We will know by sometime this afternoon if the bill was allowed to be voted on. Representative Bergquist got 50 representatives to sign his own petition, and has asked us to send this email to Speaker Chopp. Thank you for your support this far, we are almost there. If you have time, please send the following email to frank.chopp@leg.wa.gov
Dear Speaker Chopp: Please allow a vote on inclusive primaries (1063)
This legislation allows young voters the opportunity to nominate candidates for the general election.
It is vitally important to engage young people in the electoral process. Providing our citizens nearing 18 years old the ability to help select the pool of candidates they will later vote on in the general election is good for the democratic process, civic engagement, and education. Youth in Washington are becoming more politically engaged and should be able to participate in elections in a meaningful way. This bill is constitutionally sound because primaries nominate candidates that will advance to the general election. 16 other states have successfully adopted similar laws, (Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia).
Auditors from King, Mason and Thurston County testified in support of the bill. Costs would be minimal because it would entail a relatively small number of ballots. The substitute bill addresses the privacy concerns expressed by the those who expressed concerns in the hearing.
2020 will be the first election with more millennials voting than baby boomers. This legislation addresses those demographic shifts.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
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