Today is General Election Day in Washington State and across the United States. Much is at stake. Four hundred and thirty five seats in the U.S. House and a third of the seats in the Senate are all on the line. And that’s just the federal level positions. Three-fourths of the Legislature are also up in Washington and there’s also a special election to decide who will be our Secretary of State.
In Oregon, there are three statewide contests (Governor, Labor Commissioner) and a U.S. Senate contest in addition to U.S. House contests.
Idaho is electing most of its statewide executive positions (Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State) this year along with legislative seats.
Have you voted yet? If you have, congratulations on fulfilling your civic duty. Haven’t voted yet? It’s time to get that ballot in! You’ve only got a few hours left before time runs out to participate. There’s no excuse for not voting.
If you’re a Washington or Oregonian, you should have received your ballot in the mail a few weeks ago from the county you reside in. (Idahoans can vote absentee but this is not the default!) If you did not receive a ballot, or if you have misplaced your ballot, go to a Vote Center to obtain a provisional ballot.
In Washington, it is possible to register to vote and cast a ballot today thanks to our same-day registration law. If you are not registered, head to a Vote Center.
Don’t forget to sign your ballot before putting it in a drop box or the mail.
Washingtonians, locate the nearest drop box to you by going here.
Oregonians, locate the nearest drop box to you by going here.
Not sure who to vote for? If you belong to or prefer a particular political party, you may want to consult their list of endorsements.
There’s also the Progressive Voters Guide maintained by Fuse Washington.
NPI has taken positions on the following ballot measures in Washington and Oregon (we do not endorse candidates for office).
Washington
- Statewide — Tim Eyman’s propaganda items
- “Advisory Vote” 38: Vote Maintained
- “Advisory Vote” 39: Vote Maintained
- King County
- Clark County
- Charter Amendment 10 (ranked choice voting): Vote Yes
- San Juan County
- Charter Amendment Proposition 3 (ranked choice voting): Vote Yes
- Seattle
- Proposition 1A & 1B, Part 1: Vote Yes
- Proposition 1A vs. 1B, Part 2: Vote for Proposition 1B (ranked choice voting)
- Other jurisdictions
- Bellevue Proposition 1 (parks levy): Vote Yes
- Clyde Hill Proposition 1 (abandoning strong mayor system): Vote No
- Mercer Island Proposition 1 (parks levy): Vote Yes
- Redmond Proposition 1 (public safety levy): Vote Yes
- Shoreline Proposition 1 (public safety levy): Vote Yes
- Tukwila Initiative 1 (raise the minimum wage): Vote Yes
- Highline Schools Proposition 1 (school bonds): Vote Yes
- Renton Schools Proposition 1 (school bonds): Vote Yes
Oregon
- Statewide
- Portland
- Measure 26–228 (city governance reform): Yes
Regardless of your feelings about this year’s candidates and ballot measures. be sure to VOTE! Democracy is stronger when we participate.