Incumbent Republican Secretary of State Kim Wyman is in her second term. King County Charter Amendments. Lt. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell. Wyman went on to serve until 2012, a total of four terms. “They are either going to a ballot drop box or they are going to the auditor’s office or going to the Post Office in person to see them put the postmark on it.”. She also has called on Wyman to stand up to other Republican secretaries of state for refusing to properly fund elections and allow better access to all voters. She said the Heritage Foundation’s 2019 meeting is a yearly event where Republican secretaries of state meet. She criticized Wyman for agreeing to meet with them, especially in secret. Analysis: Tarleton has claimed that Wyman has not done enough to adequately prepare other secretaries of state for vote-by-mail, an issue she said could result in delayed results and lack of voter access. OLYMPIA, WA — Incumbent Secretary of State Kim Wyman is one of just three Republicans holding a statewide office on the West Coast and seeking her third term in Washington's number three job. “In the area of elections, this is critical,” Wyman said in a September debate. All of her relationships and political ties are public knowledge, Tarleton said, and she will continue to conduct herself that way if elected as secretary of state. |, the Heritage Foundation and other Republican elections officials, In race for secretary of state, candidates disagree over how to instill confidence in voters amid USPS, vote-by-mail concerns, an election-security and access bill in the U.S. House, Here’s how Democrats’ $15-an-hour minimum wage proposal could impact the Inland Northwest, Inslee: Schools must reopen to some in-person learning by April …, Pacific Northwest Congressional delegation signs letter urging for stop of National Archives sale …, State board OKs emergency graduation waivers for high school seniors …, Washington to receive billions of dollars from federal stimulus package for schools, child care, local governments …. OLYMPIA, Wash. — Incumbent Kim Wyman, a Republican, and challenger Gael Tarleton, a Democrat, will advance to the general election in the race for … Incumbent Secretary of State Kim Wyman said county election officials have been well prepared to handle the extra demands of a pandemic, while her Democratic challenger state Rep. Gael Tarleton said the Republican needs to do more to defend Washington’s system of voting by mail. Jay Inslee. She said she wants to find ways to expand automatic voter registration, such as adding the option somehow at high schools or colleges. Analysis: Wyman has criticized Tarleton for her support of a bill that passed in the Legislature and would have exempted the Legislature from the Public Records Act. She wants to move the August primaries to spring in order to boost turnout. Seattle Times staff reporter Joseph O’Sullivan covers state government and the Legislature. Davidson is … Tarleton has said as elected officials, it is their job to stand up against attacks on their citizens’ ability to vote. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper’s managing editor. Energized? In race for secretary of state, candidates disagree over how to instill confidence in voters amid USPS, vote-by-mail concerns Tarleton also criticizes Wyman for testifying in 2019 against an election-security and access bill in the U.S. House. In a meeting with the National Association of Secretaries of State, a national bipartisan organization, president and New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, a Democrat, praised Wyman for her guidance regarding on vote-by-mail. Tarleton has criticized Wyman for her early opposition to bills that ultimately became law, including same-day registration and preregistration of 16 and 17 year olds. One way to combat this, Tarleton has argued, is demanding increased elections funding from fellow Republicans and the president. She has also held the position of president of the Washington State Association o… A bevy of big-name Democratic candidates have run -- and … Seeking weak spots, they scanned Washington’s elections system — but did not breach it. Claim: Wyman took part in secret Republican-only meetings about elections. Wyman … Anxious? Tarleton has criticized Wyman for her early opposition to bills that ultimately became law, including same-day registration and preregistration of 16 and 17 year olds. A staff member of Wyman’s listened in on an August meeting, according to emails obtained by ProPublica. Wyman argued the new law would increase the cost of conducting elections and implement specific federal regulations on what is supposed to be a decentralized system. In an apology she wrote in 2018, she said the process of passing the bill was flawed and did not allow for enough public input. She did admit, however, to “playing” in out-of-state elections, meaning she has helped Republicans in other states who are running for secretary of state. The office Tarleton seeks isn’t responsible for those issues thankfully, instead turning her attention to protecting our election system and expanding access to voting. Secretary of State: Wyman Vs. Tarleton. Rep. Gael Tarleton, Democratic candidate for Secretary of State, yesterday called on Washington’s Republican Secretary of State Kim Wyman to condemn President Trump and the Republican Party for engaging in “efforts to disenfranchise voters in Wisconsin and across the country.”. This election, she said she has not endorsed or donated to any other Washington candidates. Governor Jay Inslee vs. Loren Culp; Lt. Tarleton has criticized Wyman for her early opposition to bills that ultimately became law, including same-day registration and preregistration of 16- and 17-year-olds. As of Tuesday, Wyman had raised about $958,000, and Tarleton had raised roughly $882,000, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission. As of Tuesday, Wyman had raised about $958,000, and Tarleton had raised roughly $882,000, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission. I voted for Kim Wyman as Washington’s Secretary of State in the past for several reasons, including the endorsements from The Herald. In an interview with The Spokesman-Review, Tarleton called the Heritage Foundation a source that is not trusted. The bill was vetoed by Gov. Posting comments is now limited to subscribers only. Tarleton, meanwhile, has brought in $294,963. Since the beginning of her campaign, Tarleton has called on Wyman to stand up to Trump and his attacks on the integrity of vote-by-mail. Get the day’s latest Coronavirus news delivered to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter. Kim Wyman ahead in tight Secretary of State contest; NPI’s Gael Tarleton gaining ground. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. Spokane uses three QBs to pound out win over Ferris, 'Return of the Jedi': Popular video arcade, church returns next week in new location after COVID closure, Before, there was a vaccine shortage. Washington Sexual Health Education Referendum. Truthfulness: True, at least in other states. The bills implemented same-day registration, preregistration for 16- and 17-year-olds and automatic voter registration for those obtaining driver’s licenses or identification cards. Michael Goldberg April 9, 2020. She urged her constituents to take part in conversations crafting new legislation to improve transparency. As Wyman and Tarleton exchange barbs ahead of the Nov. 3 election, they find an office increasingly on the front lines of battles over democracy. “I don’t know about you, but I haven’t talked to a single person who’s relying on the mail collection to deliver their ballot,” said Tarleton. During the legislative hearings, Wyman expressed concerns about the implementation and logistics of the bills, although she has said she supported the intent of the legislation. Tarleton — who currently chairs the House Finance Committee — said she wants to imagine what future elections will demand of the office. The secretary of state is second in line — after lieutenant governor — to succeed the governor. Hopeful? Though Wyman isn't up to the task, State House Rep. Gael Tarleton is more than willing. Wyman argues her decadeslong experience as an election administrator — which began as elections director and then auditor for Thurston County — makes her best suited for the job. That is something Tarleton says Wyman has not done. Mt. As a legislator, Tarleton said all meetings she attends in an official capacity are public. Since the beginning of her campaign, Democrat state Rep. Gael Tarleton has called on Republican incumbent Kim Wyman to stand up against President Donald … Wyman looks to be in the safer position, having outperformed Tarleton by about 8 percentage points in the Aug. 4 primary election. Candidates for the August 4 Primary election in Washington State debate the issues. In her response, Tarleton said she has worked to build bipartisan relationships in the Legislature. Last year, Wyman's office released a new $9.5 million voter registration database that was riddled with errors and led to a backlog of tens of thousands of registrations. Tarleton is endorsed by dozens of Democratic elected officials, including Gov. Wyman, on the other hand, has said as the chief elections officer, her job is to remain completely nonpartisan in elections. (Courtesy of the campaigns). An agenda from the meeting shows planned discussions on new election legislation, election reform and a briefing on 2018 election results and litigation. Wyman has said she approaches her job in a nonpartisan way. Wyman finished with 50.9% of the primary vote with Tarleton receiving 43.3%, ahead of challengers Ed Minger, an independent, and Gentry Lange, who identified as … Wyman said what separates her from her opponent is experience, noting Tarleton’s concerns with partisanship shows she doesn’t understand how the role of secretary of state actually functions. She's facing off against Gael Tarleton, a Democrat in … This year, Trump has relentlessly attacked mail voting — which some states are expanding amid the COVID-19 pandemic — as he seeks to sow doubt about the coming election results. She and her office have given advice to other states during the pandemic as they ramp up mail balloting to protect their residents against COVID-19. And Wyman would also push to make the secretary of state a nonpartisan office. And Tarleton said the state should consider strengthening its processes to make sure signatures on ballots are verified. We look at some claims from each candidate in the race. “It’s going to be a tough optic to overcome, just the sheer number of ballots that these states are going to have,” Wyman said in an interview with The Spokesman-Review. Wyman, a two-term Republican running for reelection, implemented a rule change in coordination with county auditors to make sure ballots would be sent quickly enough. Wyman herself was not in attendance at the time. OLYMPIA — As President Donald Trump repeatedly attacked mail balloting this year and the U.S. More recently, the office implemented Washington’s same-day voter registration law, which included the bumpy early rollout of a new statewide voter management system intended to be more secure than the old system. Wyman acknowledged that she attended the meeting, saying she attends many meetings throughout the year for different organizations, partisan or nonpartisan. Tarleton said she is proud of the Republicans she knows who have stood against Trump, and she really hoped her secretary of state would do the same. | Read more ». Pierce County Sheriff. Analysis: At the end of September, Tarleton released information that said Wyman attended Republican-only meetings with the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, about elections integrity and security. Here's a better look at partisan ties in both candidates' campaigns with just a sample of endorsements and donations in each campaign. They debated before the Association of Washington Business. “That’s great and important, but you have to actually implement them at some point, and that’s really where our two skill sets are completely different.”. “So that when someone like President Trump starts attacking the integrity of our voting systems, I can talk about how it’s not only accessible but secure,” said Wyman in an interview. Governor: Heck Vs. Liias. She added it’s her job to listen to all points of view and understand the concerns regarding elections from all sides. Silence is compliance. One of the few remaining Republicans elected to statewide office on the continental West Coast, Wyman has become a go-to spokesperson nationally in defense of voting by mail, touting Washington’s long experience. Democratic State Rep. Gael Tarleton is the challenger. “I will honor the Public Records Act voluntarily, and I have every moment since that day,” she said. Since the beginning of her campaign, Democrat state Rep. Gael Tarleton has called on Republican incumbent Kim Wyman to stand up against President Donald Trump’s attacks on vote-by-mail. In January 2001, she was appointed Thurston County auditor. Gifts processed in this system are not tax deductible, but are predominately used to help meet the local financial requirements needed to receive national matching-grant funds. Tarleton has accused Wyman of not being open enough about her partisan ties. Tarleton has criticized Wyman for her early opposition to bills that ultimately became law, including same-day registration and preregistration of 16 and 17 year olds. Unlike Wyman’s previous challengers, Tarleton has a cybersecurity background and was a former defense analyst for the Pentagon. The most closely contested race for a statewide position in Washington this year isn’t for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or Attorney General, but for Secretary of State, the office responsible for the administration of Washington’s elections, archives, library, corporations and charities, and address … And we need to start innovating.”. In the race for secretary of state, each candidate has questioned the other’s records and partisan ties, claiming the chief elections officer should be nonpartisan when it comes to elections. “And that’s the difference between Gael’s experience as a legislator, writing policies, writing bills, creating new laws,” added Wyman. And in interviews and statements, she touted the safeguards of Washington’s vote-by-mail system that have been developed over the years. Analysis: In 2018, the Access to Democracy package – five bills that improved voter access – passed in the Legislature. WA 8th House District: Schrier Vs. Jensen. Laurel Demkovich's reporting for The Spokesman-Review is funded in part by Report for America and by members of the Spokane community. Claim: Wyman’s refusal to stand up to President Trump has led to national vote-by-mail problems. Wyman served as elections manager in Thurston County for eight years. Claim: Wyman testified against bills that expand voting access and security. Tarleton said the difference between her and Wyman is that she is open about her partisan ties – something she does not think about Wyman. In August 2019, the Cherokee Nation made history by appointing their first delegate to Congress, Kimberley Teehee. But both candidates’ records show no matter how nonpartisan they claim to be, they always will have ties to their party. Republican Secretary of State Kim Wyman and Democratic state Rep. Gael Tarleton both advanced to the November ballot in the race to be the state's top election officer. In the debate, Tarleton admitted to voting for the bill but said she later apologized to her constituents for it. “Because how you implement law matters, how election officials implement a new law for voters matters,” she said. Postal Service implemented changes that slowed mail delivery over the summer, Secretary of State Kim Wyman sought to ease those concerns. Tarleton, a former Port of Seattle commissioner is trying to be the first Democrat elected to the statewide office in more than 50 years. If you live in Washington state, whether you support President Donald Trump or former Vice President Joe Biden, we’d like to hear from you. Now, Idaho’s vaccine demand is out of whack, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Democrat, Three former Republican Washington secretaries of state, Former Oregon Secretary of State Phil Keisling, Democrat, 45 current and former county auditors, various parties, Democratic Association of Secretaries of State: $4,000, Fuse Votes, state progressive organization: $5,260.90 in independent expenditures for advertising, Washington State Republican Party: $20,000, NRA Political Victory Fund: $2,085.69 in independent expenditures for endorsement postcards, Republican State Leadership Committee: $78,250 in independent expenditures for digital advertising. Wyman claims Tarleton’s support for the bill is worrisome, as the role of the secretary of state is all about transparency. Tarleton came up as a senior defense analyst for the Pentagon. In addition to elections oversight, the office oversees a grab-bag of roles, like the registration of businesses and nonprofits, and the supervising of the state library and the state archives. That seat is currently held by Kim Wyman, representing the highest office to be held by a Republican in the Evergreen State. She wants to focus on instilling confidence in the voters. Governor: Inslee Vs. Culp. In 2016, Russian agents targeted elections systems across the nation. “Everything I do will be transparent to the people,” she said. Analysis: In a debate between Wyman and Tarleton, Wyman said she tries to keep her political ties out of issues in Washington. State Executive Offices. “How we continue to protect voting rights even when they are under attack by any source, foreign or domestic. With bipartisan support in Congress for permanent daylight saving time, could this weekend's time change be the last? Kim Wyman, Washington state's Secretary of State, poses for a photo on Sept. 15, 2020, in Olympia, Wash. Wyman, a Republican, is facing a challenge in the upcoming election from Democratic state Rep. Gael Tarleton of Seattle, who is leaving the Legislature in December after serving four terms. According to ProPublica, lawyer Hans von Spakovsky, whose voter fraud claims have been discredited, led the meetings. Wyman has said if there are real concerns with vote-by-mail, she will address them. Incumbent Kim Wyman, a Republican, and challenger Gael Tarleton, a Democrat, face off in the Nov. 3 general election for Secretary of State. If reelected, Wyman said she wants to push to make an “unaffiliated” option for voters to cast ballots in the next presidential primary without revealing their party preference, which they must currently do. Wyman has been endorsed by dozens of present and past election officials, including former secretaries of state Sam Reed, Ralph Munro and Bruce Chapman, and current Spokane County Auditor Vicky Dalton, a Democrat. But both candidates’ partisan ties have defined their campaigns. -- Wyman vs. Tarleton: Republicans have held the Secretary of State's office since 1964. The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times. In an interview with The Spokesman-Review, Wyman said she wanted to hear what was being said at the meeting so she could understand the concerns of the Heritage Foundation. As of Friday, Wyman has raised $603,784, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission (PDC). Jay Inslee, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, and U.S. Sens. WA 10th House District: Strickland Vs. Doglio. If you don’t see a form below, click here to submit your response. I am not proud to … Claim: Tarleton voted for a bill that would have exempted the Legislature from Washington’s Public Records Act. Wyman also has been open about how challenging it would be for many states to switch completely to vote-by-mail in only a few months. “And it’s not.”. But her Democratic challenger, Rep. Gael Tarleton of Seattle, said Wyman hasn’t done enough to push back against Trump and the Postal Service changes, which a federal judge later suspended until after the election. Governor Denny Heck vs. Marko Liias; Attorney General Bob Ferguson vs. Matt Larkin; Sec. Kim Wyman, left, and Gael Tarleton, right. The two campaigns this year have been fairly evenly matched in spending. Claim: Wyman “plays” in national elections to help other Republicans get elected. The office that five-term Washington Secretary of State Ralph Munro once called a “low-level, low-profile position” has been anything but that in recent years. “My opponent is trying to turn this into a partisan conspiracy,” Wyman said. Tarleton is challenging incumbent Republican Secretary of State Kim Wyman, who has faced a bumpy road during her time in office. She is a certified elections/registration administrator (CERA) for Washington state.Wyman has served as the treasurer for the National Association of Secretaries of State. She pointed to meetings she has attended with organizations often described as liberal, such as Common Cause, the National Women’s Political Caucus, the ACLU and the Brennan Center for Justice. Wyman did attend a February 2019 meeting with the Heritage Foundation and other Republican elections officials across the country. If Wyman wanted the secretary of state to be nonpartisan – something Wyman has said – then she could have introduced it at some point during her seven years as secretary of state, Tarleton said. Did you know nearly half of adults with high blood pressure are women and many don’t know their blood pressure numbers are high? Also on the Aug. 4 … While it remains to be seen whether or not the Cherokee Nation's delegate is accepted by Congress, it raises a bigger question on the role of Native American representation in Congress as well as a potential solution both parties might be able to support. Tarleton has also expressed her disappointment that Wyman hasn’t pushed the Legislature to pass more bills aimed at protecting elections from cyberthreats after the 2016 election. She understands the need for increased election security funding and isn’t shy about suggesting that Wyman hasn’t done enough to shield Washington from foreign cyber attacks. Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Wyman, however, claims she has worked with elections officials across the country, giving them advice on switching to vote-by-mail, and has spoken with news organizations nationally about the safety and security of the process. Joining us Wednesday is current Secretary of State Kim Wyman, a Republican running for her second term. © Copyright 2021, The Spokesman-Review | Community Guidelines | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy, Incumbent Secretary of State Kim Wyman said county election officials have been well prepared to handle the extra demands of a pandemic, while her Democratic challenger state Rep. Gael Tarleton said the Republican needs to do more to defend Washington’s system of voting by mail.