Only 41% of Washingtonians voted in this year’s primary; virtually the same percentage of voters who returned their ballots in the 2018 mid-term election. That means 6 out of every 10 voters failed to share their priorities and opinions on which candidate will best advocate for their family, business, and community.
Historically, general election turnout is higher. In 2018, turnout was just over 70% in Washington. This mean, three out of ten family members, friends, or co-workers don’t vote in mid-term general elections. If this mid-term election is similar to 2018 then 30% of voters won’t return their ballot.
What is stopping 30% of voters from returning their ballot?
According to recent polls, the reason many eligible voters don’t vote is their believe that ‘their vote doesn’t matter or count.” Unfortunately, withholding your vote will only help elect candidates who don’t represent your values or position on issues.
This year, your vote will help decide many local and county races and your vote (or failure to vote) will help decide control of Congress and our State Legislature. Currently, Congress and both chambers of the State Legislature are controlled by one party. If you feel your views are not represented, the only way to change that is by voting.
Every person has different motivations for voting; including foreign policy, domestic policy, crime, inflation, education, government accountability, checks-and-balances, economics, or something else.
If you plan to vote, congratulations! There are great candidates campaigning to earn your vote.
If you don’t plan to vote, consider that someone will be casting a ballot even if you don’t. Whether you like it or not, their voice will help dictate the direction of our state and nation.
I want to thank and congratulate all the candidates on the general election ballot. Running for public office and sharing ideas to improve a community is a significant commitment for the candidate and their family. I also appreciate the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce promoting constructive dialogue, conversation, and exchange of ideas. This helps all of us become more educated about issues and candidates.
I strongly encourage voters to share their priorities by casting a ballot and encouraging their family members, friends, and co-workers to join them. The 18-day voting period begins October 21, so expect ballots to be mailed from your county auditor before that date. The deadline for in-person registrations and updates is Election Day, November 8th and all ballots must be postmarked or deposited in an official ballot drop box by 8pm. To register to vote or learn more about candidates and find your district, visit the Washington State Secretary of State’s Office at www.SOS.WA.GOV.
I am honored by the opportunity to serve the 20th Legislative District in the Washington State House of Representatives and proud of the trust voters placed in me to advocate for the issues important to us. Please visit my legislative website www.RepresentaitvePeterAbbarno.com for more information about my priorities, the 20th Legislative District, and the upcoming 2023 Legislative Session.
Peter J. Abbarno is an attorney, business owner, and represents the 20th Legislative District in the Washington State House of Representatives. He is currently running unopposed for a second two-year term.
