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Legislature

Gov. Inslee & Secretary Wyman certify 2016 election

Gov. Inslee & Secretary Wyman certify 2016 election

Secretary Wyman and Gov. Inslee certify the 2016 General Election returns. (Photos courtesy of Patrick McDonald) Secretary of State Kim Wyman and Gov. Jay Inslee have certified the returns for the 2016 General Election, including a record number of ballot measures and hotly contested races from the White House to local offices. The election drew record voter registrations of nearly 4.3 million and the most ballots ever counted in the state, over 3.36 million.  The turnout was nearly 79 percent,…

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2016 Election: Record 3.36m ballots counted

2016 Election: Record 3.36m ballots counted

Washington counties have certified the returns in the hotly contested 2016 elections that attracted record voter registrations of nearly 4.3 million and the most ballots ever counted in the state, over 3.36 million.  The turnout was nearly 79 percent, a strong showing nationally. The spike in voter engagement reflects the four-year cycle of elections, with the presidential-gubernatorial always generating the most interest and turnout. Voters’ plates were full this year. Besides the heavily publicized race for president, voters were choosing…

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WA 2016 Election: The count goes on

WA 2016 Election: The count goes on

As Washington’s vote tally continues through the week, voters were re-electing most incumbents and siding with Hillary Clinton in her losing White House bid. Before Wednesday’s updates, more than 2 million votes had been counted, better than 48 percent of the record 4.24 million ballots that were sent out last month.  Counties reported receiving 2.7 million ballots by mail or drop box, a 63 percent return rate, as of Election Day, not counting evening drop box pickups. Heavy mail volumes…

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Remembering Sen. Andy Hill

Remembering Sen. Andy Hill

State Sen. Andy Hill gives a floor speech on the opening day of the 2015 legislative session. (Photo courtesy Washington State Archives) Washington’s legislative community and many others around the state were saddened by the news that state Sen.  Andy Hill died Monday after a reoccurring battle with lung cancer. Hill, R-Redmond, served the Eastside’s 45th Legislative District, winning the seat in 2010 and earning re-election in 2014. Hill, who worked at Microsoft before joining the Legislature, had been the…

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It’s Constitution Day!

It’s Constitution Day!

(Photos courtesy of Washington State Archives) We bet most of you didn’t even know it existed. After all, it doesn’t receive nearly as much attention as Independence Day. There aren’t any retail sales that capitalize on it. Since it occurs when fall is knocking on the door, it doesn’t entice us to eat outside. But Sept. 17 is a very important date in American history. It’s the date when the United States Constitution was signed by 39 delegates to the…

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Countdown for WA Primary 2016!

Countdown for WA Primary 2016!

Washington’s state Primary voting period is winding down, with Top 2 slots on the line for all nine statewide offices, U.S. Senate, Legislature, courts and assorted local races. Although voters have been super-engaged in the national presidential contest, response to the state Primary has been tepid in the  days leading up to the Tuesday deadline.  As of the weekend, the 39 counties reported receiving 583,489 ballots, or 14.3 percent of the 4,092,951 issued. None were processed over the weekend. Here…

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Filing Week makes it official for WA candidates

Filing Week makes it official for WA candidates

Many Washington candidates have been campaigning for months, but it all becomes official May 16-20 with state Filing Week. Candidates for U.S. Senate and House, all nine statewide executive offices, most of the legislative seats, the judiciary and some local offices will sign up, designate their party preference and pay a filing fee. The Secretary of State will accept filings for federal and statewide candidates, the state Supreme Court, and all legislative and judicial offices encompassing more than one county….

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WA Capitol demonstrations, then and now

WA Capitol demonstrations, then and now

Over the decades, Washington’s Capitol has seen its share of protests and demonstrations. Several times each year, groups gather on the steps of the Legislative Building to exercise their rights and let others know how they feel. The two photos here capture how times have changed in terms of dress. The above photo, taken in 1948, shows a group of senior citizens carrying petition sheets and demonstrating in favor of Initiative 172, the Citizens’ Security Act of 1948. (Voters approved…

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How WA Legislature looked a century ago

How WA Legislature looked a century ago

Members of the 1915 House of Representatives. (Image courtesy State Digital Archives) Political junkies and Olympia-watchers know plenty about today’s Washington Legislature, its key players, accomplishments and points of disagreement. What was our state Legislature like a century ago? What kind of people served as legislators? What were their backgrounds? What bills did they pass? The State Library has a book that answers these and other questions. It’s called “The Fourteenth Session: A Brief History of the Men who represented…

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From the Archives: When 2001 Legislature had a shake-up

From the Archives: When 2001 Legislature had a shake-up

This photo shows damage to the Legislative Building caused by the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake. (Photos courtesy Washington State Archives) Fifteen years ago this week, the Legislature was forced to find a temporary home, courtesy of the Nisqually Earthquake. The magnitude 6.8 quake occurred late in the morning on Feb. 28, 2001, lasting about 45 seconds. The Legislature was in action that day when the tremor hit. The Senate was in the midst of Democratic and Republican Caucus meetings when the shaking…

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