City of Tacoma
Not in City of Tacoma? Find your state's guide.
Ballot Drop Boxes
Return Ballots by Tuesday, August 1st
Welcome to the Fuse Progressive Voters Guide to the 2023 Washington primary election! The Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Remember to return your ballot by August 1!
City Races
Depending on where you live, you may have the following city races on your ballot.
Tacoma City Council
Deputy Mayor Kristina Walker is running for re-election for At-Large Position 8 on the Tacoma City Council. Prior to serving on the city council, Walker spent nine years as the executive director of Downtown on the Go, a Tacoma-based transportation advocacy organization that aims to encourage the use of biking, walking, and transit.
During her first term in office, Walker has prioritized addressing racial disparities, expanding shelter options, and investing more in affordable housing. She supported the Home in Tacoma initiative to promote a greater range of housing options in more neighborhoods and reduce the cost of housing. She has also used her experience in transportation advocacy to improve access and keep our streets safe, including supporting legislation to lower the speed limit to 20 mph in residential areas. Unfortunately, Walker was part of a 6-3 majority on the city council that banned people without a home from sleeping outside near services.
If re-elected, Walker would prioritize creating jobs, improving transportation access, and preserving local green spaces for all Tacoma residents. In addition, she is committed to reducing gun violence and improving public safety
Walker faces challenges this year from Todd Briske and Hunter Henderson. Briske is a web developer who ran for state legislature last year against Speaker Laurie Jinkins as part of the Forward Party. He does not appear to have much community or political leadership experience. He states that he would focus on paving potholes, hiring more police officers, and building more shelter beds, though he doesn't say how he would accomplish this.
Henderson works at the Washington State Department of Transportation. Previously, he served as an AmeriCorps member with Pierce County Parks and Recreation distributing trees across the region. Henderson's campaign priorities include updating Tacoma's municipal codes to be more equitable and expanding education opportunities for people who want to learn trades.
Walker's track record on the council and strong support from our Progressive Voters Guide partners makes her the clear choice in this race.
Last updated: 2023-07-17
Deputy Mayor Kristina Walker is running for re-election for At-Large Position 8 on the Tacoma City Council. Prior to serving on the city council, Walker spent nine years as the executive director of Downtown on the Go, a Tacoma-based transportation advocacy organization that aims to encourage the use of biking, walking, and transit.
During her first term in office, Walker has prioritized addressing racial disparities, expanding shelter options, and investing more in affordable housing. She supported the Home in Tacoma initiative to promote a greater range of housing options in more neighborhoods and reduce the cost of housing. She has also used her experience in transportation advocacy to improve access and keep our streets safe, including supporting legislation to lower the speed limit to 20 mph in residential areas. Unfortunately, Walker was part of a 6-3 majority on the city council that banned people without a home from sleeping outside near services.
If re-elected, Walker would prioritize creating jobs, improving transportation access, and preserving local green spaces for all Tacoma residents. In addition, she is committed to reducing gun violence and improving public safety
Walker faces challenges this year from Todd Briske and Hunter Henderson. Briske is a web developer who ran for state legislature last year against Speaker Laurie Jinkins as part of the Forward Party. He does not appear to have much community or political leadership experience. He states that he would focus on paving potholes, hiring more police officers, and building more shelter beds, though he doesn't say how he would accomplish this.
Henderson works at the Washington State Department of Transportation. Previously, he served as an AmeriCorps member with Pierce County Parks and Recreation distributing trees across the region. Henderson's campaign priorities include updating Tacoma's municipal codes to be more equitable and expanding education opportunities for people who want to learn trades.
Walker's track record on the council and strong support from our Progressive Voters Guide partners makes her the clear choice in this race.
Last updated: 2023-07-17
Endorsed By: Teamsters Joint Council 28
,
Washington Bikes
,
Washington Conservation Action
,
Washington Education Association PAC, Alliance for Gun Responsibility
Deputy Mayor Kristina Walker is running for re-election for At-Large Position 8 on the Tacoma City Council. Prior to serving on the city council, Walker spent nine years as the executive director of Downtown on the Go, a Tacoma-based transportation advocacy organization that aims to encourage the use of biking, walking, and transit.
During her first term in office, Walker has prioritized addressing racial disparities, expanding shelter options, and investing more in affordable housing. She supported the Home in Tacoma initiative to promote a greater range of housing options in more neighborhoods and reduce the cost of housing. She has also used her experience in transportation advocacy to improve access and keep our streets safe, including supporting legislation to lower the speed limit to 20 mph in residential areas. Unfortunately, Walker was part of a 6-3 majority on the city council that banned people without a home from sleeping outside near services.
If re-elected, Walker would prioritize creating jobs, improving transportation access, and preserving local green spaces for all Tacoma residents. In addition, she is committed to reducing gun violence and improving public safety
Walker faces challenges this year from Todd Briske and Hunter Henderson. Briske is a web developer who ran for state legislature last year against Speaker Laurie Jinkins as part of the Forward Party. He does not appear to have much community or political leadership experience. He states that he would focus on paving potholes, hiring more police officers, and building more shelter beds, though he doesn't say how he would accomplish this.
Henderson works at the Washington State Department of Transportation. Previously, he served as an AmeriCorps member with Pierce County Parks and Recreation distributing trees across the region. Henderson's campaign priorities include updating Tacoma's municipal codes to be more equitable and expanding education opportunities for people who want to learn trades.
Walker's track record on the council and strong support from our Progressive Voters Guide partners makes her the clear choice in this race.
Last updated: 2023-07-17
Endorsed By: Teamsters Joint Council 28
,
Washington Bikes
,
Washington Conservation Action
,
Washington Education Association PAC, Alliance for Gun Responsibility
City of Tacoma, District #3
There are two progressive candidates running for Tacoma City Council from District 3: Malando Redeemer and Jamika Scott. We lean toward Redeemer because of his broader support from our progressive partner organizations and community leaders.
Malando Reedemer is a contract director with UFCW 3000 who is running for Tacoma City Council in District 3 to replace Councilmember Keith Blocker, who is retiring. He is also active in the community, serving as an associate minister at Shiloh Baptist Church and on the board of the Tacoma NAACP. Previously, he worked with SEIU Healthcare 1199 supporting workers and organizing on contract campaigns.
Redeemer is running for city council to put his labor organizing experience to work making Tacoma a place where workers can earn a living wage and afford a home. If elected, he would work to reduce poverty and homelessness by helping ensure everyone's needs through better access to resources and services, though he offers few details about how he would achieve this. Nevertheless, it would be a welcome change in perspective from some on the council who have pushed to criminalize homelessness in Tacoma. Reedemer also wants to be a mentor to the next generation of leaders in District 3 in the same way Mayors Victoria Woodards and Harold Moss supported him. However, Redeemer generated some controversy recently when he was openly critical of the popular incumbent, Keith Blocker, in a candidate forum held by the Tacoma DSA.
Malando's commitment to working people and experience in organized labor has earned him several endorsements from our progressive partner organizations.
Last updated: 2023-07-14
Malando Reedemer is a contract director with UFCW 3000 who is running for Tacoma City Council in District 3 to replace Councilmember Keith Blocker, who is retiring. He is also active in the community, serving as an associate minister at Shiloh Baptist Church and on the board of the Tacoma NAACP. Previously, he worked with SEIU Healthcare 1199 supporting workers and organizing on contract campaigns.
Redeemer is running for city council to put his labor organizing experience to work making Tacoma a place where workers can earn a living wage and afford a home. If elected, he would work to reduce poverty and homelessness by helping ensure everyone's needs through better access to resources and services, though he offers few details about how he would achieve this. Nevertheless, it would be a welcome change in perspective from some on the council who have pushed to criminalize homelessness in Tacoma. Reedemer also wants to be a mentor to the next generation of leaders in District 3 in the same way Mayors Victoria Woodards and Harold Moss supported him. However, Redeemer generated some controversy recently when he was openly critical of the popular incumbent, Keith Blocker, in a candidate forum held by the Tacoma DSA.
Malando's commitment to working people and experience in organized labor has earned him several endorsements from our progressive partner organizations.
Last updated: 2023-07-14
Endorsed By: Teamsters Joint Council 28
,
UFCW 3000
,
Washington Education Association PAC
Malando Reedemer is a contract director with UFCW 3000 who is running for Tacoma City Council in District 3 to replace Councilmember Keith Blocker, who is retiring. He is also active in the community, serving as an associate minister at Shiloh Baptist Church and on the board of the Tacoma NAACP. Previously, he worked with SEIU Healthcare 1199 supporting workers and organizing on contract campaigns.
Redeemer is running for city council to put his labor organizing experience to work making Tacoma a place where workers can earn a living wage and afford a home. If elected, he would work to reduce poverty and homelessness by helping ensure everyone's needs through better access to resources and services, though he offers few details about how he would achieve this. Nevertheless, it would be a welcome change in perspective from some on the council who have pushed to criminalize homelessness in Tacoma. Reedemer also wants to be a mentor to the next generation of leaders in District 3 in the same way Mayors Victoria Woodards and Harold Moss supported him. However, Redeemer generated some controversy recently when he was openly critical of the popular incumbent, Keith Blocker, in a candidate forum held by the Tacoma DSA.
Malando's commitment to working people and experience in organized labor has earned him several endorsements from our progressive partner organizations.
Last updated: 2023-07-14
Endorsed By: Teamsters Joint Council 28
,
UFCW 3000
,
Washington Education Association PAC
Jamika Scott is running for Tacoma City Council from District 3. She previously ran against Mayor Victoria Woodards in 2021 but lost in the primary election.
Scott has worked as a domestic violence advocate at YWCA Pierce County and mentored students with AmeriCorps at Peace Community Center. She is also a co-founder and organizer with the Tacoma Action Collective and a board member with the Tacoma Public Library Foundation Board of Directors. Since her run for mayor, she joined the Tacoma Public Library Foundation board and the Tacoma Arts Commission.
Scott is running to bring her lifetime of experience in community activism to the Tacoma City Council. If elected, she would prioritize improving community safety through alternatives to law enforcement. She wants to expand access to mental health advocates to respond to emergency calls instead of police. In addition, she supports utilizing a restorative justice model that attempts to repair the harm done instead of only punishing offenders.
Scott is a good choice for Tacoma City Council in District 3 if you're looking for a very progressive candidate with deep roots in the community.
Last updated: 2023-07-14
Jamika Scott is running for Tacoma City Council from District 3. She previously ran against Mayor Victoria Woodards in 2021 but lost in the primary election.
Scott has worked as a domestic violence advocate at YWCA Pierce County and mentored students with AmeriCorps at Peace Community Center. She is also a co-founder and organizer with the Tacoma Action Collective and a board member with the Tacoma Public Library Foundation Board of Directors. Since her run for mayor, she joined the Tacoma Public Library Foundation board and the Tacoma Arts Commission.
Scott is running to bring her lifetime of experience in community activism to the Tacoma City Council. If elected, she would prioritize improving community safety through alternatives to law enforcement. She wants to expand access to mental health advocates to respond to emergency calls instead of police. In addition, she supports utilizing a restorative justice model that attempts to repair the harm done instead of only punishing offenders.
Scott is a good choice for Tacoma City Council in District 3 if you're looking for a very progressive candidate with deep roots in the community.
Last updated: 2023-07-14
Endorsed By: Sage Leaders
,
Washington Conservation Action
Jamika Scott is running for Tacoma City Council from District 3. She previously ran against Mayor Victoria Woodards in 2021 but lost in the primary election.
Scott has worked as a domestic violence advocate at YWCA Pierce County and mentored students with AmeriCorps at Peace Community Center. She is also a co-founder and organizer with the Tacoma Action Collective and a board member with the Tacoma Public Library Foundation Board of Directors. Since her run for mayor, she joined the Tacoma Public Library Foundation board and the Tacoma Arts Commission.
Scott is running to bring her lifetime of experience in community activism to the Tacoma City Council. If elected, she would prioritize improving community safety through alternatives to law enforcement. She wants to expand access to mental health advocates to respond to emergency calls instead of police. In addition, she supports utilizing a restorative justice model that attempts to repair the harm done instead of only punishing offenders.
Scott is a good choice for Tacoma City Council in District 3 if you're looking for a very progressive candidate with deep roots in the community.
Last updated: 2023-07-14
Endorsed By: Sage Leaders
,
Washington Conservation Action
Other Candidates
Criminal defense attorney Chris Van Vechten is also running for Tacoma City Council from District 3. Prior to opening his own law office in Hilltop, he worked in the Thurston County Prosecutor's Office and with the Lakewood City Attorney's Office.
Van Vechten is running on a more moderate platform in this race focused on crime and policing. Several years ago, he proposed an ordinance that would have reduced penalties for some low-level thefts and he has spoken out about biases in policing. Unfortunately, his campaign website repeats Republican talking points about crime and he laments a reported decrease in jail bookings relative to other counties. His criticisms about the lack of police enforcement for drug crimes harken back to the failed War on Drugs that caused lasting harm for many communities. We need leaders who will solve the root causes of crime, rather than trying to rely on “better policing” as the solution to community health problems.
John Frazier is a longtime member and leader of West Pierce Fire Fighters Local 1488. He has not released any campaign information as of mid-July and is not running a competitive campaign.
Sheldon Greyell is a political newcomer who works at Valley Medical Center. As of mid-July, he has not released a campaign platform but his voters' pamphlet statement includes some conservative talking points criticizing the state of downtown Tacoma.
Last updated: 2023-07-14
Criminal defense attorney Chris Van Vechten is also running for Tacoma City Council from District 3. Prior to opening his own law office in Hilltop, he worked in the Thurston County Prosecutor's Office and with the Lakewood City Attorney's Office.
Van Vechten is running on a more moderate platform in this race focused on crime and policing. Several years ago, he proposed an ordinance that would have reduced penalties for some low-level thefts and he has spoken out about biases in policing. Unfortunately, his campaign website repeats Republican talking points about crime and he laments a reported decrease in jail bookings relative to other counties. His criticisms about the lack of police enforcement for drug crimes harken back to the failed War on Drugs that caused lasting harm for many communities. We need leaders who will solve the root causes of crime, rather than trying to rely on “better policing” as the solution to community health problems.
John Frazier is a longtime member and leader of West Pierce Fire Fighters Local 1488. He has not released any campaign information as of mid-July and is not running a competitive campaign.
Sheldon Greyell is a political newcomer who works at Valley Medical Center. As of mid-July, he has not released a campaign platform but his voters' pamphlet statement includes some conservative talking points criticizing the state of downtown Tacoma.
Last updated: 2023-07-14
City of Tacoma, Other Races
Three candidates are vying to serve on the Tacoma Civil Service Commission in Position 3 in this low-information race.
Myrah Lyle Ballentine works in administrative and student support at Tacoma Community College. She is also a board member and the secretary of the Tacoma Central Neighborhood Council, one of the city’s recognized community councils. Ballentine’s track record in community service has given her strong insight into the issues facing people who work, study, and live in Tacoma.
Like her opponents, Ballentine does not have a campaign website as of mid-July, but her campaign statement in the local voters guide emphasizes her community relationships and desire to improve the quality of life for all Tacoma residents. She stands apart from her opponents in this race because of key endorsements from the local Democrats and county union leadership.
Max J. Heller III, a security guard for the Tacoma Dome and Democratic precinct committee officer, is also running for the civil service commission. He has previously run for local and statewide seats and has volunteered with community services that help our unhoused neighbors. If elected, he wants to be a voice for workers.
Anti-establishment candidate Jonathan Cassis is the final choice in this race. Cassis works at Costco and is running on a platform to “audit America” that holds some progressive ideals but fails to connect to real issues facing Tacoma residents. He has a strong pro-worker stance but has no community leadership experience nor has he articulated a campaign platform with specific policy recommendations.
In this low-information race, we believe Myrah Lyle Ballentine is the best choice because of her endorsements and community leadership experience.
Last updated: 2023-07-18
Three candidates are vying to serve on the Tacoma Civil Service Commission in Position 3 in this low-information race.
Myrah Lyle Ballentine works in administrative and student support at Tacoma Community College. She is also a board member and the secretary of the Tacoma Central Neighborhood Council, one of the city’s recognized community councils. Ballentine’s track record in community service has given her strong insight into the issues facing people who work, study, and live in Tacoma.
Like her opponents, Ballentine does not have a campaign website as of mid-July, but her campaign statement in the local voters guide emphasizes her community relationships and desire to improve the quality of life for all Tacoma residents. She stands apart from her opponents in this race because of key endorsements from the local Democrats and county union leadership.
Max J. Heller III, a security guard for the Tacoma Dome and Democratic precinct committee officer, is also running for the civil service commission. He has previously run for local and statewide seats and has volunteered with community services that help our unhoused neighbors. If elected, he wants to be a voice for workers.
Anti-establishment candidate Jonathan Cassis is the final choice in this race. Cassis works at Costco and is running on a platform to “audit America” that holds some progressive ideals but fails to connect to real issues facing Tacoma residents. He has a strong pro-worker stance but has no community leadership experience nor has he articulated a campaign platform with specific policy recommendations.
In this low-information race, we believe Myrah Lyle Ballentine is the best choice because of her endorsements and community leadership experience.
Last updated: 2023-07-18
Endorsed By: 27th Legislative District Democrats
Three candidates are vying to serve on the Tacoma Civil Service Commission in Position 3 in this low-information race.
Myrah Lyle Ballentine works in administrative and student support at Tacoma Community College. She is also a board member and the secretary of the Tacoma Central Neighborhood Council, one of the city’s recognized community councils. Ballentine’s track record in community service has given her strong insight into the issues facing people who work, study, and live in Tacoma.
Like her opponents, Ballentine does not have a campaign website as of mid-July, but her campaign statement in the local voters guide emphasizes her community relationships and desire to improve the quality of life for all Tacoma residents. She stands apart from her opponents in this race because of key endorsements from the local Democrats and county union leadership.
Max J. Heller III, a security guard for the Tacoma Dome and Democratic precinct committee officer, is also running for the civil service commission. He has previously run for local and statewide seats and has volunteered with community services that help our unhoused neighbors. If elected, he wants to be a voice for workers.
Anti-establishment candidate Jonathan Cassis is the final choice in this race. Cassis works at Costco and is running on a platform to “audit America” that holds some progressive ideals but fails to connect to real issues facing Tacoma residents. He has a strong pro-worker stance but has no community leadership experience nor has he articulated a campaign platform with specific policy recommendations.
In this low-information race, we believe Myrah Lyle Ballentine is the best choice because of her endorsements and community leadership experience.
Last updated: 2023-07-18
Endorsed By: 27th Legislative District Democrats
There are two progressive candidates running for Tacoma City Council from District 3: Malando Redeemer and Jamika Scott. We lean toward Redeemer because of his broader support from our progressive partner organizations and community leaders.