health emergencies.

Sponsored by Democratic legislators, the law will divert some calls away from 911 so that Washingtonians can get more specialized crisis responses. In addition, law enforcement officers no longer need to take on responsibilities associated with social workers. This will be funded by a tax of 30 cents a month on most phone services in October 2021 until a bump to 75 cents a month starting in July 2024. All revenue generated by the tax will go to crisis line-related expenses, including expanding hotline personnel during the community mental health crisis associated with the pandemic.

Vote “Maintained” on State Advisory Vote 36.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

This spring, lawmakers passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1477 to expand the state’s crisis response system to include a new hotline dealing exclusively with mental health emergencies.

Sponsored by Democratic legislators, the law will divert some calls away from 911 so that Washingtonians can get more specialized crisis responses. In addition, law enforcement officers no longer need to take on responsibilities associated with social workers. This will be funded by a tax of 30 cents a month on most phone services in October 2021 until a bump to 75 cents a month starting in July 2024. All revenue generated by the tax will go to crisis line-related expenses, including expanding hotline personnel during the community mental health crisis associated with the pandemic.

Vote “Maintained” on State Advisory Vote 36.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By The Stranger

Advisory Vote #37

VOTE MAINTAINED

Vote Maintained to balance our tax code

Washingtonians deserve an economy that works for us all. An essential part of that is a balanced tax code where everyone pays their share. Yet, Washington boasts the most upside-down system in the nation, where the state’s lowest-income earners pay 17% of their income in taxes while the wealthiest few pay just 3% of their income.

This legislative session, Democratic lawmakers wrote and passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5096, which created a 7% capital gains tax on the sale of assets like stocks valued above $250,000. The tax is estimated to raise about $415 million primarily for child care and early learning - both services that became clearly essential to Washingtonians during the coronavirus pandemic.

We know that good public schools, beautiful parks, and strong social services make Washington a great place to live. This long-overdue capital gains tax will go towards making sure that all Washingtonians pay their share in taxes and have the opportunity to thrive.

Vote "Maintained" on State Advisory Vote 37.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Washingtonians deserve an economy that works for us all. An essential part of that is a balanced tax code where everyone pays their share. Yet, Washington boasts the most upside-down system in the nation, where the state’s lowest-income earners pay 17% of their income in taxes while the wealthiest few pay just 3% of their income.

This legislative session, Democratic lawmakers wrote and passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5096, which created a 7% capital gains tax on the sale of assets like stocks valued above $250,000. The tax is estimated to raise about $415 million primarily for child care and early learning - both services that became clearly essential to Washingtonians during the coronavirus pandemic.

We know that good public schools, beautiful parks, and strong social services make Washington a great place to live. This long-overdue capital gains tax will go towards making sure that all Washingtonians pay their share in taxes and have the opportunity to thrive.

Vote "Maintained" on State Advisory Vote 37.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By The Stranger

Advisory Vote #38

VOTE MAINTAINED

Vote Maintained to close a tax loophole for insurance companies

In the most recent legislative session, lawmakers passed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5315, which creates a 2% tax on certain insurance premiums. In effect, the law would close a tax loophole for corporations with their own insurance policies, known as captive insurers, so that all insurance companies pay premiums taxes. It is estimated to generate around $53 million over the next decade.

SB 5315 had bipartisan sponsorship and was passed nearly unanimously with only one vote of opposition between both houses. The legislation was requested by Democratic Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, who wants to make sure that all insurance companies pay their share of taxes.

Ensuring big corporations pay their share is an important step toward balancing our state's tax code. Vote “Maintained” on State Advisory Vote 38.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

In the most recent legislative session, lawmakers passed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5315, which creates a 2% tax on certain insurance premiums. In effect, the law would close a tax loophole for corporations with their own insurance policies, known as captive insurers, so that all insurance companies pay premiums taxes. It is estimated to generate around $53 million over the next decade.

SB 5315 had bipartisan sponsorship and was passed nearly unanimously with only one vote of opposition between both houses. The legislation was requested by Democratic Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, who wants to make sure that all insurance companies pay their share of taxes.

Ensuring big corporations pay their share is an important step toward balancing our state's tax code. Vote “Maintained” on State Advisory Vote 38.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By The Stranger

King County, District 7

Depending on the county district you live in, you may have the following races on your ballot.

King County Council, District 7

No Good Choices

There are no good choices in the race for King County Council in District 7. Incumbent Republican Pete Von Reichbauer has held this seat on the council for 28 years. Reichbauer has remained a conservative voice on the council and mostly focuses on issues of public space such as the construction of the Federal Way Transit Center and the recent Hylebos Wetlands protection project.

His challenger is Kent-based brewery owner Dominique Torgerson. Her limited platform is mostly a sharp critique of business regulations and environmental policies in the county and doesn't speak to most of the wide range of issues faced by the communities in King County.

Write in a progressive candidate of your choice in this race.

There are no good choices in the race for King County Council in District 7. Incumbent Republican Pete Von Reichbauer has held this seat on the council for 28 years. Reichbauer has remained a conservative voice on the council and mostly focuses on issues of public space such as the construction of the Federal Way Transit Center and the recent Hylebos Wetlands protection project.

His challenger is Kent-based brewery owner Dominique Torgerson. Her limited platform is mostly a sharp critique of business regulations and environmental policies in the county and doesn't speak to most of the wide range of issues faced by the communities in King County.

Write in a progressive candidate of your choice in this race.

Auburn Mayor

Auburn Mayor

Nancy Backus photo

Nancy Backus

Website Facebook Endorsements (Twitter)

Nancy Backus is running unopposed for re-election to be mayor of Auburn. She was first elected in 2014 and previously served on the city council and as deputy mayor. In her time as mayor, Backus has assisted in awarding $200,000 in grants to local businesses and increasing the number of good-paying jobs in Auburn. She is promoting bringing jobs to the area, reducing traffic congestion, and expanding transportation options in her re-election campaign.

Backus is unopposed in the race for mayor of Auburn and deserves your vote.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Nancy Backus is running unopposed for re-election to be mayor of Auburn. She was first elected in 2014 and previously served on the city council and as deputy mayor. In her time as mayor, Backus has assisted in awarding $200,000 in grants to local businesses and increasing the number of good-paying jobs in Auburn. She is promoting bringing jobs to the area, reducing traffic congestion, and expanding transportation options in her re-election campaign.

Backus is unopposed in the race for mayor of Auburn and deserves your vote.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Auburn City Council

Auburn City Council, Position #2

Kate Baldwin photo

Kate Baldwin

Website Facebook Endorsements

Kate Baldwin is running for Auburn City Council, Position 2. She works with IT departments for companies and public entities including REI and the City of Tacoma.

Baldwin's top campaign priorities include leading on a housing-first approach for people experiencing homelessness, supporting a sustainable growth plan, promoting economic development, and ensuring Auburn is a diverse community that brings safety for all, including safety from police violence.

Baldwin faces Wendee Odell, an army veteran, and former correctional officer with the Arizona Department of Corrections. Her platform contains conservative language stoking fear about crime and local public safety.

Baldwin is the best choice in this race for Auburn City Council, Position 2.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Kate Baldwin is running for Auburn City Council, Position 2. She works with IT departments for companies and public entities including REI and the City of Tacoma.

Baldwin's top campaign priorities include leading on a housing-first approach for people experiencing homelessness, supporting a sustainable growth plan, promoting economic development, and ensuring Auburn is a diverse community that brings safety for all, including safety from police violence.

Baldwin faces Wendee Odell, an army veteran, and former correctional officer with the Arizona Department of Corrections. Her platform contains conservative language stoking fear about crime and local public safety.

Baldwin is the best choice in this race for Auburn City Council, Position 2.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Auburn City Council, Position #4

Hanan Amer photo

Hanan Amer

Website Facebook

Hanan Amer is running for Auburn City Council, Position 4. Amer is a chemist for an aerospace company and has been volunteering locally for years at food banks, the White River Valley Museum, the Auburn and Muckleshoot libraries, and with the police department. She has also volunteered as a tax preparer for United Way of King County in the Auburn and Kent areas. Amer is endorsed by Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus and the 47th Legislative District Democrats and is running to make sure everyone can feel empowered and engaged in their communities.

Amer's opponent in this race is incumbent council member Yolanda Trout. Trout has been on the city council for seven years and previously served as the vice chair of the local Domestic Violence Initiative Regional Task Force from 2014 to 2016 and on Auburn’s Planning Commission from 2010 to 2013. She does not have a campaign website as of mid-October but her re-election platform includes supporting Auburn’s businesses, affordable housing, social justice, and economic growth. Unfortunately, Trout has taken a couple of bad votes including opposing the B&O tax, which would help the city avoid a revenue crisis by 2023, and opposing hazard pay for grocery store workers in the pandemic.

Amer is the best choice for Position 4 on the Auburn City Council.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Hanan Amer is running for Auburn City Council, Position 4. Amer is a chemist for an aerospace company and has been volunteering locally for years at food banks, the White River Valley Museum, the Auburn and Muckleshoot libraries, and with the police department. She has also volunteered as a tax preparer for United Way of King County in the Auburn and Kent areas. Amer is endorsed by Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus and the 47th Legislative District Democrats and is running to make sure everyone can feel empowered and engaged in their communities.

Amer's opponent in this race is incumbent council member Yolanda Trout. Trout has been on the city council for seven years and previously served as the vice chair of the local Domestic Violence Initiative Regional Task Force from 2014 to 2016 and on Auburn’s Planning Commission from 2010 to 2013. She does not have a campaign website as of mid-October but her re-election platform includes supporting Auburn’s businesses, affordable housing, social justice, and economic growth. Unfortunately, Trout has taken a couple of bad votes including opposing the B&O tax, which would help the city avoid a revenue crisis by 2023, and opposing hazard pay for grocery store workers in the pandemic.

Amer is the best choice for Position 4 on the Auburn City Council.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Endorsed By: M. L. King County Labor Council, AFL-CIO , OneAmerica Votes , King County Democrats, 30th Legislative District Democrats, 47th Legislative District Democrats, and 31st Legislative District Democrats

Auburn City Council, Position #6

Larry Brown photo

Larry Brown

Facebook

Incumbent Larry Brown is running unopposed for re-election to Auburn City Council, Position 6. He is the president of the Washington State Labor Council and serves on the Valley Regional Fire Authority governing board. Brown has been a strong advocate for workers and supports increasing wages in Washington. In his second term, he will advocate for more public transit, transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness, and growing the local manufacturing sector.

Brown deserves your vote for Auburn City Council, Position 6.

Last updated: 2023-04-05

Incumbent Larry Brown is running unopposed for re-election to Auburn City Council, Position 6. He is the president of the Washington State Labor Council and serves on the Valley Regional Fire Authority governing board. Brown has been a strong advocate for workers and supports increasing wages in Washington. In his second term, he will advocate for more public transit, transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness, and growing the local manufacturing sector.

Brown deserves your vote for Auburn City Council, Position 6.

Last updated: 2023-04-05