We will submit our official application to the DNC in just a few hours in hopes of becoming one of the first five states to host an early presidential primary in 2024. In our bid, we highlighted the many characteristics that put Washington on the forefront of progressive politics and make our state such a wonderful place to call home, like our expansive and diverse communities of color, Democratic-led state government, strong union presence, and world-class, mail-in election system (a personal favorite of mine).
Last week, I spoke of the progress made in recent years to improve and increase voting access. And while we are continuing to find ways to make further advancements there, the GOP is laser-focused on voter intimidation and spreading blatant falsehoods. Right now, right-wing groups are going door-to-door asking about people’s voter registration statuses at private residences. This is illegal, and has the potential to scare individuals from voting in the midterm. But it’s part of the GOP’s nationwide crusade to erect unnecessary and often harmful hurdles to the ballot box.
Our democracy is at its best when everyone participates. We will NOT allow votes to be suppressed in Washington state. This is why we filed motions to intervene in and dismiss the many baseless lawsuits filed by far-right Republican activists last fall, demanding unlawful Arizona-style “audits” of the 2020 results in counties across the state under the guise of election integrity.
On Thursday, Washington’s state Supreme Court announced it had imposed more than $28,000 in fines against that group and its attorney for a lack of real evidence. While we celebrate this victory and the ones preceding it, we all know this was an incredible waste of time, talent, and financial resources to fight wild conspiracies based on Trumpian delusions.
Washington is so lucky to have such a fantastic Secretary of State like Steve Hobbs, who is working hard to ensure voting is safe, secure, and accessible. Remember, this is the first time the position has been held by a Democrat in 60years. The only way to keep our elections free and fair in Washington state is reelecting Hobbs. We can’t afford to lose that office for another six decades — and together, we won’t.
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