This November, Washington is a battleground state. Both the state legislature and federal House elections are highly competitive for both parties. Here’s the 411 on Washington’s primary.
Washington has its statewide primary election on Tuesday, August 7. If you’re a voter in Washington, all the resources you need to vote are listed here; if you’re not in the state, consider sharing this post with friends or on social media to increase awareness and turnout!
Washington Voter Resources
Confirm your voter registration: https://iwillvote.com/
Info for overseas/military voters here
Washington uses a mail-only ballot system. Registered voters will have their ballot mailed to them. More info and specifics can be found here.
Washington Politics: A Snapshot
• 1 Senator is up for re-election in 2018
• All 10 House Representatives are up for re-election
• Voted +16 for Clinton in 2016
• Current partisan breakdown of the state legislature:
>>> Governor (D)
>>> State Senate 25 (D) – 23 (R) – 1 (Ind. Dem.)
>>> State House 50 (D) – 48 (R)
Key Races
U.S. SENATE
The Democratic incumbent, Maria Cantwell, is running for re-election. Washington utilizes the top-two primary system The Democratic candidates are:
Maria Cantwell (incumbent) – website
George Kalberer – no website
Don Rivers – website
Mohammad Said – website
Clint Tannehill – website
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICTS 3, 5 and 8
Cook Political Report has Districts 3, 5 and 8 rated competitive, and are good opportunities for the Democrats to flip. (Note: The Republicans are targeting the 6th and 10th Districts to flip.)
District 3 candidates
Dorothy Gasque – website
Martin Hash – website
Carolyn Long – website
David McDevitt – website
District 5 candidate
Lisa Brown – website
District 8 candidates
Thomas Cramer – website
Shannon Hader – website
Jason Rittereiser – website
Kim Schrier – website
STATE SENATE
25 of the 49 seats in the Senate are up for re-election this year. Democrats secured a one-seat majority in 2017 after a special election race. A list of the districts with re-elections and the candidates running for those seats can be found here.
STATE HOUSE
All 98 seats in the House are up for re-election this year. The Democrats currently have a 2-seat majority; however a number of seats are highly competitive and could flip either way. A list of the candidates running for the House can be found here.
NOTE: If you’re unsure which state district you’re in, type in your address at Open States to get that info.
A Final Note
For a more complete list of state races in the primary, visit Ballotpedia: STATE Elections 2018. You can enter your address at 411Vote to see a sample ballot. To learn about events featuring candidates running for office, connect with your local chapter of the Washington Democrats.
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Categories: Uncategorized
Regarding the latest Political Charge, the Washington Governor is not a Republican.
Appreciate the heads up. I had the color right but the party wrong. It’s been fixed.
CHECK YOUR FACTS. GOV. JAY INSLEE IS A DEMOCRAT, NOT AN R!
Thanks for all these snapshots of the states. I have been invited in to watch, care for, take action for (as applicable), and be invested on Election night in all 50 states and a District. Thanks!
> WordPress.com
That seems like a big task. Delighted these primers can help.