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Elections

Registration deadlines loom for April election

Registration deadlines loom for April election

What, another election? Yep. Many Washington voters took part in a special election last month, but there is another election, ending  April 23, that affects about a tenth of the voters. If the April election affects you but you haven’t registered to vote and want to vote next month, you can mail in your registration or register online, but the deadline to register either way is Monday, March 25. For those of you who are not registered to vote anywhere…

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House advances new deadlines for voter registration

House advances new deadlines for voter registration

Washington’s voter registration deadlines might be changed under a bill passed by the House, one of several elections-related measures  approved by the chamber. Engrossed House Bill 1267 extends the time period for voter registration closer to Election Day. Under current law, the online and mail-in registration deadlines are 29 days before an election and the in-person deadline is eight days prior. The original bill sought to allow people to register even on Election Day, but county auditors voiced strong opposition,…

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WA elections official honored as tech `doer, dreamer, driver’

WA elections official honored as tech `doer, dreamer, driver’

Shane Hamlin, Washington’s assistant director of elections, has been honored as one of America’s Top 25 “Doers, Dreamers & Drivers” for digital government. The award, announced by e.Republic’s  Government Technology magazine and the Center for Digital Government, honors digital pathfinders who demonstrated fresh ways to use technology to help the public with everything from voter registration to fighting asthma.  The list includes Newark Mayor Cory Cooker, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, New York City Police Commander Chuck Dowd, state CIOs, and…

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Study: WA has one of top elections websites in U.S.

Study: WA has one of top elections websites in U.S.

Over the years, your state Elections Division has been recognized as a national leader in innovation and voter services. Now, it’s received a shout-out for having one of the best state elections websites in the nation. The Center for Government Studies has released a study of states’ elections websites and the information they provide.  Go here to see the report. Washington’s Elections Division received the lone “B” grade with a score of 81 percent. Alaska and California tied for first…

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SecState/Foley Institute Forum: Women & Politics

SecState/Foley Institute Forum: Women & Politics

State Rep. Maureen Walsh (left) answers a question from the audience as former Sen. Lisa Brown, political scientist Richard Fox, political consultant Cathy Allen and AP correspondent Rachel La Corte listen. The accomplishments — and continuing challenge — of women in politics and government in Washington were subject of a Capitol forum sponsored by WSU’s Foley Institute and Secretary of State Kim Wyman. Washington has been termed one of the best states for women to enter the political arena, and…

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New video looks at initiative process

New video looks at initiative process

The Office of Secretary of State has released an educational video entitled “A Look at the Washington State Initiative Process.” It gives an inside look at the journey of an initiative from conception to certification by our Elections Division. The history of Washington’s initiative process, a detailed overview of the signature check procedures, and an explanation of the Legislature’s role are included. Commentary from Secretary of State Kim Wyman and Elections Division officials can be seen throughout the video. Wyman…

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Elections Division will seek probe of initiative fraud

Elections Division will seek probe of initiative fraud

The Washington Elections Division probe has confirmed apparent initiative fraud involving three paid signature-gatherers for two Initiatives to the Legislature recently certified for legislative consideration. The three collected over 8,000 signatures, 3,644 for Tim Eyman’s I-517 dealing with the initiative process, and 4,483 for I-522, dealing with genetically engineered food. Many of the signatures, names and addresses didn’t match those on file. The information will be turned over to the State Patrol for investigation and possible referral for prosecution. It…

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Last day to vote in Feb. special election

Last day to vote in Feb. special election

Are you forgetting to do something this week? No, we’re not talking about ordering flowers or another gift for that special someone for Valentine’s Day (although, if you did forget that as well, you’re welcome for the reminder). No, we’re checking to see if you remembered to vote. If you’re one of the voters who can take part it in the February special election, you need to return your ballot by 8 p.m. tonight if you haven’t already.  We encourage…

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Last call to register to vote in Feb. 12 special election

Last call to register to vote in Feb. 12 special election

If you‘re not currently registered to vote but want to vote in the Feb. 12 special election, Monday is your last day to register, but you have to do it in person since the online registration deadline has come and gone.  You can register at your county elections office. To find the location, click on this map and then click on your county. For the 32 counties conducting a special election, there are 95 measures in 81 districts, involving over…

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Special election ballots out, postage up

Special election ballots out, postage up

In 32 counties across Washington, voters are already casting ballots in the Feb. 12 special election in school districts and other jurisdictions. Secretary of State Kim Wyman is reminding voters of the new 46-cent stamp that is required for returning voted ballots by mail. Ballots for the special election were mailed out Jan. 25. Due to a U.S. Postal Service postage increase effective Jan. 27, voters who haven’t mailed in their ballots must now use the new 46-cent postage stamp…

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