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Tag: Election reform

Secretary Wyman’s comments on WA PrezPrimary

Secretary Wyman’s comments on WA PrezPrimary

Secretary of State Kim Wyman calls the robust turnout for the Washington Presidential Primary a “big win for the voters.”  Here is her statement: “We are delighted with the robust turnout for the Washington Presidential Primary. It is a big win for the voters, who continue to embrace this inclusive and broad-based way to have their voices heard. “The turnout, already 1.2 million strong and more than 28 percent of the 4.1 million ballots issued, will continue to grow as…

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After 45 years in public life, Sam Reed bids farewell

After 45 years in public life, Sam Reed bids farewell

(Photo courtesy of  Legislative Support Services Photography) Secretary of State Sam Reed bade a fond farewell to the people of Washington Tuesday after 45 years in public life, including 35 years as a state and county elected official. Addressing a joint session of the Legislature, Reed brought along a special reminder of his family’s long connection to Washington politics and government — his grandfather Sam Sumner’s battered leather briefcase.  Exactly 100 years earlier, Sumner, a state GOP chairman and longtime…

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Happy trails: Nick Handy retiring as Elections Director

Happy trails: Nick Handy retiring as Elections Director

Nick Handy is stepping down as State Elections Director after leading widely praised reform efforts that have boosted voter turnout and helped restore confidence in the elections process. Secretary of State Sam Reed announced today that Handy, 62, will retire at the end of the month after his seven-year tenure in the high-visibility, high-pressure post. Reed has promoted Handy’s two top lieutenants, Katie Blinn and Shane Hamlin, as acting co-directors of the Division of Elections. Reed had high praise for…

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`Election for the Ages’ chronicles ’04 gov’s election

`Election for the Ages’ chronicles ’04 gov’s election

Secretary of State Sam Reed and author Trova Heffernan photographed during the book launch for “An Election for the Ages: Rossi vs. Gregoire, 2004.”  Photo courtesy of Ben Helle. Secretary of State Sam Reed and Washington State University Press have launched “Election for the Ages: Rossi vs. Gregoire 2004.” The new book recounts the twists and turns of the state’s closest vote for governor in its history, as told from the perspective of the Office of Secretary of State and…

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Monster support for election reform

Monster support for election reform

A new statewide poll out today from independent pollster Stuart Elway shows broad support for four election-reform bills being advanced by Secretary of State Sam Reed.  Included in this new wave of reform measures are ones dealing with later deadlines for voter registration; allowing Internet voting by military and overseas Washingtonians; requiring mail-in ballots to be received by the elections offices on Election Day,  not just postmarked; and cleaning up the Top 2 Primary law, including clarifying party-preference labels. Reed says he’s “gratified and…

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