Seattle – The League of Women Voters of Washington president, Mary Coltrane, jointly with the League of Women Voters of Clark County president, Nancy Halvorson, released the following statement condemning the interference with a ballot box in Vancouver, WA:

"The League of Women Voters calls on leadership of the state political parties, the Clark County political parties and Clark County candidates to condemn the outrageous attack on a ballot box at Fisher’s Landing in Vancouver this morning. This is an attack on democracy. All who support democracy must take a stand against this attempt to hinder voters’ sacred right to be heard at the ballot box. Political leadership in Clark County and across the state should likewise declare their support for the auditors and election officials who carry out their work in support of democracy, especially in these challenging times.

"The League of Women Voters reminds everyone of the systems that are in place to protect and track their ballots. This includes the Clark County Auditor’s Office response to the assault on the Fisher’s Landing ballot drop box. And voters can visit VoteWA.gov to track their ballot as it moves through the ballot processing system.

"Voters should reach out to their county auditors and election officials with any questions or concerns. With observers in county election offices, including Clark, the League can attest to the care and professionalism election workers bring to this most important task of democracy.

"Voters can submit their ballots via postage-free mail, secure official ballot drop boxes, and in-person voter centers. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by November 5th.

SENATOR MARIA CANTWELL AND SENATORIAL CANDIDATE DR. RAUL GARCIA’S ONLY WESTERN WASHINGTON MEETING BEFORE ELECTION NIGHT.

Seattle, Wash. – KIRO 7, Seattle’s #1 local news station,* and the League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund, hosted a highly viewed and nationally broadcasted debate for Washington U.S. Senate candidates. Senator Maria Cantwell and Dr. Raul Garcia squared off live from the KIRO 7 studios in an event moderated by Monique Ming Laven, KIRO 7 Anchor. The debate brought the voice of voters directly to candidates via questions sourced from Western Washington voters.

The KIRO 7 Washington U.S. Senate Town Hall was broadcast to 14 Radio and to 12 TV stations across Washington State in partnership with the Washington State Association of Broadcasters. It was also carried nation-wide by C-Span and streamed on the KIRO 7 TV & phone apps as well as kiro7.com.

“This race will shape the face of our nation and of Washington state for years to come,” said Pat Nevin, Vice President and General Manager of KIRO 7. “Our station is committed to delivering vital and valuable information to Washingtonians.  The fact that over 144,000 Washington residents tuned in to hear directly from Senator Cantwell and Dr. Garcia shows how much voters needed to hear from both candidates. We’re honored KIRO 7 was able to work with the League of Women Voters, Senator Cantwell and Dr. Garcia to host and moderate this important debate.”

Laura Evans, KIRO 7 News Director, added, “Bringing voter questions directly to the candidates is another example of our commitment to working on behalf of our community.  The wide-ranging questions KIRO 7 received about critically important issues demonstrates how significant the Washington U.S. Senate Race is to our state.”

The Town Hall will be available on demand on kiro7.com/debate and on the KIRO 7 phone app, TV or streaming service.

On October 16, KIRO 7 also aired KIRO 7 News: Election 2024, The Governor’s Race, an exclusive, in-depth one-on-one interview special with gubernatorial candidates Bob Ferguson and Dave Reichert. The wide-ranging conversations, hosted by Monique Ming Laven and Gary Horcher, focused on bringing concerns of local voters directly to candidates.  The special is also available on-demand at kiro7.com/governorsrace or via the KIRO 7 app for your phone, TV or streaming service.

*Source Debate viewing: Senate Debate on KIRO, Nielsen (NLTV Reach & Frequency) Adults 18+, October 17 Live Plus Same Day.

*Source:  NSI March-December ’23 and January-June ‘24 A25-54, #1 shares from Local News and KIRO TP’s only Mo-Su calculated by avg Qtr Hr by day. 

Seattle, Wash. – KIRO 7, Seattle’s #1 local news station*, and the League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund (LWVWA-EF), announced today they will partner to host a live, one-hour debate with Washington U.S. Senate candidates, Senator Maria Cantwell and Dr. Raul Garcia.  The debate will air live on KIRO 7’s broadcast and streaming platforms on Thursday, October 17, at 12 pm, with a re-airing at 7 pm.  The debate will be hosted by KIRO 7 anchor, Monique Ming Laven, and will air the day before ballots will be mailed to voters in Washington State.  This will be the first debate to be televised in Western Washington between the two candidates. 

The debate will be made available for simulcast on radio and TV stations across Washington State, in partnership with the Washington State Association of Broadcasters.The goal is to provide maximum access and time for voters to hear directly from the U.S. Senate candidates on the issues most important to our state. 

To ensure voters have the ability to have their questions answered directly by the candidates, viewers can submit questions to the candidates at www.kiro7.com/debate or by emailing questions to the League at forumquestion@lwvwa.org. Questions should be answerable by both candidates, be relevant to the elected position, and include the voter’s name and city of residence.  

“KIRO 7 is committed to providing vital in-depth information with greater context and understanding to empower our viewers,” said Pat Nevin, Vice President and General Manager of KIRO 7.  “The results of this U.S. Senate race impact the lives of Western Washington residents and shape our country.  Hosting this debate—and providing live, state-wide access to the candidates—is key to providing viewers with the most relevant and important information they need to cast their vote.” 

League of Women Voters of Washington President, Mary Coltrane, added, “The League of Women Voters is committed to empowering voters and defending democracy. Candidate debates are essential to this. The League thanks Candidates Cantwell and Garcia for presenting themselves to the voters so they will have the best information possible as they make their voting decision for this important office.”  

KIRO 7 and the League of Women Voters of Washington worked together previously on the 2022 Washington State U.S. Senate Town Hall for Senator Patty Murray, and challenger Tiffany Smiley.  That event was viewed by 100,000** people across the state.  

*Source:  NSI March-December ’23 and January-June ‘24 A25-54, #1 shares from Local News and KIRO TP’s only Mo-Su calculated by avg Qtr Hr by day.   

**Source Town Hall viewership: Nielsen NLTV P18+ October 30, 2022, and GA360 data for kiro7.com, and the KIRO 7 news apps on phone and TV. 

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About League of Women Voters of Washington 

The League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund is a nonpartisan grassroots organization. It does not support or oppose candidates, or political parties.  We encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government. The LWVWA-EF works to educate voters by holding candidate debates and forums, registering voters and supporting VOTE411.org, a personalized, national voter guide. 

Seattle, WA — The Leagues of Women Voters of Washington and Seattle-King County are pleased to present the candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction on Saturday, October 5 at 1pm. Doors open at 12:30 pm.  

This debate will be held at Bellevue Public Library, 1111 110th Ave. NE, in Bellevue. The debate will be in person and will be recorded and livestreamed by TVW. The public is invited to attend.  

The debate offers voters a chance to ask the candidates questions and hear their answers regarding how they would do the job of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Voters can submit questions for the candidates in advance by emailing forumquestions@lwvwa.org. 

“The public is invited to attend and hear directly from the candidates on this important race,”said LWVWA President Mary Coltrane.“The League of Women Voters welcomes questions from the public so their concerns are part of the candidate selection process we call democracy.” 

League of Women Voters of Seattle/King County Co-President Kim Albert commented, “The Superintendent of Public Instruction is a key Executive Position that will help determine the future of education in Washington State. Your vote matters! Please come hear directly from the candidates about how they plan to lead our state’s K-12 public education system.” 

The public is invited to attend the in-person forum. TVW will also stream the forum on its website. After the event, voters will find the forum posted on www.lwvwa.org and www.tvw.org.  

This debate is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund,the League of Women Voters of Seattle King County, the Seattle King County NAACP,the Seattle Council PTSA,the Greater Seattle Childcare Business Coalition,the Institute for Community Leadership,and El Centro de la Raza. 

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The League of Women Voters of Washington is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.

Seattle, WA — The Leagues of Women Voters of Washington and Snohomish County are pleased to present the candidates for Insurance Commissioner and for Secretary of State in debates on October 1. Doors open at 6:00 pm. The Insurance Commissioner debate will begin at 6:30. The Secretary of State debate will follow immediately at 7:15 p.m.

These debates will be held at Edmonds College Black Box Theater in Lynnwood, WA. They will be in person and will be recorded and live streamed by TVW. The public is invited to attend.

Both debates offer voters a chance to ask the candidates questions and hear their answers regarding how they would do the job of Insurance Commissioner and Secretary of State. Voters can submit questions for the candidates in advance by emailing forumquestions@lwvwa.org.

“The public is invited to attend and hear directly from the candidates on these important races,” said LWVWA President Mary Coltrane. “The League of Women Voters welcomes questions from the public so their concerns are part of the candidate selection process we call democracy.”

Cathy Liu Scott, President of the LWV of Snohomish County, added “The League thanks these candidates for their participation. Voters deserve to hear first-hand from those who seek to represent us. These statewide offices hold critical responsibilities—for our elections and our overall health. We look forward to a substantive debate and informative evening. Please join us!”

The public is invited to attend the in-person forum. TVW will also stream the forum on its website at tvw.org. After the event, voters will find the forum posted on www.lwvwa.org and tvw.org.

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The League of Women Voters of Washington is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.

Seattle—The League of Women Voters of Washington announces its opposition to Initiative 2066, in addition to three other state initiatives that will appear on the November ballot.

"Our stance against these initiatives is a reflection of the League’s firm commitment to equitable education funding, climate resilience, and accessible long-term care,” said Mary Coltrane, president of the League of Women Voters of Washington. “We’re safeguarding our state's future with each vote against these regressive measures.”

At its September Board meeting, the Directors voted to contest Initiative 2066 for the following reasons, based on League positions adopted by member consensus following study of the issues.

Initiative 2066 would prohibit towns, cities, and counties from enacting building codes that encourage electrification of home and building energy. Building electrification improves indoor air quality over fossil-fuel sources. In addition, it would repeal HB 1589 passed in 2024. This law applies only to Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and specifies that PSE plan for an eventual transition to renewable, low-emission energy sources. The law also consolidates and clarifies multiple planning processes required by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission providing more efficiency and transparency.

HB 1589 does not force electrification, it does not require removal of natural gas service in existing buildings and homes, nor does it prohibit natural gas in new buildings. The law was supported by PSE and requires that they consider electrification as part of their integrated system plan. It also requires PSE to end residential customer incentives for natural gas in 2025.

Natural gas is primarily methane, a fossil fuel and potent greenhouse gas. Methane and products of its combustion degrade human health, especially in children, and especially in buildings and homes. Electric energy in buildings and homes is safer, healthier, and more efficient. Therefore, we should encourage the transition with planning and investment.

“The League’s opposition to these initiatives reflects our unwavering commitment to advocating for policies that promote equity, sustainability, and social justice across Washington state,” stated LWVWA President Mary Coltrane.

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The League of Women Voters of Washington is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.

Seattle, WA — The Leagues of Women Voters of Washington and Benton-Franklin Counties are pleased to present the candidates for the Commissioner of Public Lands in a debate to be held September 25 at 6:00 pm at WSU Tri-Cities in Richland, WA. The 60-minute debate will be in person and will be recorded and livestreamed by Northwest Public Broadcasting.

Voters will hear the candidates respond to questions from the public about the office and how they would fulfill the role of Commissioner of Public Lands.Voters can submit questions for the candidates in advance by emailing forumquestions@lwvwa.org. 

“Voters will be making critical decisions on November 5th. Who will be Commissioner of Public Lands is among them,” said LWVWA President Mary Coltrane.  “We ask voters to join us on September 25th to hear directly from candidates on how they plan to handle the job. We ask voters across the state to send questions,or to bring their questions to the debate so we can put them to the candidates.” 

Diane Molleson, President of the LWV of Benton-Franklin Counties, added,“We welcome the candidates for Commissioner of Public Lands to the Tri-Cities. It’s a wonderful opportunity for voters to hear from them directly about the policies they will pursue as they manage Washington’s vast acreage of public land.”  

The public is invited to attend the in-person forum. NWPB will also stream the forum on its YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dcuS-eVHzE. After the event, voters will find the forum posted on www.lwvwa.org and www.nwpb.org. 

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The League of Women Voters of Washington is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.

SEATTLE, WA – The League of Women Voters of Washington and its local Leagues played a pivotal role in the successful adoption of two resolutions at the national League of Women Voters convention.

Reproductive Rights

LWVWA co-sponsored a resolution with the LWV of Missouri reinforcing the importance of protecting reproductive rights. The resolution is part of a broader strategy LWVWA is leading that recognizes that restrictions on reproductive rights are not just a threat to women’s access to health care; they are a threat to our democracy.

Since the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization restricted access to abortion, women have become second-class citizens, not allowed to make decisions about their own reproductive and health choices, often to the peril of their lives. The resolution, which passed by an overwhelming majority, read:

Be it resolved that the League of Women Voters reaffirms its commitment to fight for reproductive rights and justice, including bodily autonomy, privacy, reproductive health, and access to contraception and abortion, and against disinformation on this issue.

“With the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the abortion bans implemented in many states, women are now legally second-class citizens in this country,” said Mary Coltrane, president of the League of Women Voters of Washington. “This resolution affirms the League’s commitment to fighting for a democracy that treats all of its people equally.”

Immigration

The League of Women Voters of the San Juans co-sponsored a resolution on immigration with leagues in California, Texas, New Mexico, and New Jersey. The resolution recalled the urgent need for reform in the immigration system, while recognizing that it has become one of the major issues under debate in the 2024 election.

The resolution reads:

Be it resolved that LWVUS reaffirms its long-standing position calling for fair and humane immigration reform, including safe, orderly, and legal pathways to admission to the United States that promote reunification of immediate families; meet the economic, business, employment, and educational/training needs of the United States; and are responsive to those facing human rights abuses or humanitarian crises; and

that LWVUS reaffirm the 2008 position calling for due process for all persons, including the right to a fair and timely hearing, right to counsel, right of appeal, and right to humane treatment.

This resolution also passed with a large majority of the votes.

“The League of Women Voters stands firm: fair and humane immigration reform is essential. We advocate for safe, legal pathways, and due process for all,” said LWVWA President Mary Coltrane.

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The League of Women Voters of Washington is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.

Seattle, WA — The League of Women Voters of Washington and the League of Women Voters of Clark County are pleased to present the candidates for the Commissioner of Public Lands to voters in a candidate forum. The public is invited to attend and meet the candidates.

The forum will be held Thursday, July 18, at 6:30pm at Clark College in Vancouver, WA. The 90-minute forum will be in person and will be televised live on TVW and streamed on its website at tvw.org/video/.  The forum is co-sponsored by The Columbian and The Reflector newspapers.

Voters can expect to hear candidates respond to questions about the office and how they would fulfill the role of Commissioner of Public Lands.  Voters are invited to submit questions for the candidates by emailing forumquestions@lwvwa.org up until July 8. Attendees can also submit questions at the forum.

“The Commissioner of Public Lands makes critical decisions about management of state lands. This forum offers voters the opportunity to find out how the Commissioner would do this,” said LWVWA President Mary Coltrane.

Nancy Halvorson, President of the LWV of Clark County added, “Meeting and visiting with those running for public office benefits both the candidates and the voters. Candidates hear directly from voters on what issues are most important and voters gain the knowledge that is needed to inform our decisions when it comes time to vote.” 

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The League of Women Voters of Washington is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.

SEATTLE, WA – The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) adopted a position in support of local news at its National Convention on Saturday, June 29, in Washington, D.C. An overwhelming majority of delegates from Leagues across the country agreed that the decline of local news affects democracy and voted to adopt the following position in brief:  

The League of Women Voters of the United States believes it is the responsibility of the government to provide support for conditions under which credible local journalism can survive and thrive.

The LWVUS defines local news as accurate, in-depth coverage of government entities, including but not limited to, city councils, county councils, county boards of commissioners, health departments, schools, and school boards.

The new national position developed from a study by Washington League members. The study tracked the decline of local newspapers statewide and nationally and found that democracy is directly related to credible sources of local news. To read the study from Washington’s League, visit our website.  

“The way we get local news has changed since the internet became part of our everyday lives,” said Mary Coltrane, president of the League of Women Voters of Washington. “However, the way local news affects our democratic institutions has not changed. Voters must be able to access credible and ethical local news so that they can make decisions about how elected officials govern their communities.”

The LWVWA study showed that a third of the nation’s newspapers are expected to close by the end of this year. More than 200 counties are now considered “news deserts,” with no source of reliable local news.

The study also found that democracy suffers in communities with no credible source of local news: fewer people vote or run for office, and political polarization and government corruption grow. “These are outcomes democracy cannot withstand,” said LWVWA President Mary Coltrane.  

The federal government’s historic support of the news industry dates to 1792 when postage subsidies allowed newspapers to be distributed at greatly reduced rates. A variety of currently proposed remedies at both the federal and state levels include tax credits, grants, and collective bargaining with tech giants to compensate newspapers for distribution of their original news content.
 
The newly adopted position was supported by dozens of state Leagues across the United States. To gain concurrence and adopt the national position, the LWVWA conducted a multi-year study on the topic, adopted the position at the state level, and then proposed the concurrence with the support of many other state Leagues. The LWVWA is proud to have the position adopted nationally and is ready to continue the work to improve local news and democracy in Washington.

Visit LWVWA.org to find the detailed position and the state study, “The Decline of Local News and Its Impact on Democracy.” The study is also available on Amazon.

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The League of Women Voters of Washington is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. With over 100 years of experience, the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.