With voting under way in Washington state for the Nov. 3 general election, the League of Women Voters is offering a number of resources to help voters with their ballot choices this fall.
Visit the state’s official elections website at VoteWA.gov to check one’s voter registration, register to vote if necessary and track one’s ballot.
Meanwhile, the league of Women Voters website at LWVWA.org offers a number of tools for the 2020 voter, including:
• Downloadable debates between candidates running for statewide offices: commissioner of public lands; lieutenant governor; secretary of state, superintendent of public instruction and treasurer; voters can view the debates online at their convenience, hear what the candidates have to say for themselves and decide which candidate they want for the job.
• A downloadable video presenting the pros and cons of Referendum 90 regarding sexual health education in schools.
• Simplified ballot measure summaries in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese. Voters can get a quick look at what the ballot issues are all about. These brief summaries offer pro and con information on Referendum 90 and SJR 8212 and background on the advisory measures.
• Videos on how to vote and other important election information. First-time voters can find the mechanics of voting overwhelming and wonder about some of the details.
• A link to VOTE411.org, the league’s voter guide and much more; this site, available to all voters in the United States, offers personalized voting information — voters simply enter their address to see what’s on their specific ballot.
The site also features candidate answers to local League questions, simplified ballot measure summaries, and voting rules for each state in both English and Spanish.
If a candidate hasn’t answered any questions, voters are encouraged to contact the candidate’s campaign for those answers.
“Having a plan is the best way to make sure your voice is heard this election,” league president Lunell Haught said.
“Will you drop your ballot at a drop box, or are you planning to mail it? If mailing your ballot, make sure to leave enough time for it to be picked up and postmarked. In some rural areas of the state, this can be an issue. Better yet, vote early.”