In This Blog
Observations on Observing
Newly Registered Voter Update
Kamala Kick or Backlash?
Mike Pellicciotti Our Man!
Rural Americans United in Action
Potpourri
Voter Suppression: Are You "Still" Registered To Vote?
Dominick Bonney: Christian Nationalism Shaping Our Youth
Flipping State Houses By Year - Ballotpedia
Prelude: Thank you for your patience in waiting for our newsletter. The elections and life have placed a strong demand on our resources. There will not be an update on Newhouse, as that will be written as an op-ed soon, contrasting Sessler and Newhouse. Additionally, the much-anticipated data from the Granny Caravan is coming in, and we will provide an update on what they learned while touring Eastern Washington's smallest towns.
Observations On Observing
Dave Upthegrove beat a Republican opponent by 49 votes, moving him into the General Election to face off against another Republican, Jaime Herrera Beutler, for the position of Public Lands Commissioner. Upthegrove’s campaign kicked into high gear when the primary results were released, showing he had a slim 59-vote lead. They reached out to every corner of the state to activate grassroots supporters to canvass voters who had rejected ballots for ballot curing. Part of that process was observing the recount.
While recount processes can differ from county to county, they follow a similar structure. This process allows for observers to watch the recount but from an area where they do not have direct contact with the ballots, auditors, or their work. And therein lies the rub.
I was warmly greeted by Yakima County Auditor Charles Ross and Election Manager Kathy Fisher, who provided a confidence-building, professional review of the process, explaining what I could and could not do and the area from which I could observe. There was a windowed alcove that looked directly into the ballot room, and a sitting area with a large monitor showing various CCTV camera images from different parts of the ballot room. However, despite this level of visibility, I could not see the actual counting taking place. The windowed alcove was too far from any counting table, and the CCTV lacked sufficient resolution to see the details on the ballots. Without this crucial detail, it was impossible to effectively observe the process. For all I could tell, they could have been sorting lunch delivery menus.
Interesting Fact: In Washington State, a mandatory machine recount occurs if the difference between the top two candidates is less than 2,000 votes and less than 0.5% of the total votes cast. If the margin is even smaller, less than 150 votes and within 0.25%, a mandatory hand recount is triggered to ensure accuracy in such close races.
It seems that if the role of the observer is to verify the accuracy of the recount, some level of detail must be visible. I was able to figure out how to check the correctness of ballot counting for a few ballots. If you could determine the placement of the Public Lands Commissioner race on a ballot, you could, more or less, make out the check marks in that area and see them line up in the correct piles. However, I could only discern this for one of the counters, and there were 10 to 12 people counting. So, at best, I was able to monitor 10% of the ballots counted.
It is powerful and important for citizens to be part of the process, but it seems overly optimistic to think that the observer's role will add a significant layer of confidence. I could not have commented on the accuracy of the count, and from my vantage point, they would have had to start shredding an entire bin of ballots before I could have been certain something was wrong. I believe this is where the individual right to the privacy of our vote conflicts with a citizen observer's ability to make a confident statement about the accuracy of the recount.
What I can attest to is that the people doing the work were professional, precise, and invested in the accuracy of the process. This was clear. I, for one, am grateful for the work they do. It is not easy.
Newly Registered Voter Outreach
Four thousand two hundred seventy-three newly registered voters in the month of August!
We have delivered postcards to them and provided access to voter information and resources. We will launch a direct-to-IP campaign the first week of October that will run through the election. It will start with Legislative District 14 to promote Democratic values and voter turnout. We are optimistic that we can expand this to include Independent and swing voters, depending on funding.
Kamala Kick Or Backlash
As a project manager, I get excited when I see complex projects executed well, and I am astounded by the Harris-Walz campaign. What they have accomplished since President Biden selflessly put country over party and person is nothing short of remarkable. Their ground game is strong, and their media and messaging are spot-on. What catches my eye most clearly is their effective use of controlling physical spaces. The Democratic Convention was a spectacle like few others, and their presence at rallies and after the debate, utilizing spaces, buildings, air, and anything else they can put a message against, is in full force. They taunt Trump and celebrate us.
Their ability to pull heavyweights from the sidelines, like Oprah, Taylor Swift, and the McCain family, demonstrates the pure energy that the campaign possesses. From this, we have seen record voter registrations, record-setting fundraising, and the restoration of hope in often overlooked communities like ours in rural America. In Yakima County, where Democrats have faced the disheartening results of some of the lowest voter turnout, virulent far-right aggression, and profound apathy towards party participation, their recent annual dinner packed the convention center. Governor Inslee made his way back to his old stomping grounds after thirty years away to be the keynote speaker. I looked out upon the attendees and saw so many smiles, heard joyful voices, and rounds of thunderous applause.
During the recent Yakima Sunfair Parade, I received a joyful text from Democratic candidate for Washington State House of Representatives Ana Kennedy, and it filled my heart with joy. Is this the Kamala kick? In rural areas, her effect may not be as clear. There is no better example of a possible Kamala backlash than in Montana, where Democratic Senator Jon Tester faces a challenge from a Republican opponent that just shouldn’t be. Senator Tester is proven, beloved, and has been in office long enough for this to have been a sure thing. But instead, it is proving to be a race so expensive it can only be described as absurd. By the end of June, Senator Tester had raised $43,000,000, and by now that number is much larger. In addition, outside parties are spending another $44,000,000.
With all this, Senator Tester is on the wrong side of the polls. And with only 753,767 total registered voters, this is an insane amount of money being spent to support a first-time Republican candidate. There is also concern in our corner of the woods. In the Hispanic-majority Legislative District 14, voter turnout for the primary showed that 71% of voters were White, while 24.5% were Hispanic. This is a change from 2020, when White voter turnout was 68.3% and Hispanic voter turnout was 26.3%. In the newly drawn Latino-majority district, Hispanic voter turnout dropped. This troubling figure is further compounded by the fact that the number of White people living in Yakima County has dropped, demonstrating that White voter strength is growing disproportionately to their percentage of the population, while the Hispanic vote is in the inverse. It appears that despite the legal victories and the strong Latina candidates, the minority of White voters could again decide the winner.
As we move forward, it’s clear that while progress is being made, the challenges in rural America and beyond remind us that every vote, every voice, and every effort counts in shaping the future we envision.
Mike Pellicciotti is a Washington State Treasure
Yakima County Democrats FDR Dinner September 2024
Shout out to Mike Pellicciotti. I first met Mike when he showed up at my very first watch party—unprompted. He just came. That’s the kind of politician he is—genuine and down-to-earth. Mike visits Central Washington more than any other Washington politician, and he does it because he genuinely enjoys it.
We can all appreciate the time commitment it takes to be an outstanding State Treasurer. And while most of the work for our statewide elected officials happens on the west side of the state, Mike still makes time to regularly visit us here in Central Washington. Thank you Mike.
Mike Pellicciotti, Washington State Treasurer since 2021, has focused on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and economic fairness. His key accomplishments include:
Eliminating Hidden Fees: Pellicciotti successfully eliminated costly Wall Street management fees from the state's investments, saving Washington millions of dollars.
Debt Refinancing: He led efforts to refinance state debt, securing historically low interest rates and saving taxpayers over $500 million in debt service costs.
Promoting Transparency: Pellicciotti increased transparency in state finances by making financial reports and investment information more accessible to the public.
Supporting Local Communities: He expanded local government access to state financial resources, helping municipalities invest in infrastructure and community improvements at lower costs.
Advocating for Financial Equity: Pellicciotti has been a vocal advocate for equitable access to financial services, promoting policies that reduce barriers for marginalized communities and foster long-term economic security.
These accomplishments reflect Pellicciotti's commitment to safeguarding public resources and ensuring that Washington's financial practices benefit all residents.
Rural Americans United At Work
Rural Americans United focuses on three key tactics to identify, persuade, and engage voters.
1. Immunize Against Far-Right Rhetoric
We target newly registered voters with alternative information and ongoing dialogue to counter MAGA influence. Our Newly Registered Voter Outreach program ensures that every new voter in Central and Eastern Washington is contacted and informed about voting. With over 30,000 newly registered voters expected by the next election, this is a significant voting block that moves us closer to our goal of 50% +1.
2. Educate and Represent
In areas like Yakima County, 80% of people have never heard a pro-Democratic message. This lack of representation leads to isolation and hopelessness among Democrats. Rural Americans United launched the first-ever pro-Democratic messaging campaign in Central Washington, reaching over twenty million radio impressions. We aim to continue this effort by purchasing local radio and print businesses, bringing back sensible politics and countering far-right gaslighting. By providing alternative viewpoints, we energize Democrats and inform independents and moderate Republicans.
3. Embrace Ballot Harvesting
Ballot harvesting involves collecting ballots from voters at non-official locations. Republicans excel at this, while Democrats do not. Washington State's ambiguous laws on ballot harvesting mean anyone with a receptacle can do it. We should encourage ballot harvesting at churches, community organizations, bars, and clubs. Instead of relying solely on ballot parties, we should incentivize people to bring their ballots to places they already frequent, increasing voter turnout. Security is crucial, as MAGA supporters may attempt to disrupt the process. We're working with music venues to create ballot harvest events targeting youth, using incentives like free drinks and no cover charges.
The Goal
Getting out the vote isn't enough. Progressives and moderates need new, cost-effective ways to engage a larger portion of the voter base. Rural Americans United is working hard to close the gap and reach 50% +1, with the support of many dedicated organizations and individuals.
Let's unite, innovate, and secure those crucial votes to make a real difference in our communities. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
Goal: $62,000 by October 10th!
Potpourri
Voter Suppression: Are You "Still" Registered To Vote? (Under the desk news)
Christian Nationalism Shaping Our Youth (Dominick Bonney, may have paywall)
Flipping State Houses By Year (Ballotpedia)
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