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  • VOTE MAINTAINED

    Vote Maintained for a sustainable climate future

  • This spring, Democrats in Olympia passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5974, which included a small increase in aircraft fuel taxes. This change would raise an estimated $14 million in public revenue and help our state achieve its climate goals.

    This bill was sponsored by some of Washington’s most progressive lawmakers and passed with a clear majority in the session. The legislation will help our state create a sustainable future where generations can thrive with clean air and water.

    Vote “Maintained” on State Advisory Vote 39.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    This spring, Democrats in Olympia passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5974, which included a small increase in aircraft fuel taxes. This change would raise an estimated $14 million in public revenue and help our state achieve its climate goals.

    This bill was sponsored by some of Washington’s most progressive lawmakers and passed with a clear majority in the session. The legislation will help our state create a sustainable future where generations can thrive with clean air and water.

    Vote “Maintained” on State Advisory Vote 39.

    This spring, Democrats in Olympia passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5974, which included a small increase in aircraft fuel taxes. This change would raise an estimated $14 million in public revenue and help our state achieve its climate goals.

    This bill was sponsored by some of Washington’s most progressive lawmakers and passed with a clear majority in the session. The legislation will help our state create a sustainable future where generations can thrive with clean air and water.

    Vote “Maintained” on State Advisory Vote 39.

    Advisory Vote 39

    This spring, Democrats in Olympia passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5974, which included a small increase in aircraft fuel taxes. This change would raise an estimated $14 million in public revenue and help our state achieve its climate goals.

    This bill was sponsored by some of Washington’s most progressive lawmakers and passed with a clear majority in the session. The legislation will help our state create a sustainable future where generations can thrive with clean air and water.

    Vote “Maintained” on State Advisory Vote 39.

  • Endorsed By The Stranger
  • VOTE MAINTAINED

    Vote Maintained for rideshare worker protections

  • Last session, lawmakers passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2076 which increases worker protections and rights for rideshare drivers.

    The legislation, which had bipartisan support, requires that rideshare companies pay their drivers a minimum amount per trip, offer paid sick leave, and give compensation benefits. It is a positive step in the direction of protecting workers’ rights in the growing gig economy so that we all can afford the basics, be treated fairly in our place of work, and have the chance to succeed.

    Vote “Maintained” on State Advisory Vote 40.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05
    Last session, lawmakers passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2076 which increases worker protections and rights for rideshare drivers.

    The legislation, which had bipartisan support, requires that rideshare companies pay their drivers a minimum amount per trip, offer paid sick leave, and give compensation benefits. It is a positive step in the direction of protecting workers’ rights in the growing gig economy so that we all can afford the basics, be treated fairly in our place of work, and have the chance to succeed.

    Vote “Maintained” on State Advisory Vote 40.
    Last session, lawmakers passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2076 which increases worker protections and rights for rideshare drivers.

    The legislation, which had bipartisan support, requires that rideshare companies pay their drivers a minimum amount per trip, offer paid sick leave, and give compensation benefits. It is a positive step in the direction of protecting workers’ rights in the growing gig economy so that we all can afford the basics, be treated fairly in our place of work, and have the chance to succeed.

    Vote “Maintained” on State Advisory Vote 40.

    Advisory Vote 40

    Last session, lawmakers passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2076 which increases worker protections and rights for rideshare drivers.

    The legislation, which had bipartisan support, requires that rideshare companies pay their drivers a minimum amount per trip, offer paid sick leave, and give compensation benefits. It is a positive step in the direction of protecting workers’ rights in the growing gig economy so that we all can afford the basics, be treated fairly in our place of work, and have the chance to succeed.

    Vote “Maintained” on State Advisory Vote 40.
  • Endorsed By The Stranger

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

  • VOTE APPROVED

    Vote Yes for even-year county elections

  • King County Charter Amendment 1 proposes Ordinance 2022–0180, which pertains to when county elections appear on the ballot. The ordinance is supported by a progressive coalition of local organizations and passed the King County Council by a 7-2 margin, with only the two most conservative council members in opposition.

    If ratified, the ordinance will shift the elections for the county executive, assessor, elections director, and council positions to even-numbered years. By making this change, local leaders will be chosen during high-turnout years, increasing voter participation and reaching a wider, more diverse group for local positions.

    Vote “Yes” to on Amendment 1 to the King County Charter to strengthen our democracy and give more voters a voice in our county government.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05
    King County Charter Amendment 1 proposes Ordinance 2022–0180, which pertains to when county elections appear on the ballot. The ordinance is supported by a progressive coalition of local organizations and passed the King County Council by a 7-2 margin, with only the two most conservative council members in opposition.

    If ratified, the ordinance will shift the elections for the county executive, assessor, elections director, and council positions to even-numbered years. By making this change, local leaders will be chosen during high-turnout years, increasing voter participation and reaching a wider, more diverse group for local positions.

    Vote “Yes” to on Amendment 1 to the King County Charter to strengthen our democracy and give more voters a voice in our county government.
    King County Charter Amendment 1 proposes Ordinance 2022–0180, which pertains to when county elections appear on the ballot. The ordinance is supported by a progressive coalition of local organizations and passed the King County Council by a 7-2 margin, with only the two most conservative council members in opposition.

    If ratified, the ordinance will shift the elections for the county executive, assessor, elections director, and council positions to even-numbered years. By making this change, local leaders will be chosen during high-turnout years, increasing voter participation and reaching a wider, more diverse group for local positions.

    Vote “Yes” to on Amendment 1 to the King County Charter to strengthen our democracy and give more voters a voice in our county government.
  • VOTE APPROVED

    Vote Approved to extend the Conservation Futures Levy

  • King County Proposition 1 would extend the Conservation Futures levy. The levy provides long-term funding to support local ecosystems and open spaces so that farms, forests, shorelines, and greenways are protected for generations to come.

    Since 1982, funding from Conservation Futures levies has helped protect more than 100,000 acres of land as open space in every corner of the county. Some of the projects include the Discovery Park Capehart Dorest, the Sammamish River Trail, and the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. Proposition 1 would cost the owner of a median King County home approximately $22 a year.

    The Conservation Futures level is a critical investment in protecting our natural environment and ensuring a climate future in Washington. Vote "Approved” on King County Proposition 1.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    King County Proposition 1 would extend the Conservation Futures levy. The levy provides long-term funding to support local ecosystems and open spaces so that farms, forests, shorelines, and greenways are protected for generations to come.

    Since 1982, funding from Conservation Futures levies has helped protect more than 100,000 acres of land as open space in every corner of the county. Some of the projects include the Discovery Park Capehart Dorest, the Sammamish River Trail, and the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. Proposition 1 would cost the owner of a median King County home approximately $22 a year.

    The Conservation Futures level is a critical investment in protecting our natural environment and ensuring a climate future in Washington. Vote "Approved” on King County Proposition 1.

    King County Proposition 1 would extend the Conservation Futures levy. The levy provides long-term funding to support local ecosystems and open spaces so that farms, forests, shorelines, and greenways are protected for generations to come.

    Since 1982, funding from Conservation Futures levies has helped protect more than 100,000 acres of land as open space in every corner of the county. Some of the projects include the Discovery Park Capehart Dorest, the Sammamish River Trail, and the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. Proposition 1 would cost the owner of a median King County home approximately $22 a year.

    The Conservation Futures level is a critical investment in protecting our natural environment and ensuring a climate future in Washington. Vote "Approved” on King County Proposition 1.

    King County Prop 1 Conservation Futures Levy

    King County Proposition 1 would extend the Conservation Futures levy. The levy provides long-term funding to support local ecosystems and open spaces so that farms, forests, shorelines, and greenways are protected for generations to come.

  • Sen. Patty Murray has been a consistent and strong progressive voice in the U.S. Senate. She's seeking re-election to continue fighting for our basic rights and a better quality of life in Washington and beyond.

    Murray was first elected in 1992 and has been a champion for veterans, working families, women, and economic opportunities for all. Before her tenure in the Senate, Murray worked as a preschool teacher, on the Shoreline School Board, and in the Washington state Senate.

    During her time in Congress, Sen. Murray has worked hard to keep our communities safe from gun violence, protect abortion access at the federal level so that everyone has reproductive freedom, and expand access to affordable childcare. This year, she voted in support of the Women’s Health Protection Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, and a slate of other progressive bills that invest in working communities so that our country is a place where everyone can thrive. Murray has earned an impressive and diverse coalition of endorsements from local and national organizations, elected leaders, and unions.

    Sen. Murray faces Tiffany Smiley, a triage nurse running on a MAGA Republican platform. Smiley has never held public office but she previously worked on Capitol Hill. Her Trump-inspired agenda aims to divide us while she seeks to cut funding from our most essential services and repurpose it for a needless border wall and more militarized police forces. Working Washingtonians need real solutions so that we can access the basics like gas, groceries, rent, and prescription medicine – not MAGA rhetoric and tax breaks for the wealthy.

    Sen. Patty Murray is a national leader on many of the most important issues facing our country. She has earned your vote for re-election.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Patty Murray

    Sen. Patty Murray has been a consistent and strong progressive voice in the U.S. Senate. She's seeking re-election to continue fighting for our basic rights and a better quality of life in Washington and beyond.

    Sen. Patty Murray has been a consistent and strong progressive voice in the U.S. Senate. She's seeking re-election to continue fighting for our basic rights and a better quality of life in Washington and beyond.

    Murray was first elected in 1992 and has been a champion for veterans, working families, women, and economic opportunities for all. Before her tenure in the Senate, Murray worked as a preschool teacher, on the Shoreline School Board, and in the Washington state Senate.

    During her time in Congress, Sen. Murray has worked hard to keep our communities safe from gun violence, protect abortion access at the federal level so that everyone has reproductive freedom, and expand access to affordable childcare. This year, she voted in support of the Women’s Health Protection Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, and a slate of other progressive bills that invest in working communities so that our country is a place where everyone can thrive. Murray has earned an impressive and diverse coalition of endorsements from local and national organizations, elected leaders, and unions.

    Sen. Murray faces Tiffany Smiley, a triage nurse running on a MAGA Republican platform. Smiley has never held public office but she previously worked on Capitol Hill. Her Trump-inspired agenda aims to divide us while she seeks to cut funding from our most essential services and repurpose it for a needless border wall and more militarized police forces. Working Washingtonians need real solutions so that we can access the basics like gas, groceries, rent, and prescription medicine – not MAGA rhetoric and tax breaks for the wealthy.

    Sen. Patty Murray is a national leader on many of the most important issues facing our country. She has earned your vote for re-election.

    Patty Murray

    Sen. Patty Murray has been a consistent and strong progressive voice in the U.S. Senate. She's seeking re-election to continue fighting for our basic rights and a better quality of life in Washington and beyond.

Congress

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

  • Rep. Suzan DelBene is running for re-election to the U.S. House representing Washington’s 1st Congressional District. Since first being elected in 2012, DelBene has been a champion for working families, small businesses, and data privacy and consumer protections. This year, she served as the chair of the moderate New Democrat Coalition, a 98-member congressional caucus that seeks to find solutions that bring Democrats and Republicans together. She brings private sector experience from her background in tech, working at Microsoft early on and then leading a number of local startups.

    DelBene has been a staunch advocate for bills to help Washingtonians and the rest of our country afford stable housing, find family-wage jobs, and access quality health care. She has leveraged her tech background to balance consumer rights with innovation to create protections that benefit us all. DelBene played a key role in passing the Child Tax Credit and is leading efforts to expand it going forward in order to reduce child poverty across the country. She also recently supported the bipartisan infrastructure law which sent federal funding to Washington to upgrade public roads, ports, broadband, and more. Now, she is running to keep protecting Social Security, Medicare, reproductive freedom, and community investments that help Americans afford the basics.

    Mill Creek City Council member and sheriff deputy Vincent Cavaleri is challenging DelBene in this race. He wants to expand militarized police forces and send more people to Washington’s expensive and overpopulated prisons. Instead of Cavaleri's failed positions, we need greater investments in community solutions that compassionately address addiction, housing insecurity, and mental health so that we can all thrive.

    DelBene is a pragmatic and hardworking Democratic leader who will continue to make progress at the federal level if she is re-elected. She deserves your vote to represent Washington’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Suzan DelBene

    Rep. Suzan DelBene is running for re-election to the U.S. House representing Washington’s 1st Congressional District. Since first being elected in 2012, DelBene has been a champion for working families, small businesses, and data privacy and consumer protections.

    Rep. Suzan DelBene is running for re-election to the U.S. House representing Washington’s 1st Congressional District. Since first being elected in 2012, DelBene has been a champion for working families, small businesses, and data privacy and consumer protections. This year, she served as the chair of the moderate New Democrat Coalition, a 98-member congressional caucus that seeks to find solutions that bring Democrats and Republicans together. She brings private sector experience from her background in tech, working at Microsoft early on and then leading a number of local startups.

    DelBene has been a staunch advocate for bills to help Washingtonians and the rest of our country afford stable housing, find family-wage jobs, and access quality health care. She has leveraged her tech background to balance consumer rights with innovation to create protections that benefit us all. DelBene played a key role in passing the Child Tax Credit and is leading efforts to expand it going forward in order to reduce child poverty across the country. She also recently supported the bipartisan infrastructure law which sent federal funding to Washington to upgrade public roads, ports, broadband, and more. Now, she is running to keep protecting Social Security, Medicare, reproductive freedom, and community investments that help Americans afford the basics.

    Mill Creek City Council member and sheriff deputy Vincent Cavaleri is challenging DelBene in this race. He wants to expand militarized police forces and send more people to Washington’s expensive and overpopulated prisons. Instead of Cavaleri's failed positions, we need greater investments in community solutions that compassionately address addiction, housing insecurity, and mental health so that we can all thrive.

    DelBene is a pragmatic and hardworking Democratic leader who will continue to make progress at the federal level if she is re-elected. She deserves your vote to represent Washington’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    Suzan DelBene

    Rep. Suzan DelBene is running for re-election to the U.S. House representing Washington’s 1st Congressional District. Since first being elected in 2012, DelBene has been a champion for working families, small businesses, and data privacy and consumer protections.

  • Rep. Rick Larsen is a moderate Democrat who is seeking his eleventh term representing Washington's 2nd Congressional District. Before serving in Congress, he served on the Snohomish County Council and worked on economic development for the City of Everett.

    Larsen has been a reliable vote on House Democrats' priorities. Since his last election, he voted for both the bipartisan infrastructure bill and Build Back Better, President Biden's more ambitious effort to fund clean energy, child tax credits, and other progressive priorities. In past years, Larsen supported the Lower Drug Costs Now Act to give Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companies and pass on the lower drug prices to all Americans. He also voted for the Voting Rights Advancement Act, supported the coronavirus pandemic relief packages, and sought to reform student loans.

    Republican Dan Matthews, a veteran and retired commercial airline pilot, is challenging incumbent Larsen in this race. Matthews lists dozens of "areas of concern" on his website with an invitation to "let the dialogue begin" but does not list any actual policy positions. However, some of the topics he lists are consistent with the MAGA Republican agenda we see across the country this year including dangerous rhetoric about voter fraud and border policies that echo Trump's 2016 talking points.

    Larsen is the clear choice for Congress from Washington's 2nd Congressional District.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Rick Larsen

    Rep. Rick Larsen is a moderate Democrat who is seeking his eleventh term representing Washington's 2nd Congressional District. Before serving in Congress, he served on the Snohomish County Council and worked on economic development for the City of Everett.
    Rep. Rick Larsen is a moderate Democrat who is seeking his eleventh term representing Washington's 2nd Congressional District. Before serving in Congress, he served on the Snohomish County Council and worked on economic development for the City of Everett.

    Larsen has been a reliable vote on House Democrats' priorities. Since his last election, he voted for both the bipartisan infrastructure bill and Build Back Better, President Biden's more ambitious effort to fund clean energy, child tax credits, and other progressive priorities. In past years, Larsen supported the Lower Drug Costs Now Act to give Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companies and pass on the lower drug prices to all Americans. He also voted for the Voting Rights Advancement Act, supported the coronavirus pandemic relief packages, and sought to reform student loans.

    Republican Dan Matthews, a veteran and retired commercial airline pilot, is challenging incumbent Larsen in this race. Matthews lists dozens of "areas of concern" on his website with an invitation to "let the dialogue begin" but does not list any actual policy positions. However, some of the topics he lists are consistent with the MAGA Republican agenda we see across the country this year including dangerous rhetoric about voter fraud and border policies that echo Trump's 2016 talking points.

    Larsen is the clear choice for Congress from Washington's 2nd Congressional District.

    Rick Larsen

    Rep. Rick Larsen is a moderate Democrat who is seeking his eleventh term representing Washington's 2nd Congressional District. Before serving in Congress, he served on the Snohomish County Council and worked on economic development for the City of Everett.
  • Rep. Pramila Jayapal is running for re-election in the 7th Congressional District. She has a long history of civic leadership on immigration reform, economic justice, and civil liberties. Rep. Jayapal founded OneAmerica (formerly Hate Free Zone) in 2001 and built it into the largest immigrant rights organization in the state and a national model. She also played a key role on the Mayoral Advisory Committee that created Seattle’s $15 minimum wage, and this year secured $31 million in federal funding for community projects in the Seattle area, including housing, sciences, education, and the environment.

    Since her election to Congress in 2016, Jayapal has resisted the Trump administration and conservative extremists at every turn and provided a voice for progressives across the country. She has supported the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the Dream Act, which would provide a path to citizenship for young DACA recipients. She also introduced legislation to expand collective bargaining and provide relief to workers and businesses during the pandemic. More recently, she has called for a national women's strike in response to the Supreme Court's ban on abortion and the curtailing of reproductive freedom across the country. Jayapal is also seeking to codify a transgender bill of rights to protect our country from the erosion of trans civil rights.

    Her opponent, Republican Cliff Moon, founded Moon Construction Company and is running because he believes Congress needs more "normal" people. Unfortunately, he echoes Republican Party talking points about the 2020 election, opposes stronger gun safety laws, and he supports building a divisive border wall. Moon states that he's open to exploring a federal ban on abortion after 15 weeks in a move to limit the reproductive freedom nationwide. While Jayapal is seeking to broadly improve the lives of her constituents with affordable housing, upgrades to infrastructure, and expanding childcare, Moon is focused on the conservative agenda of pouring more money into militarized policing. 

    Jayapal is highly experienced and responsive to her constituents, and has held more than 100 town halls during her time in Congress. As chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, she has been one of the strongest progressive advocates in Washington for the needs of all in this country. Pramila Jayapal has earned your vote as a national leader for progressive causes.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Pramila Jayapal

    Rep. Pramila Jayapal is running for re-election in the 7th Congressional District. She has a long history of civic leadership on immigration reform, economic justice, and civil liberties. Rep.

    Rep. Pramila Jayapal is running for re-election in the 7th Congressional District. She has a long history of civic leadership on immigration reform, economic justice, and civil liberties. Rep. Jayapal founded OneAmerica (formerly Hate Free Zone) in 2001 and built it into the largest immigrant rights organization in the state and a national model. She also played a key role on the Mayoral Advisory Committee that created Seattle’s $15 minimum wage, and this year secured $31 million in federal funding for community projects in the Seattle area, including housing, sciences, education, and the environment.

    Since her election to Congress in 2016, Jayapal has resisted the Trump administration and conservative extremists at every turn and provided a voice for progressives across the country. She has supported the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the Dream Act, which would provide a path to citizenship for young DACA recipients. She also introduced legislation to expand collective bargaining and provide relief to workers and businesses during the pandemic. More recently, she has called for a national women's strike in response to the Supreme Court's ban on abortion and the curtailing of reproductive freedom across the country. Jayapal is also seeking to codify a transgender bill of rights to protect our country from the erosion of trans civil rights.

    Her opponent, Republican Cliff Moon, founded Moon Construction Company and is running because he believes Congress needs more "normal" people. Unfortunately, he echoes Republican Party talking points about the 2020 election, opposes stronger gun safety laws, and he supports building a divisive border wall. Moon states that he's open to exploring a federal ban on abortion after 15 weeks in a move to limit the reproductive freedom nationwide. While Jayapal is seeking to broadly improve the lives of her constituents with affordable housing, upgrades to infrastructure, and expanding childcare, Moon is focused on the conservative agenda of pouring more money into militarized policing. 

    Jayapal is highly experienced and responsive to her constituents, and has held more than 100 town halls during her time in Congress. As chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, she has been one of the strongest progressive advocates in Washington for the needs of all in this country. Pramila Jayapal has earned your vote as a national leader for progressive causes.

    Pramila Jayapal

    Rep. Pramila Jayapal is running for re-election in the 7th Congressional District. She has a long history of civic leadership on immigration reform, economic justice, and civil liberties. Rep.

  • Democrat Steve Hobbs is running to retain his position as secretary of state for the remainder of the two-year term. He is a first-generation Japanese American and a 30-year member of the military, serving tours in Kosovo and Iraq before becoming a Lieutenant Colonel in the Washington Army National Guard.

    Hobbs was appointed as secretary of state in November of last year after Kim Wyman resigned to join the Biden Administration. Prior to his appointment, he served four terms in the Washington state Senate representing the 44th Legislative District. His voting record was consistently progressive on social issues and leaned more conservative on taxes and workers' rights.

    During his first 8 months in office, Hobbs has been laser-focused on protecting our electoral systems from attacks. He has used his background in national security to partner closely with the Department of Homeland Security to stop digital threats to our voting systems, both foreign and domestic. Hobbs also understands the challenge that misinformation poses to the integrity of our elections. He has been working to set up a division within his office specifically to combat misinformation and wants to work closely with social media companies to ensure they take down dangerous conspiracy theories.

    As the pandemic recedes, Hobbs is committed to restarting his office's voter outreach program. He is very enthusiastic about a trusted messenger program he's launching to utilize community leaders to talk about the importance of voting. He also wants to improve outreach to reduce the racial disparities in rejected ballots because of signature mismatches.

    The only issue of concern with Hobbs is his personal opposition to ranked choice voting. During our interview, he shared that he's concerned about implementing a complicated new voting system at a moment of low trust in our elections. In addition, he is concerned that voters like his mother, who speaks English as a second language, will have a difficult time learning and participating in the new system. Experts have reiterated that ranked choice voting is simple for all voters and has been used successfully on ballots in multiple languages.

    Hobbs made a compelling case that the secretary of state must adapt to the new and complex challenges of running modern elections. Hobbs is a good choice if you're looking for someone with broad Democratic endorsements and with national security experience to safeguard and rebuild trust in our electoral system.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Steve Hobbs

    Democrat Steve Hobbs is running to retain his position as secretary of state for the remainder of the two-year term.

    Democrat Steve Hobbs is running to retain his position as secretary of state for the remainder of the two-year term. He is a first-generation Japanese American and a 30-year member of the military, serving tours in Kosovo and Iraq before becoming a Lieutenant Colonel in the Washington Army National Guard.

    Hobbs was appointed as secretary of state in November of last year after Kim Wyman resigned to join the Biden Administration. Prior to his appointment, he served four terms in the Washington state Senate representing the 44th Legislative District. His voting record was consistently progressive on social issues and leaned more conservative on taxes and workers' rights.

    During his first 8 months in office, Hobbs has been laser-focused on protecting our electoral systems from attacks. He has used his background in national security to partner closely with the Department of Homeland Security to stop digital threats to our voting systems, both foreign and domestic. Hobbs also understands the challenge that misinformation poses to the integrity of our elections. He has been working to set up a division within his office specifically to combat misinformation and wants to work closely with social media companies to ensure they take down dangerous conspiracy theories.

    As the pandemic recedes, Hobbs is committed to restarting his office's voter outreach program. He is very enthusiastic about a trusted messenger program he's launching to utilize community leaders to talk about the importance of voting. He also wants to improve outreach to reduce the racial disparities in rejected ballots because of signature mismatches.

    The only issue of concern with Hobbs is his personal opposition to ranked choice voting. During our interview, he shared that he's concerned about implementing a complicated new voting system at a moment of low trust in our elections. In addition, he is concerned that voters like his mother, who speaks English as a second language, will have a difficult time learning and participating in the new system. Experts have reiterated that ranked choice voting is simple for all voters and has been used successfully on ballots in multiple languages.

    Hobbs made a compelling case that the secretary of state must adapt to the new and complex challenges of running modern elections. Hobbs is a good choice if you're looking for someone with broad Democratic endorsements and with national security experience to safeguard and rebuild trust in our electoral system.

    Steve Hobbs

    Democrat Steve Hobbs is running to retain his position as secretary of state for the remainder of the two-year term.

  • Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson is running as an independent to bring a non-partisan voice to the secretary of state's office. Anderson served on the Tacoma City Council before running for county auditor in 2009 and winning re-election three times. As Pierce County auditor, which is a nonpartisan position, she has administered dozens of elections while also overseeing licensing and public record-keeping.

    Anderson is running because she believes political parties shouldn't be involved in running elections they are simultaneously trying to win. Her campaign priorities include supporting more local races becoming non-partisan, increasing access to voting and election information, and improving election security. She wants to translate the voters' pamphlet into 10 languages, going beyond what is mandated by the Voting Rights Act. She also wants to conduct risk-limiting audits in all 39 Washington counties and "pre-bunk" rumors to increase confidence in our state's election systems.

    During our interview, Anderson expressed support for ranked choice voting because she believes it will allow candidates to break through our two-party political system. This is one of the biggest points of difference between Anderson and Hobbs.

    Anderson offers voters an experienced option if they are looking for a nonpartisan administrator to manage our state's elections and support ranked choice voting.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Julie Anderson

    Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson is running as an independent to bring a non-partisan voice to the secretary of state's office. Anderson served on the Tacoma City Council before running for county auditor in 2009 and winning re-election three times.

    Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson is running as an independent to bring a non-partisan voice to the secretary of state's office. Anderson served on the Tacoma City Council before running for county auditor in 2009 and winning re-election three times. As Pierce County auditor, which is a nonpartisan position, she has administered dozens of elections while also overseeing licensing and public record-keeping.

    Anderson is running because she believes political parties shouldn't be involved in running elections they are simultaneously trying to win. Her campaign priorities include supporting more local races becoming non-partisan, increasing access to voting and election information, and improving election security. She wants to translate the voters' pamphlet into 10 languages, going beyond what is mandated by the Voting Rights Act. She also wants to conduct risk-limiting audits in all 39 Washington counties and "pre-bunk" rumors to increase confidence in our state's election systems.

    During our interview, Anderson expressed support for ranked choice voting because she believes it will allow candidates to break through our two-party political system. This is one of the biggest points of difference between Anderson and Hobbs.

    Anderson offers voters an experienced option if they are looking for a nonpartisan administrator to manage our state's elections and support ranked choice voting.

    Julie Anderson

    Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson is running as an independent to bring a non-partisan voice to the secretary of state's office. Anderson served on the Tacoma City Council before running for county auditor in 2009 and winning re-election three times.

  • Endorsed By: Teamsters Joint Council 28, Teamsters 117, UFCW 3000, Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility
  • Sen. Jesse Salomon is running for re-election to continue bringing progressive leadership to the 32nd Legislative District. A part-time public defender and former Shoreline City Council member, Salomon has been serving in the Legislature since 2019 where he has been a crucial voice for environmental protections, living affordability, and public education.

    In Olympia, Salomon recently supported the historic Move Ahead Washington green transportation package that invests in infrastructure upgrades and expanded access to Washington’s public transit. Earlier this year, he introduced a bill to strengthen police accountability by closing a loophole that allows officers guilty of serious misconduct to return to their jobs. This came in response to the 2020 case of the Kent officer who displayed pro-Nazi insignia outside his office. Salomon is running for re-election to keep fighting climate change, addressing the housing crisis, and improving the quality of life for all local residents.

    Salomon faces a Democratic challenger in this race, Patricia Weber. Weber is a retired medical doctor and former PCO for her local Democrats. She is running on a platform to get everyone the medical care they need, including mental health services. Weber also wants to make sure all Washingtonians have affordable housing, fair pay, good schools, and freedom from gun violence.

    We recommend Jesse Salomon for re-election to the state Senate in the 32nd Legislative District because of his proven track record of progressive law making and community advocacy.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Jesse Salomon

    Sen. Jesse Salomon is running for re-election to continue bringing progressive leadership to the 32nd Legislative District.
    Sen. Jesse Salomon is running for re-election to continue bringing progressive leadership to the 32nd Legislative District. A part-time public defender and former Shoreline City Council member, Salomon has been serving in the Legislature since 2019 where he has been a crucial voice for environmental protections, living affordability, and public education.

    In Olympia, Salomon recently supported the historic Move Ahead Washington green transportation package that invests in infrastructure upgrades and expanded access to Washington’s public transit. Earlier this year, he introduced a bill to strengthen police accountability by closing a loophole that allows officers guilty of serious misconduct to return to their jobs. This came in response to the 2020 case of the Kent officer who displayed pro-Nazi insignia outside his office. Salomon is running for re-election to keep fighting climate change, addressing the housing crisis, and improving the quality of life for all local residents.

    Salomon faces a Democratic challenger in this race, Patricia Weber. Weber is a retired medical doctor and former PCO for her local Democrats. She is running on a platform to get everyone the medical care they need, including mental health services. Weber also wants to make sure all Washingtonians have affordable housing, fair pay, good schools, and freedom from gun violence.

    We recommend Jesse Salomon for re-election to the state Senate in the 32nd Legislative District because of his proven track record of progressive law making and community advocacy.

    Jesse Salomon

    Sen. Jesse Salomon is running for re-election to continue bringing progressive leadership to the 32nd Legislative District.
  • Democrat Rep. Cindy Ryu is running for re-election to the 32nd Legislative District, Position 1. Ryu was originally elected in 2011 when she became the first Korean American to join the state Legislature. Before that, Ryu also made history as the first Korean American woman mayor in the country when she served the City of Shoreline.

    Ryu has been an advocate for public education, transportation, small business owners, and the environment in the Legislature. Recently, she sponsored a slate of progressive bills including legislation to prohibit guns at school board meetings, city council meetings, and election offices. In the last few weeks, Ryu reaffirmed her support for reproductive freedom for all Washingtonians.

    Ryu faces a challenge this year from Lori Theis, the former director of Alliance for the Advancement of Canine Welfare. Theis is one of several extreme conservatives this year running as a member of the "Election Integrity Party." Her main reason for running is to question election security, echoing the messages of Trump Republicans who tried to overturn the will of the people in the last presidential election.

    Ryu is by far the best choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Cindy Ryu

    Democrat Rep. Cindy Ryu is running for re-election to the 32nd Legislative District, Position 1. Ryu was originally elected in 2011 when she became the first Korean American to join the state Legislature.
    Democrat Rep. Cindy Ryu is running for re-election to the 32nd Legislative District, Position 1. Ryu was originally elected in 2011 when she became the first Korean American to join the state Legislature. Before that, Ryu also made history as the first Korean American woman mayor in the country when she served the City of Shoreline.

    Ryu has been an advocate for public education, transportation, small business owners, and the environment in the Legislature. Recently, she sponsored a slate of progressive bills including legislation to prohibit guns at school board meetings, city council meetings, and election offices. In the last few weeks, Ryu reaffirmed her support for reproductive freedom for all Washingtonians.

    Ryu faces a challenge this year from Lori Theis, the former director of Alliance for the Advancement of Canine Welfare. Theis is one of several extreme conservatives this year running as a member of the "Election Integrity Party." Her main reason for running is to question election security, echoing the messages of Trump Republicans who tried to overturn the will of the people in the last presidential election.

    Ryu is by far the best choice in this race.

    Cindy Ryu

    Democrat Rep. Cindy Ryu is running for re-election to the 32nd Legislative District, Position 1. Ryu was originally elected in 2011 when she became the first Korean American to join the state Legislature.
  • Rep. Lauren Davis is seeking re-election to Position 2 representing the 32nd Legislative District. She joined the Legislature in 2019 and additionally leads the Washington Recovery Alliance, a nonprofit that helps those experiencing addiction and mental health issues. In her free time, Davis also serves on the Public Policy Committee for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Washington State.

    In the Legislature, Davis has voted with other progressives on important bills that prohibited the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines and set new carbon neutrality goals for the state. Recently, she sponsored legislation to connect people who are experiencing mental health crises with treatment and resources rather than criminalization. Davis’ top priorities include affordable housing, gun violence prevention, addiction recovery, and quality education from K-12 to public universities.

    Davis's challenger is Republican Anthony Hubbard. He does not have a working campaign website or priorities listed as of mid-October and has no professional, elected, or community leadership experience in his official voter's guide statement. Though he's running as a Republican, his language is a near copy-paste duplicate of the extreme Election Integrity Party candidates this year. Their priority is to question election security alongside the Trump Republicans who tried to overturn the will of the people last presidential election.

    Rep. Davis is by far the best choice in this race.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Lauren Davis

    Rep. Lauren Davis is seeking re-election to Position 2 representing the 32nd Legislative District. She joined the Legislature in 2019 and additionally leads the Washington Recovery Alliance, a nonprofit that helps those experiencing addiction and mental health issues.
    Rep. Lauren Davis is seeking re-election to Position 2 representing the 32nd Legislative District. She joined the Legislature in 2019 and additionally leads the Washington Recovery Alliance, a nonprofit that helps those experiencing addiction and mental health issues. In her free time, Davis also serves on the Public Policy Committee for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Washington State.

    In the Legislature, Davis has voted with other progressives on important bills that prohibited the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines and set new carbon neutrality goals for the state. Recently, she sponsored legislation to connect people who are experiencing mental health crises with treatment and resources rather than criminalization. Davis’ top priorities include affordable housing, gun violence prevention, addiction recovery, and quality education from K-12 to public universities.

    Davis's challenger is Republican Anthony Hubbard. He does not have a working campaign website or priorities listed as of mid-October and has no professional, elected, or community leadership experience in his official voter's guide statement. Though he's running as a Republican, his language is a near copy-paste duplicate of the extreme Election Integrity Party candidates this year. Their priority is to question election security alongside the Trump Republicans who tried to overturn the will of the people last presidential election.

    Rep. Davis is by far the best choice in this race.

    Lauren Davis

    Rep. Lauren Davis is seeking re-election to Position 2 representing the 32nd Legislative District. She joined the Legislature in 2019 and additionally leads the Washington Recovery Alliance, a nonprofit that helps those experiencing addiction and mental health issues.

County Races

Depending on where you live, you may have the below county races on your ballot.

  • Leesa Manion has worked as the chief of staff of the King County prosecuting attorney’s office for the last 15 years. She is now running for King County prosecutor to provide consistent leadership to the office and support important reforms to the criminal legal system. If elected, she would be the first woman and the first person of color in this role. Outside of the prosecutor's office, Manion has served several leadership roles, including on the boards of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, and as co-founding partner of Choose 180, which offers coaching and diversion programs to keep youth out of the juvenile justice system.

    Manion's top priorities include tackling the backlog of 4,500 cases filed during the pandemic's work halt, increasing funding for reforms like mental health court, and intervening in gun violence before people become victims or offenders. High on her agenda is continuing to prosecute violent crimes while addressing racial disparities and providing culturally responsive care to victims.

    In our interview with Manion, she offered compelling insights about the prosecuting attorney's office and how she would manage it if elected. She spoke of her experience building a well-functioning team and solid working relationships throughout the legal system, as evidenced by the fact that she earned the endorsement of SEIU 925, the union that includes public defenders. She also spoke about the need to apply racial justice principles to better reflect the values of the community, and invite the community to public listening sessions or possibly convene community advisory boards. Finally, Manion committed to spending more time going to monthly police and sheriff meetings to build relationships throughout the county.

    We recommend Manion for her impressive platform and extensive track record of results, as well as the broad support of many progressive and Democratic organizations.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Leesa Manion

    Leesa Manion has worked as the chief of staff of the King County prosecuting attorney’s office for the last 15 years. She is now running for King County prosecutor to provide consistent leadership to the office and support important reforms to the criminal legal system.

    Leesa Manion has worked as the chief of staff of the King County prosecuting attorney’s office for the last 15 years. She is now running for King County prosecutor to provide consistent leadership to the office and support important reforms to the criminal legal system. If elected, she would be the first woman and the first person of color in this role. Outside of the prosecutor's office, Manion has served several leadership roles, including on the boards of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, and as co-founding partner of Choose 180, which offers coaching and diversion programs to keep youth out of the juvenile justice system.

    Manion's top priorities include tackling the backlog of 4,500 cases filed during the pandemic's work halt, increasing funding for reforms like mental health court, and intervening in gun violence before people become victims or offenders. High on her agenda is continuing to prosecute violent crimes while addressing racial disparities and providing culturally responsive care to victims.

    In our interview with Manion, she offered compelling insights about the prosecuting attorney's office and how she would manage it if elected. She spoke of her experience building a well-functioning team and solid working relationships throughout the legal system, as evidenced by the fact that she earned the endorsement of SEIU 925, the union that includes public defenders. She also spoke about the need to apply racial justice principles to better reflect the values of the community, and invite the community to public listening sessions or possibly convene community advisory boards. Finally, Manion committed to spending more time going to monthly police and sheriff meetings to build relationships throughout the county.

    We recommend Manion for her impressive platform and extensive track record of results, as well as the broad support of many progressive and Democratic organizations.

    Leesa Manion

    Leesa Manion has worked as the chief of staff of the King County prosecuting attorney’s office for the last 15 years. She is now running for King County prosecutor to provide consistent leadership to the office and support important reforms to the criminal legal system.

Other Candidates

Manion's opponent is Federal Way mayor Jim Ferrell, who has been elected three times since 2013. Ferrell is a previous three-time member of the Federal Way City Council and was a prosecutor in Renton before later becoming a King County senior deputy prosecutor.

Ferrell is running for King County prosecutor on a different tack than Manion. He has been critical of King County’s highly effective youth diversion program, which provides low-level first-time youth offenders an alternative to prison. The Restorative Community Pathways program has been shown to reduce the percentage of kids who re-offended by more than half. Without evidence, Ferrell continues to attack the program using Republican political talking points about crime.

Ferrell is endorsed by several conservative police guilds, and he appeared at a press conference with Seattle Police Officer Guild leader Mike Solan, who is known for defending the Seattle officers who participated in the January 6th insurrection. During Ferrell's time as mayor, the Federal Way Police Department has had multiple instances of officers using excessive force and behaving inappropriately, including a controversial video posted by an officer that made national news this summer. 

Ferrell is endorsed by the King County Republican Party, and both his record as mayor and his campaign platform make it clear that he would seek to roll back hard-won reforms made in the King County prosecutor's office in recent years. Manion is the clear choice in this race.

  • Jason Cummings is running to serve Snohomish County as the county prosecuting attorney. Cummings has worked in the Snohomish County prosecutor’s office since 1999 and for the last 14 years has been the chief civil deputy prosecuting attorney there. He has spent his free time in a number of community leadership positions including as president of the Imagine Children’s Museum board.

    Cummings wants to lead the prosecutor’s office with transparency and integrity. As a lead on the Data Collective Initiative, he also has a strong focus on understanding racial and ethnic disparities in Snohomish County so that the prosecuting office can deliver equitable and accurate legal services for all residents. In this race, Cummings has received many local and statewide endorsements to bring his extensive experience and a strong sense of justice to the seat.

    Cummings is running against Brett Rogers, a lawyer and former Seattle Police Department officer. Like many of his fellow Republicans, Rogers wants to use police, jails, and prisons as a catchall solution for the social issues facing our communities, which is both more expensive and less effective. His views on crime and punishment echo antiquated, right-wing beliefs that don’t make our communities safer.

    Jason Cummings is the best choice in this race. He deserves your vote for Snohomish County prosecuting attorney.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Jason Cummings

    Jason Cummings is running to serve Snohomish County as the county prosecuting attorney. Cummings has worked in the Snohomish County prosecutor’s office since 1999 and for the last 14 years has been the chief civil deputy prosecuting attorney there.
    Jason Cummings is running to serve Snohomish County as the county prosecuting attorney. Cummings has worked in the Snohomish County prosecutor’s office since 1999 and for the last 14 years has been the chief civil deputy prosecuting attorney there. He has spent his free time in a number of community leadership positions including as president of the Imagine Children’s Museum board.

    Cummings wants to lead the prosecutor’s office with transparency and integrity. As a lead on the Data Collective Initiative, he also has a strong focus on understanding racial and ethnic disparities in Snohomish County so that the prosecuting office can deliver equitable and accurate legal services for all residents. In this race, Cummings has received many local and statewide endorsements to bring his extensive experience and a strong sense of justice to the seat.

    Cummings is running against Brett Rogers, a lawyer and former Seattle Police Department officer. Like many of his fellow Republicans, Rogers wants to use police, jails, and prisons as a catchall solution for the social issues facing our communities, which is both more expensive and less effective. His views on crime and punishment echo antiquated, right-wing beliefs that don’t make our communities safer.

    Jason Cummings is the best choice in this race. He deserves your vote for Snohomish County prosecuting attorney.

    Jason Cummings

    Jason Cummings is running to serve Snohomish County as the county prosecuting attorney. Cummings has worked in the Snohomish County prosecutor’s office since 1999 and for the last 14 years has been the chief civil deputy prosecuting attorney there.
  • Justice Mary Yu is running unopposed to continue serving on the state Supreme Court. Yu was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2014, elected by voters to the seat later that year, and re-elected in 2016. Before joining Washington’s highest court, she spent 14 years as a trial court judge in King County Superior Court and earlier as the deputy chief of staff to former King County prosecutor Norm Maleng.

    Yu has an unimpeachable reputation and has been rated “exceptionally well qualified” by a number of key bar associations. On the court, she has been a voice for equal justice and upholding the rights of all. Now, she is running with endorsements from all of her fellow justices as well as a number of retired justices from the court.

    Justice Yu deserves your vote to continue serving as one of Washington’s state Supreme Court justices.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Mary Yu

    Justice Mary Yu is running unopposed to continue serving on the state Supreme Court. Yu was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2014, elected by voters to the seat later that year, and re-elected in 2016.
    Justice Mary Yu is running unopposed to continue serving on the state Supreme Court. Yu was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2014, elected by voters to the seat later that year, and re-elected in 2016. Before joining Washington’s highest court, she spent 14 years as a trial court judge in King County Superior Court and earlier as the deputy chief of staff to former King County prosecutor Norm Maleng.

    Yu has an unimpeachable reputation and has been rated “exceptionally well qualified” by a number of key bar associations. On the court, she has been a voice for equal justice and upholding the rights of all. Now, she is running with endorsements from all of her fellow justices as well as a number of retired justices from the court.

    Justice Yu deserves your vote to continue serving as one of Washington’s state Supreme Court justices.

    Mary Yu

    Justice Mary Yu is running unopposed to continue serving on the state Supreme Court. Yu was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2014, elected by voters to the seat later that year, and re-elected in 2016.
  • Justice Barbara Madsen has served on the state Supreme Court for 30 years and is running unopposed for re-election this year. She was only the third woman to serve on the court when she was first elected in 1992. During her time on the court, her fellow justices elected her the 55th chief justice of the court – a position she held for 7 years.

    Having spent her career in both prosecution and public defense, Madsen has extensive knowledge of the criminal legal system and a passion for serving her community. Her re-election has been endorsed by each of her fellow justices and a wide range of other judicial leaders and community organizations.

    Justice Madsen has served the state with fair and equal justice. She deserves your vote to remain in her seat on Washington’s Supreme Court.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Barbara Madsen

    Justice Barbara Madsen has served on the state Supreme Court for 30 years and is running unopposed for re-election this year. She was only the third woman to serve on the court when she was first elected in 1992.

    Justice Barbara Madsen has served on the state Supreme Court for 30 years and is running unopposed for re-election this year. She was only the third woman to serve on the court when she was first elected in 1992. During her time on the court, her fellow justices elected her the 55th chief justice of the court – a position she held for 7 years.

    Having spent her career in both prosecution and public defense, Madsen has extensive knowledge of the criminal legal system and a passion for serving her community. Her re-election has been endorsed by each of her fellow justices and a wide range of other judicial leaders and community organizations.

    Justice Madsen has served the state with fair and equal justice. She deserves your vote to remain in her seat on Washington’s Supreme Court.

    Barbara Madsen

    Justice Barbara Madsen has served on the state Supreme Court for 30 years and is running unopposed for re-election this year. She was only the third woman to serve on the court when she was first elected in 1992.

  • Justice G. Helen Whitener is running unopposed for re-election to Position 6 on Washington’s Supreme Court. Whitener became the first Black woman to serve on the state’s Supreme Court in April 2020 when she was appointed to fill a vacancy by Gov. Inslee. Later that year, she won her election to fill the remainder of the term. Prior to joining the Washington Supreme Court, Whitener served on the Pierce County Superior Court and worked as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney before becoming a judge.

    Justice Whitener is both a Trinidadian immigrant and openly gay, and has worked to be a representative voice for justice for all in the state’s highest court. In this race, she has earned the endorsement of each one of her fellow justices as well as some retired justices. Whitener has been rated as "exceptionally well-qualified" by a number of bar associations and has done an exceptional job since joining the court.

    Whitener is an important voice on the State Supreme Court and deserves your voice to continue serving as a justice in Position 6.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    G. Helen Whitener

    Justice G. Helen Whitener is running unopposed for re-election to Position 6 on Washington’s Supreme Court. Whitener became the first Black woman to serve on the state’s Supreme Court in April 2020 when she was appointed to fill a vacancy by Gov. Inslee.
    Justice G. Helen Whitener is running unopposed for re-election to Position 6 on Washington’s Supreme Court. Whitener became the first Black woman to serve on the state’s Supreme Court in April 2020 when she was appointed to fill a vacancy by Gov. Inslee. Later that year, she won her election to fill the remainder of the term. Prior to joining the Washington Supreme Court, Whitener served on the Pierce County Superior Court and worked as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney before becoming a judge.

    Justice Whitener is both a Trinidadian immigrant and openly gay, and has worked to be a representative voice for justice for all in the state’s highest court. In this race, she has earned the endorsement of each one of her fellow justices as well as some retired justices. Whitener has been rated as "exceptionally well-qualified" by a number of bar associations and has done an exceptional job since joining the court.

    Whitener is an important voice on the State Supreme Court and deserves your voice to continue serving as a justice in Position 6.

    G. Helen Whitener

    Justice G. Helen Whitener is running unopposed for re-election to Position 6 on Washington’s Supreme Court. Whitener became the first Black woman to serve on the state’s Supreme Court in April 2020 when she was appointed to fill a vacancy by Gov. Inslee.

Depending on where you live, you may have the below court races on your ballot. The Progressive Voters Guide may skip recommendations for unopposed judicial races.

  • Pooja Vaddadi is currently an adjunct professor of legal writing at Seattle University. Prior to joining the staff, she served as a public defender with the Northwest Defenders Division (NDD) of the King County Department of Public Defense. Vaddadi’s career as a public defender gives her a rare and valuable perspective that most judges - who come from prosecutorial or corporate law - don’t have. She has seen firsthand the deterioration and crisis at our prisons while working with clients who are unhoused or suffering from mental illness. 

    More so than Eisenberg, Vaddadi approaches justice from the angle that there’s no amount of incarceration that’s going to fix crimes of poverty or desperation that she sees daily. Vaddadi is serious about the ways in which she would implement restorative justice from the bench, and speaks of how these efforts need to be sustained carefully over time because there’s no quick fix. If elected, she would be a counterweight to the more heavy-handed and prosecution-friendly judges and city officials in her efforts to treat everyone fairly with respect towards the law. She has a strong set of endorsements from Democratic organizations and progressive elected officials.

    This is a somewhat tricky race, as experienced judges are critical in the post-COVID restrictions courts. But we lean towards Vaddadi because we believe she would add valuable perspectives to the bench, and because of her vision for restorative justice and criminal justice reform.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Pooja Vaddadi

    Submitted by stephanie on Wed, 11/02/2022 - 10:33

    Pooja Vaddadi is currently an adjunct professor of legal writing at Seattle University. Prior to joining the staff, she served as a public defender with the Northwest Defenders Division (NDD) of the King County Department of Public Defense. Vaddadi’s career as a public defender gives her a rare and valuable perspective that most judges - who come from prosecutorial or corporate law - don’t have.

    Pooja Vaddadi is currently an adjunct professor of legal writing at Seattle University. Prior to joining the staff, she served as a public defender with the Northwest Defenders Division (NDD) of the King County Department of Public Defense. Vaddadi’s career as a public defender gives her a rare and valuable perspective that most judges - who come from prosecutorial or corporate law - don’t have. She has seen firsthand the deterioration and crisis at our prisons while working with clients who are unhoused or suffering from mental illness. 

    More so than Eisenberg, Vaddadi approaches justice from the angle that there’s no amount of incarceration that’s going to fix crimes of poverty or desperation that she sees daily. Vaddadi is serious about the ways in which she would implement restorative justice from the bench, and speaks of how these efforts need to be sustained carefully over time because there’s no quick fix. If elected, she would be a counterweight to the more heavy-handed and prosecution-friendly judges and city officials in her efforts to treat everyone fairly with respect towards the law. She has a strong set of endorsements from Democratic organizations and progressive elected officials.

    This is a somewhat tricky race, as experienced judges are critical in the post-COVID restrictions courts. But we lean towards Vaddadi because we believe she would add valuable perspectives to the bench, and because of her vision for restorative justice and criminal justice reform.

    Pooja Vaddadi

    Submitted by stephanie on Wed, 11/02/2022 - 10:33

    Pooja Vaddadi is currently an adjunct professor of legal writing at Seattle University. Prior to joining the staff, she served as a public defender with the Northwest Defenders Division (NDD) of the King County Department of Public Defense. Vaddadi’s career as a public defender gives her a rare and valuable perspective that most judges - who come from prosecutorial or corporate law - don’t have.

  • Endorsed By: Sage Leaders, The Stranger
  • Prior to becoming a judge, Adam Eisenberg worked in various legal roles since 1992, including as a civil trial attorney and a criminal prosecutor. He was chosen by his colleagues to be the Presiding Judge on the Seattle Municipal Court. He was appointed to the court in 2017, and has been rated Exceptionally Well Qualified by several bar associations. Eisenberg is particularly focused on domestic violence, and helped create and currently serves on the steering committee for the Domestic Violence Intervention Project. Eisenberg also speaks to expanding access to the courts through virtual hearings and the importance of equality and justice to him personally as a gay and Jewish judge. His supporters point to the need for experienced judges like Eisbenberg to work through the backlog of cases from the pandemic quickly and fairly. He has earned the endorsement of many of his fellow judges, as well as some Democratic leaders.

    However, Eisenberg has also been called out for some issues from the bench, including complaints of failing to be impartial. In particular, he was criticized for implementing a “trial tax” on a defendant who went to trial rather than accept a plea deal. Furthermore, Eisenberg signed on to City Attorney Ann Davison’s controversial effort to exclude over 100 “high utilizers” from community court.

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Adam Eisenberg

    Submitted by stephanie on Wed, 11/02/2022 - 10:53

    Prior to becoming a judge, Adam Eisenberg worked in various legal roles since 1992, including as a civil trial attorney and a criminal prosecutor. He was chosen by his colleagues to be the Presiding Judge on the Seattle Municipal Court. He was appointed to the court in 2017, and has been rated Exceptionally Well Qualified by several bar associations. Eisenberg is particularly focused on domestic violence, and helped create and currently serves on the steering committee for the Domestic Violence Intervention Project.

    Prior to becoming a judge, Adam Eisenberg worked in various legal roles since 1992, including as a civil trial attorney and a criminal prosecutor. He was chosen by his colleagues to be the Presiding Judge on the Seattle Municipal Court. He was appointed to the court in 2017, and has been rated Exceptionally Well Qualified by several bar associations. Eisenberg is particularly focused on domestic violence, and helped create and currently serves on the steering committee for the Domestic Violence Intervention Project. Eisenberg also speaks to expanding access to the courts through virtual hearings and the importance of equality and justice to him personally as a gay and Jewish judge. His supporters point to the need for experienced judges like Eisbenberg to work through the backlog of cases from the pandemic quickly and fairly. He has earned the endorsement of many of his fellow judges, as well as some Democratic leaders.

    However, Eisenberg has also been called out for some issues from the bench, including complaints of failing to be impartial. In particular, he was criticized for implementing a “trial tax” on a defendant who went to trial rather than accept a plea deal. Furthermore, Eisenberg signed on to City Attorney Ann Davison’s controversial effort to exclude over 100 “high utilizers” from community court.

    Adam Eisenberg

    Submitted by stephanie on Wed, 11/02/2022 - 10:53

    Prior to becoming a judge, Adam Eisenberg worked in various legal roles since 1992, including as a civil trial attorney and a criminal prosecutor. He was chosen by his colleagues to be the Presiding Judge on the Seattle Municipal Court. He was appointed to the court in 2017, and has been rated Exceptionally Well Qualified by several bar associations. Eisenberg is particularly focused on domestic violence, and helped create and currently serves on the steering committee for the Domestic Violence Intervention Project.

  • Incumbent Judge Damon Shadid is running for re-election to his Position 7 seat on the Seattle Municipal Court. Shadid was first elected to the court in 2014 and has been a strong voice for treatment, support, and accountability on the bench. Previously, he worked in legal defense for women facing abusers in court as well as refugees and other non-citizen defendants. Shadid has also been a community leader in working towards racial justice in our legal system including founding the Middle Eastern Legal Association of Washington and serving on multiple equity-focused committees and projects.

    Shadid has a progressive vision for the criminal legal system: delivering justice that keeps our community safe and connecting people with the resources and services they need to get out of the criminal legal system. He helped re-establish the city’s mental health court and has fought to involve case workers in court in a more effective, collaborative way. His judicial track record and commitment to progressive alternatives have earned him an impressive list of endorsements in this race including all Seattle-based Democratic organizations, local progressive officials, and key judicial leaders.

    Assistant City Attorney Nyjat Rose-Atkins is challenging Shadid in this race. Outside the city attorney’s office where she has worked for more than a decade, Rose-Atkins works as a pro tem judge for the district court. She is running with a somewhat more conservative approach to the criminal legal system, including wanting to roll back diversion programs and alternatives that reduce prison overcrowding and help community members get the resources they need.

    Shadid has been an exceptional leader in the court and is helping build a safer and more resilient Seattle. He deserves your vote for another term on the city’s municipal court.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    Damon Shadid

    Submitted by alexwhite on Fri, 09/23/2022 - 18:09
    Incumbent Judge Damon Shadid is running for re-election to his Position 7 seat on the Seattle Municipal Court. Shadid was first elected to the court in 2014 and has been a strong voice for treatment, support, and accountability on the bench. Previously, he worked in legal defense for women facing abusers in court as well as refugees and other non-citizen defendants.
    Incumbent Judge Damon Shadid is running for re-election to his Position 7 seat on the Seattle Municipal Court. Shadid was first elected to the court in 2014 and has been a strong voice for treatment, support, and accountability on the bench. Previously, he worked in legal defense for women facing abusers in court as well as refugees and other non-citizen defendants. Shadid has also been a community leader in working towards racial justice in our legal system including founding the Middle Eastern Legal Association of Washington and serving on multiple equity-focused committees and projects.

    Shadid has a progressive vision for the criminal legal system: delivering justice that keeps our community safe and connecting people with the resources and services they need to get out of the criminal legal system. He helped re-establish the city’s mental health court and has fought to involve case workers in court in a more effective, collaborative way. His judicial track record and commitment to progressive alternatives have earned him an impressive list of endorsements in this race including all Seattle-based Democratic organizations, local progressive officials, and key judicial leaders.

    Assistant City Attorney Nyjat Rose-Atkins is challenging Shadid in this race. Outside the city attorney’s office where she has worked for more than a decade, Rose-Atkins works as a pro tem judge for the district court. She is running with a somewhat more conservative approach to the criminal legal system, including wanting to roll back diversion programs and alternatives that reduce prison overcrowding and help community members get the resources they need.

    Shadid has been an exceptional leader in the court and is helping build a safer and more resilient Seattle. He deserves your vote for another term on the city’s municipal court.

    Damon Shadid

    Submitted by alexwhite on Fri, 09/23/2022 - 18:09
    Incumbent Judge Damon Shadid is running for re-election to his Position 7 seat on the Seattle Municipal Court. Shadid was first elected to the court in 2014 and has been a strong voice for treatment, support, and accountability on the bench. Previously, he worked in legal defense for women facing abusers in court as well as refugees and other non-citizen defendants.

Depending on where you live, you may have the following city races on your ballot.

  • VOTE YES

    Vote Yes to introduce ranked choice voting for Seattle elections

  • We recommend voting Yes on Question 1 and voting for Proposition 1B on Question 2.

    More than ever before, voters are looking for meaningful choices in elections, with a strong desire to make campaigns less toxic and ensure that our voices are heard. To that end, two propositions appear on the ballot together this year: Seattle Propositions 1A and 1B. While both offer alternatives to the single-choice voting system currently used in Seattle primary elections, Proposition 1B, which offers ranked choice voting, is the most effective and most thoroughly tested method for increasing representation.

    This ballot measure first asks whether either of the propositions should be approved and second asks you to choose between the two, regardless of whether you believe either should be enacted. If the first question passes with a simple majority, the proposition with the most votes from the second question will be approved.

    Proposition 1A refers to Initiative Petition 134 to introduce "approval voting," a method by which voters vote for any and all candidates they approve of. In this system, the two candidates receiving the most total votes for office will continue on to the general election. Some community leaders have voiced concern over the legality of this system and whether it violates the one person, one vote principle. In places where this has been tried, some voters still choose to vote for one candidate so that they don't dilute support for their favorite candidate.

    Ranked choice voting is backed by much more extensive data and research than approval voting. Ranked choice voting has already been implemented in 26 U.S. cities and states, including New York City, Maine, Alaska, and many organizations and countries around the world, compared to just two cities - Fargo and St. Louis - for approval voting. In addition, progressives have raised concern about whether approval voting will give an outsized electoral say to wealthier and whiter primary voters due to its design, which can allow smaller, more homogenous groups of voters to choose both candidates that advance to the general election.

    Ranked choice voting is simple - voters rank candidates in order of preference, and can rank as many candidates as they choose without hurting the chances of their favored candidate. If there is no majority winner, meaning no candidate receives more than half of the first choices, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and any voter who picked that candidate as their top choice will have their next choice counted, until a majority winner emerges.

    Vote "Yes" on Question 1 and vote for Proposition 1B on Question 2 to bring ranked choice voting to Seattle primary elections. 

    Last updated: 2023-04-05

    We recommend voting Yes on Question 1 and voting for Proposition 1B on Question 2.

    More than ever before, voters are looking for meaningful choices in elections, with a strong desire to make campaigns less toxic and ensure that our voices are heard. To that end, two propositions appear on the ballot together this year: Seattle Propositions 1A and 1B. While both offer alternatives to the single-choice voting system currently used in Seattle primary elections, Proposition 1B, which offers ranked choice voting, is the most effective and most thoroughly tested method for increasing representation.

    This ballot measure first asks whether either of the propositions should be approved and second asks you to choose between the two, regardless of whether you believe either should be enacted. If the first question passes with a simple majority, the proposition with the most votes from the second question will be approved.

    Proposition 1A refers to Initiative Petition 134 to introduce "approval voting," a method by which voters vote for any and all candidates they approve of. In this system, the two candidates receiving the most total votes for office will continue on to the general election. Some community leaders have voiced concern over the legality of this system and whether it violates the one person, one vote principle. In places where this has been tried, some voters still choose to vote for one candidate so that they don't dilute support for their favorite candidate.

    Ranked choice voting is backed by much more extensive data and research than approval voting. Ranked choice voting has already been implemented in 26 U.S. cities and states, including New York City, Maine, Alaska, and many organizations and countries around the world, compared to just two cities - Fargo and St. Louis - for approval voting. In addition, progressives have raised concern about whether approval voting will give an outsized electoral say to wealthier and whiter primary voters due to its design, which can allow smaller, more homogenous groups of voters to choose both candidates that advance to the general election.

    Ranked choice voting is simple - voters rank candidates in order of preference, and can rank as many candidates as they choose without hurting the chances of their favored candidate. If there is no majority winner, meaning no candidate receives more than half of the first choices, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and any voter who picked that candidate as their top choice will have their next choice counted, until a majority winner emerges.

    Vote "Yes" on Question 1 and vote for Proposition 1B on Question 2 to bring ranked choice voting to Seattle primary elections. 

    We recommend voting Yes on Question 1 and voting for Proposition 1B on Question 2.

    More than ever before, voters are looking for meaningful choices in elections, with a strong desire to make campaigns less toxic and ensure that our voices are heard. To that end, two propositions appear on the ballot together this year: Seattle Propositions 1A and 1B. While both offer alternatives to the single-choice voting system currently used in Seattle primary elections, Proposition 1B, which offers ranked choice voting, is the most effective and most thoroughly tested method for increasing representation.

    This ballot measure first asks whether either of the propositions should be approved and second asks you to choose between the two, regardless of whether you believe either should be enacted. If the first question passes with a simple majority, the proposition with the most votes from the second question will be approved.

    Proposition 1A refers to Initiative Petition 134 to introduce "approval voting," a method by which voters vote for any and all candidates they approve of. In this system, the two candidates receiving the most total votes for office will continue on to the general election. Some community leaders have voiced concern over the legality of this system and whether it violates the one person, one vote principle. In places where this has been tried, some voters still choose to vote for one candidate so that they don't dilute support for their favorite candidate.

    Ranked choice voting is backed by much more extensive data and research than approval voting. Ranked choice voting has already been implemented in 26 U.S. cities and states, including New York City, Maine, Alaska, and many organizations and countries around the world, compared to just two cities - Fargo and St. Louis - for approval voting. In addition, progressives have raised concern about whether approval voting will give an outsized electoral say to wealthier and whiter primary voters due to its design, which can allow smaller, more homogenous groups of voters to choose both candidates that advance to the general election.

    Ranked choice voting is simple - voters rank candidates in order of preference, and can rank as many candidates as they choose without hurting the chances of their favored candidate. If there is no majority winner, meaning no candidate receives more than half of the first choices, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and any voter who picked that candidate as their top choice will have their next choice counted, until a majority winner emerges.

    Vote "Yes" on Question 1 and vote for Proposition 1B on Question 2 to bring ranked choice voting to Seattle primary elections. 

  • Endorsed By The Washington Bus, Fuse, Sierra Club, The Urbanist, Washington CAN!, Washington Conservation Action, FairVote Washington, King County Democrats, Washington Community Alliance

School Districts

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

  • VOTE YES

    Vote Approved for rebuilding Renton schools

  • Our students deserve modern and safe facilities where they can learn and grow. Proposition 1 for the Highline School District 401 would invest in critical upgrades to school infrastructure so that our students can equitably access a quality education.

    If passed, the proposition would provide $518 million to rebuild three aging schools: Evergreen High School, Tyee High School, and Pacific Middle School. It would also allow general capital improvements for the entire school district. The owner of a median $600,000 home in the Highline school district would pay about $396 per year to support local classrooms through these bonds.

    Vote “Approved” on Highline School District 401, Proposition 1 to invest in our students by giving them a safe and well-resourced place to learn.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05
    Our students deserve modern and safe facilities where they can learn and grow. Proposition 1 for the Highline School District 401 would invest in critical upgrades to school infrastructure so that our students can equitably access a quality education.

    If passed, the proposition would provide $518 million to rebuild three aging schools: Evergreen High School, Tyee High School, and Pacific Middle School. It would also allow general capital improvements for the entire school district. The owner of a median $600,000 home in the Highline school district would pay about $396 per year to support local classrooms through these bonds.

    Vote “Approved” on Highline School District 401, Proposition 1 to invest in our students by giving them a safe and well-resourced place to learn.
    Our students deserve modern and safe facilities where they can learn and grow. Proposition 1 for the Highline School District 401 would invest in critical upgrades to school infrastructure so that our students can equitably access a quality education.

    If passed, the proposition would provide $518 million to rebuild three aging schools: Evergreen High School, Tyee High School, and Pacific Middle School. It would also allow general capital improvements for the entire school district. The owner of a median $600,000 home in the Highline school district would pay about $396 per year to support local classrooms through these bonds.

    Vote “Approved” on Highline School District 401, Proposition 1 to invest in our students by giving them a safe and well-resourced place to learn.

    Bonds to Replace and Improve Deteriorating Schools

    Our students deserve modern and safe facilities where they can learn and grow. Proposition 1 for the Highline School District 401 would invest in critical upgrades to school infrastructure so that our students can equitably access a quality education.
  • VOTE YES

    Vote Approved for new Nooksack Valley school districts

  • The Nooksack Valley School District Board wants to adapt the board structure to best serve the diverse needs of the district and ensure everyone is represented. Prompted by demographic changes and new data for the school district, the school board directors have agreed on a plan to reapportion the director districts.

    The Nooksack Valley School District Proposition 7 proposes to dissolve the five director districts into three distinct director districts and two new at-large seats, keeping the total number of seats at five. This new arrangement would give voters more of a say for who sits on the board.

    Vote “Approved” on Nooksack Valley School District Proposition 7.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05
    The Nooksack Valley School District Board wants to adapt the board structure to best serve the diverse needs of the district and ensure everyone is represented. Prompted by demographic changes and new data for the school district, the school board directors have agreed on a plan to reapportion the director districts.

    The Nooksack Valley School District Proposition 7 proposes to dissolve the five director districts into three distinct director districts and two new at-large seats, keeping the total number of seats at five. This new arrangement would give voters more of a say for who sits on the board.

    Vote “Approved” on Nooksack Valley School District Proposition 7.
    The Nooksack Valley School District Board wants to adapt the board structure to best serve the diverse needs of the district and ensure everyone is represented. Prompted by demographic changes and new data for the school district, the school board directors have agreed on a plan to reapportion the director districts.

    The Nooksack Valley School District Proposition 7 proposes to dissolve the five director districts into three distinct director districts and two new at-large seats, keeping the total number of seats at five. This new arrangement would give voters more of a say for who sits on the board.

    Vote “Approved” on Nooksack Valley School District Proposition 7.
  • VOTE YES

    Vote Approved for Renton school infrastructure updates

  • Renton students need safe, secure, and well-resourced schools in order to succeed. Proposition 1 for Renton School District 403 would provide much-needed investments in capital improvements and critical upgrades for district schools.

    The $676 million measure proposes to replace the aging Renton High School and make safety, security, and seismic infrastructure updates across the district. The proposition will go a long way toward ensuring our students have the best environments to learn in.

    Vote “Approved” to Proposition 1 in Renton School District 403.
    Last updated: 2023-04-05
    Renton students need safe, secure, and well-resourced schools in order to succeed. Proposition 1 for Renton School District 403 would provide much-needed investments in capital improvements and critical upgrades for district schools.

    The $676 million measure proposes to replace the aging Renton High School and make safety, security, and seismic infrastructure updates across the district. The proposition will go a long way toward ensuring our students have the best environments to learn in.

    Vote “Approved” to Proposition 1 in Renton School District 403.
    Renton students need safe, secure, and well-resourced schools in order to succeed. Proposition 1 for Renton School District 403 would provide much-needed investments in capital improvements and critical upgrades for district schools.

    The $676 million measure proposes to replace the aging Renton High School and make safety, security, and seismic infrastructure updates across the district. The proposition will go a long way toward ensuring our students have the best environments to learn in.

    Vote “Approved” to Proposition 1 in Renton School District 403.

    Bonds to Improve Safety and Replace Renton High School

    Renton students need safe, secure, and well-resourced schools in order to succeed. Proposition 1 for Renton School District 403 would provide much-needed investments in capital improvements and critical upgrades for district schools.