Elections

Bill hardening penalties for WA election worker harassment OK'd

Rayos Syndication User,

The Washington state Senate on Wednesday unanimously  approved a measure that would make it a Class C felony to harass an election worker, with violations potentially resulting in a five-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine. The measure was sparked by reports of threats to workers across the country following the 2020 presidential election and the misinformation that stemmed from that, and continues to date. Democratic Sen. David Frockt, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is needed to address “a grievous threat to our democratic system.” It’s the second time the Democratic-led chamber has voted on the measure, first passing it last year. The measure now heads to the House, also led by Democrats, where it died last year.

Gop Candidate Tiffany Smiley Receives Endorsement From Spokane Native John Stockton

GOP candidate Tiffany Smiley receives endorsement from NBA legend John Stockton

Rayos Syndication User,

Credit: Tiffany SmileySPOKANE, Wash. — Basketball legend and Spokane native John Stockton is throwing his support behind the Republican candidate vying to represent Washington in the Senate. Smiley is challenging incumbent Democrat Patty Murray. In a video posted by Smiley’s campaign Tuesday, Stockton made his endorsement official. “She’s a person who’s fought for some very difficult things in her life…

Kennewick

Kennewick lawmaker amongst three who attended conspiracy conference on WA taxpayer dime

AP, KAPP-KVEW STAFF,

Documents show three Republican lawmakers from Washington used taxpayer dollars to attend MyPillow chief executive Mike Lindell's summer election fraud symposium in South Dakota. Public records released to The Seattle Times last week show state Reps. Robert Sutherland, of Granite Falls, Vicki Kraft, of Vancouver, and Brad Klippert, of Kennewick, requested and received expense reimbursements from the Legislature for the symposium. In all, the state paid $4,361 for their hotels and flights. Lindell promised to provide “irrefutable” evidence the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump by hackers. The event produced no such proof. Kraft and Sutherland said they'll use what they learned to develop election-related legislation. Klippert didn't return a request for comment.

Kristof faces residency questions in Oregon governor’s race

Kristof faces residency questions in Oregon governor's race

Rayos Syndication User,

Elections officials in Oregon are seeking more information to determine whether former New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof is eligible to run for governor. Kristof announced his candidacy last October and officially filed paperwork on Monday to run as a Democrat. Oregon Public Broadcasting reports that the Oregon Secretary of State’s office on Tuesday asked Kristof for information to determine if he meets residency requirements. Oregon law says candidates be state residents for at least three years before elections. Kristof voted in New York state in November 2020. Kristof's lawyers say his job required him to live around the world but that he always considered Oregon home.

Wa Democrats Ask Courts To Dismiss Election Lawsuits

WA Democrats ask courts to dismiss election lawsuits

Rayos Syndication User,

Election workers load ballots into a sorting machine on Election Day at the King County Elections office in Renton, Washington on November 3, 2020. – Americans were voting on Tuesday under the shadow of a surging coronavirus pandemic to decide whether to reelect Republican Donald Trump, one of the most polarizing presidents in US history, or send Democrat Joe Biden…

Senator Patty Murray

Washington Sen. Patty Murray announces her re-election campaign

Dylan Carter,

SEATTLE, Wash. — Democratic Senator Patty Murray is once again running for re-election, kicking off her 2022 campaign with an announcement on Monday morning. She faces competition from two Washington state Democrats, two independents and Pasco Republican Tiffany Smiley. Sen.…

Recall Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher Petitions With Signatures

Benton County sheriff recall election set for August 3

Dylan Carter,

PROSSER, Wash. — After eight days of verification and canvassing, Benton County Auditor Brenda Chilton officially certified the signatures on the recall petition for the Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher today. According to a release issued by Benton County officials,…