We’re celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the signing of the landmark federal Voting Rights Act, with Secretary Wyman and the state Elections Division, the state’s 39 county election offices and the National Association of Secretaries of State leading the praise for equal access for voters.

“The work of assuring equal access to the ballot never ends. We in Washington are absolutely committed to eliminating barriers and encouraging voter participation of every eligible person in the state.

“We encourage our children and grandchildren to learn the stories of democracy and about the great duty and privilege we have of voting and having all our voices heard. It is our government and voters have central place.”

Washington’s kids’ art contest for illustrating the statewide Voters’ Pamphlet and its commemoration of the VRA landmark was highlights in a national blog, Electionline, on Thursday.  Our blog covered the school assembly where Emily Cain learned from Secretary Wyman that her entry had been selected.

State Elections Director Lori Augino said the 50th anniversary provides a powerful theme for this year’s print Voters’ Pamplet, which will go out to over three million households in mid-October, and to our military and overseas voters in mid-September.

“We are thrilled to take part in the state and national celebration and we encourage all potential voters to make sure they get registered in time for the 2015 General Election and for the big 2016 presidential election year,” she said. “We want to hear every voice.”

The National Association of Secretaries of State also celebrated the anniversary. Secretary Wyman in on the group’s executive board.  In 2006, former Washington Secretary Sam Reed presented President Johnson’s family the NASS Freedom Award posthumously honoring LBJ for championing and signing the VRA.