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Tag: Secretary of State Kim Wyman

Shannon Cortez joins WA Elections Division as deputy director

Shannon Cortez joins WA Elections Division as deputy director

Secretary of State Kim Wyman has announced the appointment of Shannon Cortez as the new deputy director of elections. Cortez will take her new role on Monday after 18 years of experience in elections administration, both with Pierce County and King County, where she has been deputy elections director. In Pierce, she worked with Auditors Cathy Pearsall-Stipek, Pat McCarthy, Jan Shabro and Julie Anderson, and in King, she assisted Julie Wise. Cortez succeeds Allyson Ruppenthal, who has joined Thurston County…

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I-1501 certified to fall ballot

I-1501 certified to fall ballot

Initiative 1501, a proposal dealing with “protection of seniors and vulnerable individuals from finance crimes and victimization,” will appear on the fall statewide ballot in Washington. Secretary of State Kim Wyman certified I-1501 on Monday. The state Elections Division finished a random sample of the 341,376 signatures submitted by the initiative backers in early July. The signature review determined that the measure easily exceeded the bare minimum of 246,372 valid signatures needed to qualify for the ballot. Wyman said a…

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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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State agencies honored for food, book donations

State agencies honored for food, book donations

Secretary Wyman with representatives of state agencies honored at Well Fed Well Read recognition ceremony. (Photo courtesy Philip Kerrigan) Several state agencies, including our very own Office of Secretary of State, have been honored for their generosity in donating food and children’s books. Secretary of State Kim Wyman recognized these agencies’ contributions to the Well Fed Well Read donation drive this spring during a ceremony in her office Friday. The following agencies were honored for bringing in the most food:…

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Wyman names Cindy Aden as new WA State Librarian

Wyman names Cindy Aden as new WA State Librarian

Secretary of State Kim Wyman has named Cindy Altick Aden as director of the Washington State Library. Aden will take the helm next month of one of the state’s oldest cultural institutions, dating back more than 160 years when it was created by the state’s first territorial governor, Isaac Stevens. Aden has an extensive background in public libraries and the private sector, including stints at Amazon, Corbis, and community newspapers. She is a graduate of Stanford University and the University…

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Wyman certifies WA PrezPrimary returns, offers reforms

Wyman certifies WA PrezPrimary returns, offers reforms

Secretary of State Kim Wyman has certified the 2016 Presidential Primary election, congratulating the record 1.42 million voters who took part. The participation rate was 35 percent, not counting those who had late postmarks, declined to designate a party choice, or voted for a favorite in both party primaries. Wyman, the state’s chief elections officer, called it an excellent turnout, particularly given the lateness of the primary date, the fact that both parties already had a presumptive nominees, and the…

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Trump & Clinton winning WA PrezPrimaries

Trump & Clinton winning WA PrezPrimaries

Washington voters turned out in droves for the first running of the state Presidential Primary in eight years. Election Night results included 1.2 million votes for Democratic and Republican candidates for the White House, more than 28 percent of the state’s registered voters. Those numbers will swell as more returns are counted this week. Secretary of State Kim Wyman, the state’s chief elections officer, called the turnout “particularly amazing and gratifying, given the lateness of the primary on the national…

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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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Filing Week launches campaigns for hundreds

Filing Week launches campaigns for hundreds

Minutes after Filing Week ends May 20, State Elections Director Lori Augino (left) and Elections Division staff do a lot draw to determine the order candidates will appear on the ballot.  (Photo courtesy of Patrick McDonald) Washington’s 2016 election cycle is officially under way, with Filing Week completed and Secretary of State Kim Wyman certifying candidate lists to the 39 counties this week. Candidates also are preparing Voters’ Pamphlet statements, including photo, bio, statement and campaign contact information. Online deadline…

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1 million ballots returned as PrezPrimary enters homestretch

1 million ballots returned as PrezPrimary enters homestretch

As Washington’s Presidential Primary enters the final days of its voting period, nearly 1 million ballots already have been returned to counties. “I’m very encouraged by the large number of ballots returned,” said Secretary of State Kim Wyman. “It’s a clear indication that many Washington voters are interested in our Presidential Primary and want their voices heard during the presidential nominating season. There is a lot of interest and excitement among  voters.” As of late Thursday afternoon, more than 981,000…

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