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Hilary Kozel is running to maintain her seat on the Spokane School Board, to which she was appointed in 2023. Kozel is a community leader in the district, with experience as the PTG president, on the advisory committee, and as a member of the strategic planning team.

Kozel is running on a progressive platform focused on post-graduate preparedness and creating a welcoming environment. She was part of the board's efforts to reduce screen time in class to foster connection and belonging. Kozel views her work through an equitable lens, prioritizing community partnerships to improve student outcomes. She is also supportive of the "Together Spokane" initiative, which will raise money for key projects in the district.

Kozel supports switching school start times for elementary and high schools, allowing high schoolers a later start and improving coordination for parents dropping off younger students. Kozel has earned endorsements from a number of progressive organizations, including Planned Parenthood, Washington Education Association, The School Board Project, and more.

Hilary Kozel has been a progressive voice on the board and has earned your vote for re-election.

Last updated: 2025-10-13

Hilary Kozel is running to maintain her seat on the Spokane School Board, to which she was appointed in 2023. Kozel is a community leader in the district, with experience as the PTG president, on the advisory committee, and as a member of the strategic planning team.

Kozel is running on a progressive platform focused on post-graduate preparedness and creating a welcoming environment. She was part of the board's efforts to reduce screen time in class to foster connection and belonging. Kozel views her work through an equitable lens, prioritizing community partnerships to improve student outcomes. She is also supportive of the "Together Spokane" initiative, which will raise money for key projects in the district.

Kozel supports switching school start times for elementary and high schools, allowing high schoolers a later start and improving coordination for parents dropping off younger students. Kozel has earned endorsements from a number of progressive organizations, including Planned Parenthood, Washington Education Association, The School Board Project, and more.

Hilary Kozel has been a progressive voice on the board and has earned your vote for re-election.

Last updated: 2025-10-13

Endorsed By: Planned Parenthood Advocates Of Greater Washington and North Idaho, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Washington Education Association

City of Spokane

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Election Day November 4, 2025
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Statewide Ballot Measures

VOTE APPROVED

Approve 8201 to grow WA Cares Funding!

SJR 8201 will grow Washington’s long-term care fund for aging people and people with disabilities, keeping premiums low, without costing taxpayers a single penny. Also known as the “Allow Investment of Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Fund Amendment," SJR 8201 is a constitutional amendment adding accountability protections to our long-term care fund, requiring that 100% of investment income be used for long-term care.

If passed, SJR 8201 would increase the state’s long-term care fund for vulnerable Washingtonians by at least $67 billion over the next 50 years by allowing the nonpartisan Washington State Investment Board to diversify investments. In the state legislature, 128 legislators voted in favor of the measure, and only 16 were opposed. Additionally, it has the support of groups such as the Washington State Nurses Association, the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters, Planned Parenthood, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Vote APPROVED on SJR 8201 to protect and grow our state’s independent long-term care fund for aging adults and people with disabilities.

Last updated: 2025-10-09

SJR 8201 will grow Washington’s long-term care fund for aging people and people with disabilities, keeping premiums low, without costing taxpayers a single penny. Also known as the “Allow Investment of Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Fund Amendment," SJR 8201 is a constitutional amendment adding accountability protections to our long-term care fund, requiring that 100% of investment income be used for long-term care.

If passed, SJR 8201 would increase the state’s long-term care fund for vulnerable Washingtonians by at least $67 billion over the next 50 years by allowing the nonpartisan Washington State Investment Board to diversify investments. In the state legislature, 128 legislators voted in favor of the measure, and only 16 were opposed. Additionally, it has the support of groups such as the Washington State Nurses Association, the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters, Planned Parenthood, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Vote APPROVED on SJR 8201 to protect and grow our state’s independent long-term care fund for aging adults and people with disabilities.

Last updated: 2025-10-09

City Races

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

City of Spokane, District #1

Sarah Dixit is challenging conservative incumbent Jonathan Bingle for the Spokane City Council, District 1 Position 2. Dixit is the Organizing Director for Pro-Choice Washington. In addition to being a champion for reproductive rights, she is also the board president of Asians for Collective Liberation, an Asian advocacy organization based in Spokane.

Dixit's campaign focuses on increasing accessibility to public transit through increased investments and implementing a sliding scale of fares. She hopes to connect those experiencing homelessness with preventative resources and reduce incarceration. Her campaign is backed by an outpouring of support from local and statewide progressive organizations

It is time for Spokane District 1 to have the progressive, compassionate leadership the community deserves. Sarah Dixit's unwavering commitment to bettering the community and years of passionate activism make her our choice for Spokane City Council.

Last updated: 2025-10-13

Sarah Dixit is challenging conservative incumbent Jonathan Bingle for the Spokane City Council, District 1 Position 2. Dixit is the Organizing Director for Pro-Choice Washington. In addition to being a champion for reproductive rights, she is also the board president of Asians for Collective Liberation, an Asian advocacy organization based in Spokane.

Dixit's campaign focuses on increasing accessibility to public transit through increased investments and implementing a sliding scale of fares. She hopes to connect those experiencing homelessness with preventative resources and reduce incarceration. Her campaign is backed by an outpouring of support from local and statewide progressive organizations

It is time for Spokane District 1 to have the progressive, compassionate leadership the community deserves. Sarah Dixit's unwavering commitment to bettering the community and years of passionate activism make her our choice for Spokane City Council.

Last updated: 2025-10-13

Other Candidates

Conservative Jonathan Bingle is running for re-election for Spokane City Council District 1, Position 2. In his previous campaign, conservative developers and realtors spent record amounts to elect him. He was also endorsed by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and a host of other local Republicans.

Bingle is vehemently anti-abortion and does not appear to separate his religious beliefs from his political actions. In October 2024, Bingle appeared on the Life Renovation podcast, Episode 39: "Church and Politics with City Councilman Jonathan Bingle." The podcast is sponsored by Life Services Spokane, a pregnancy crisis center that fails to provide comprehensive health care options and advice. In the episode, he made a transphobic comment and repeatedly said that "life begins at conception" based on faulty evidence. Furthermore, he declared, "The thing that we need more now than ever is we need people who understand the faith, understand the truth, understand what's right and wrong, and are not afraid to say it."

Bingle is also notoriously anti-LBGTQ, having proposed 5 amendments to an ordinance protecting gender-affirming care for LGBTQ individuals. The amendments included barring city dollars from being used for puberty blockers, protecting parents' rights, and bathroom and sports bans for transgender folks.

In 2024, Bingle completed Ballotpedia's questionnaire to outline his priorities. Among the ideas shared in the questionnaire were his desire to "FINISH THE WALL," that he looked to model himself after Ron DeSantis, and that the far-right Heritage Foundation was a good representation of his political philosophy.

With his conservative agenda and dangerous rhetoric, Jonathan Bingle is wrong for Spokane. Instead, we recommend voting for Sarah Dixit as the progressive choice for Spokane City Council District 1, Position 2.

Last updated: 2025-10-09

Conservative Jonathan Bingle is running for re-election for Spokane City Council District 1, Position 2. In his previous campaign, conservative developers and realtors spent record amounts to elect him. He was also endorsed by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and a host of other local Republicans.

Bingle is vehemently anti-abortion and does not appear to separate his religious beliefs from his political actions. In October 2024, Bingle appeared on the Life Renovation podcast, Episode 39: "Church and Politics with City Councilman Jonathan Bingle." The podcast is sponsored by Life Services Spokane, a pregnancy crisis center that fails to provide comprehensive health care options and advice. In the episode, he made a transphobic comment and repeatedly said that "life begins at conception" based on faulty evidence. Furthermore, he declared, "The thing that we need more now than ever is we need people who understand the faith, understand the truth, understand what's right and wrong, and are not afraid to say it."

Bingle is also notoriously anti-LBGTQ, having proposed 5 amendments to an ordinance protecting gender-affirming care for LGBTQ individuals. The amendments included barring city dollars from being used for puberty blockers, protecting parents' rights, and bathroom and sports bans for transgender folks.

In 2024, Bingle completed Ballotpedia's questionnaire to outline his priorities. Among the ideas shared in the questionnaire were his desire to "FINISH THE WALL," that he looked to model himself after Ron DeSantis, and that the far-right Heritage Foundation was a good representation of his political philosophy.

With his conservative agenda and dangerous rhetoric, Jonathan Bingle is wrong for Spokane. Instead, we recommend voting for Sarah Dixit as the progressive choice for Spokane City Council District 1, Position 2.

Last updated: 2025-10-09

City of Spokane, District #2

Kate Telis is running for Spokane City Council, District 2. Originally from Montana, she is a practicing lawyer who works on cases involving both civil and criminal matters. In 2023, Telis became the leader of the Moms Demand Action Spokane chapter, advocating for gun safety reform.

Her campaign is prioritizing public safety, economic development, environmental protections, and equity. Her plan for public safety not only includes her work on gun safety, but also includes road safety measures for cyclists and pedestrians. Her vision for policing in the city is expanded to include social services, collaborating with professionals, organizations, and individuals receiving the services.

Telis is an advocate for fair wages and supporting apprenticeship opportunities. If elected, she would also prioritize affordable housing, thoughtful development, and mitigating climate change, among other progressive priorities.

Kate Telis is a thoughtful leader poised to make meaningful change on the council. She is the clear choice for Spokane City Council from District 2.

Last updated: 2025-10-13

Kate Telis is running for Spokane City Council, District 2. Originally from Montana, she is a practicing lawyer who works on cases involving both civil and criminal matters. In 2023, Telis became the leader of the Moms Demand Action Spokane chapter, advocating for gun safety reform.

Her campaign is prioritizing public safety, economic development, environmental protections, and equity. Her plan for public safety not only includes her work on gun safety, but also includes road safety measures for cyclists and pedestrians. Her vision for policing in the city is expanded to include social services, collaborating with professionals, organizations, and individuals receiving the services.

Telis is an advocate for fair wages and supporting apprenticeship opportunities. If elected, she would also prioritize affordable housing, thoughtful development, and mitigating climate change, among other progressive priorities.

Kate Telis is a thoughtful leader poised to make meaningful change on the council. She is the clear choice for Spokane City Council from District 2.

Last updated: 2025-10-13

Other Candidates

Alejandro Barrientos is also running for Spokane City Council, District 2, Position 2. He is the current COO of SCAFCO and the purchasing director for Stone Group of Companies, owned by Lawrence "Larry" Stone.

On the surface, Barrientos supports some progressive solutions, such as co-responder teams and streamlining permitting for affordable housing development. However, his campaign is being funded by powerful local conservatives, which raises questions about his commitment to progress. Barrientos received $1,200 from the Build East PAC/AGC Inland NW Chapter, a group that advocates against a capital gains tax and has donated to conservative candidates, including Jonathan Bingle and Michelle Caldier. He received a total of $500 from Larry Stone, Barrientos' employer, who spent at least $223,400 on attacking progressive politicians in the 2023 election cycle.

We recommend voting for Kate Telis to serve District 2 on the Spokane City Council.

Last updated: 2025-10-13

Alejandro Barrientos is also running for Spokane City Council, District 2, Position 2. He is the current COO of SCAFCO and the purchasing director for Stone Group of Companies, owned by Lawrence "Larry" Stone.

On the surface, Barrientos supports some progressive solutions, such as co-responder teams and streamlining permitting for affordable housing development. However, his campaign is being funded by powerful local conservatives, which raises questions about his commitment to progress. Barrientos received $1,200 from the Build East PAC/AGC Inland NW Chapter, a group that advocates against a capital gains tax and has donated to conservative candidates, including Jonathan Bingle and Michelle Caldier. He received a total of $500 from Larry Stone, Barrientos' employer, who spent at least $223,400 on attacking progressive politicians in the 2023 election cycle.

We recommend voting for Kate Telis to serve District 2 on the Spokane City Council.

Last updated: 2025-10-13

City of Spokane, District #3

Zack Zappone is running for re-election for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2. Zappone is a local high school English teacher and has served on the Spokane City Council since 2021. According to The Spokesman-Review, Zappone is also the first openly queer leader elected to the council, advocating for progressive causes such as increased housing density, eliminating Spokane transit fares, and reducing barriers for community events.

Zappone is running on a progressive campaign, saying "everyone deserves a fair shot." During his first term, Zappone championed many progressive solutions such as approving renter protections, making streets more walker and biker-friendly, and investing in affordable housing units. In his current campaign, Zappone aims to continue making Spokane a safer and more affordable place to live.

Zappone is by far the best choice in this race for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.

Last updated: 2025-10-09

Zack Zappone is running for re-election for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2. Zappone is a local high school English teacher and has served on the Spokane City Council since 2021. According to The Spokesman-Review, Zappone is also the first openly queer leader elected to the council, advocating for progressive causes such as increased housing density, eliminating Spokane transit fares, and reducing barriers for community events.

Zappone is running on a progressive campaign, saying "everyone deserves a fair shot." During his first term, Zappone championed many progressive solutions such as approving renter protections, making streets more walker and biker-friendly, and investing in affordable housing units. In his current campaign, Zappone aims to continue making Spokane a safer and more affordable place to live.

Zappone is by far the best choice in this race for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.

Last updated: 2025-10-09

Other Candidates

Conservative Christopher Savage is challenging Zack Zappone for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.

Christopher Savage is running a campaign based on fear-mongering about rising crime and homelessness. He is a proponent of passing and enforcing "sit and lie" ordinances that essentially criminalize homelessness, rather than seeking solutions that address the root of the issue. In a similar vein, he blames youth criminal activity and reckless speeding on insufficient policing in Spokane, rather than proposing youth programming and road safety measures. His campaign Twitter account follows several conservative accounts, including Brian Heywood's Let's Go Washington organization.

Zappone is the clear choice for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.

Last updated: 2025-10-09

Conservative Christopher Savage is challenging Zack Zappone for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.

Christopher Savage is running a campaign based on fear-mongering about rising crime and homelessness. He is a proponent of passing and enforcing "sit and lie" ordinances that essentially criminalize homelessness, rather than seeking solutions that address the root of the issue. In a similar vein, he blames youth criminal activity and reckless speeding on insufficient policing in Spokane, rather than proposing youth programming and road safety measures. His campaign Twitter account follows several conservative accounts, including Brian Heywood's Let's Go Washington organization.

Zappone is the clear choice for Spokane City Council, District 3, Position 2.

Last updated: 2025-10-09

Spokane Ballot Measures

VOTE FOR

Vote YES for Healthy Parks and Healthy Neighborhoods

Spokane residents will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition 1: the Citywide Park Improvement and Safety Levy. The levy would help fund a variety of park improvements, including upgraded restrooms, three new parks, and increased park rangers and maintenance staff. This proposition is part of the Together Spokane initiative, in conjunction with the Spokane School Bond. The initiative advocates for safer and improved spaces that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

If approved, the proposition would increase the regular property tax levy by $0.27 per $1,000 of property value. The maximum rate in 2026 is $2.59 per $1,000 of property value. The levy would remain in effect for 20 years.

We recommend voting YES for Proposition 1 to support Spokane's beautiful parks and public spaces.

Last updated: 2025-10-13

Spokane residents will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition 1: the Citywide Park Improvement and Safety Levy. The levy would help fund a variety of park improvements, including upgraded restrooms, three new parks, and increased park rangers and maintenance staff. This proposition is part of the Together Spokane initiative, in conjunction with the Spokane School Bond. The initiative advocates for safer and improved spaces that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

If approved, the proposition would increase the regular property tax levy by $0.27 per $1,000 of property value. The maximum rate in 2026 is $2.59 per $1,000 of property value. The levy would remain in effect for 20 years.

We recommend voting YES for Proposition 1 to support Spokane's beautiful parks and public spaces.

Last updated: 2025-10-13

Spokane School Board

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

Nikki Otero Lockwood is running unopposed for re-election for Spokane School Board Director, District 1. Lockwood is a graduate of the Central Valley School District and has served nearly six years on the board.

Lockwood's platform is rooted in equity and inclusion, prioritizing a welcoming and positive school culture. During her tenure on the board, she has helped expand programming and extracurricular offerings, raised graduation rates, and prioritized comprehensive school safety policies. Her re-election campaign has earned a growing list of endorsements, including the Spokane Education Association.

We recommend re-electing Nikki Otero Lockwood to serve another term on the Spokane School Board.

Last updated: 2025-10-13

Nikki Otero Lockwood is running unopposed for re-election for Spokane School Board Director, District 1. Lockwood is a graduate of the Central Valley School District and has served nearly six years on the board.

Lockwood's platform is rooted in equity and inclusion, prioritizing a welcoming and positive school culture. During her tenure on the board, she has helped expand programming and extracurricular offerings, raised graduation rates, and prioritized comprehensive school safety policies. Her re-election campaign has earned a growing list of endorsements, including the Spokane Education Association.

We recommend re-electing Nikki Otero Lockwood to serve another term on the Spokane School Board.

Last updated: 2025-10-13

Endorsed By: Fuse, Spokane Regional Labor Council, Alliance for Gun Responsibility

Hilary Kozel is running to maintain her seat on the Spokane School Board, to which she was appointed in 2023. Kozel is a community leader in the district, with experience as the PTG president, on the advisory committee, and as a member of the strategic planning team.

Kozel is running on a progressive platform focused on post-graduate preparedness and creating a welcoming environment. She was part of the board's efforts to reduce screen time in class to foster connection and belonging. Kozel views her work through an equitable lens, prioritizing community partnerships to improve student outcomes. She is also supportive of the "Together Spokane" initiative, which will raise money for key projects in the district.

Kozel supports switching school start times for elementary and high schools, allowing high schoolers a later start and improving coordination for parents dropping off younger students. Kozel has earned endorsements from a number of progressive organizations, including Planned Parenthood, Washington Education Association, The School Board Project, and more.

Hilary Kozel has been a progressive voice on the board and has earned your vote for re-election.

Last updated: 2025-10-13

Hilary Kozel is running to maintain her seat on the Spokane School Board, to which she was appointed in 2023. Kozel is a community leader in the district, with experience as the PTG president, on the advisory committee, and as a member of the strategic planning team.

Kozel is running on a progressive platform focused on post-graduate preparedness and creating a welcoming environment. She was part of the board's efforts to reduce screen time in class to foster connection and belonging. Kozel views her work through an equitable lens, prioritizing community partnerships to improve student outcomes. She is also supportive of the "Together Spokane" initiative, which will raise money for key projects in the district.

Kozel supports switching school start times for elementary and high schools, allowing high schoolers a later start and improving coordination for parents dropping off younger students. Kozel has earned endorsements from a number of progressive organizations, including Planned Parenthood, Washington Education Association, The School Board Project, and more.

Hilary Kozel has been a progressive voice on the board and has earned your vote for re-election.

Last updated: 2025-10-13

Endorsed By: Planned Parenthood Advocates Of Greater Washington and North Idaho, Alliance for Gun Responsibility, Washington Education Association

Spokane School District

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

VOTE YES

Vote YES for Spokane Public Schools

Residents will vote on the $200 million bond proposition approved by the Spokane Public Schools Board of Directors. The bond proposition will help fund the rebuild of Adams and Madison elementary schools, modernize sections of certain schools, and establish a four-year trades high school on the Spokane Community College campus. The bond will also be used to fund maintenance projects that improve the overall safety, security, and learning environment for students across the district.

If approved, the bond will add two cents to the existing bond bill, resulting in an estimated cost of $1.36 per $1,000 of assessed home value. The rate is projected to increase on average by 2 to 3% to account for the annual rate of inflation. The Together Spokane webpage offers a tax calculator for voters to estimate their personal tax contribution.

We recommend voting YES for the Spokane School Bond to improve the safety, security, and overall quality of our public schools.

Last updated: 2025-10-13

Residents will vote on the $200 million bond proposition approved by the Spokane Public Schools Board of Directors. The bond proposition will help fund the rebuild of Adams and Madison elementary schools, modernize sections of certain schools, and establish a four-year trades high school on the Spokane Community College campus. The bond will also be used to fund maintenance projects that improve the overall safety, security, and learning environment for students across the district.

If approved, the bond will add two cents to the existing bond bill, resulting in an estimated cost of $1.36 per $1,000 of assessed home value. The rate is projected to increase on average by 2 to 3% to account for the annual rate of inflation. The Together Spokane webpage offers a tax calculator for voters to estimate their personal tax contribution.

We recommend voting YES for the Spokane School Bond to improve the safety, security, and overall quality of our public schools.

Last updated: 2025-10-13