Election Day is Nov. 5. In addition to both national and local elections, there are four major initiatives on the Washington state ballot.
The Center for Civic Engagement will host a voting hub on Monday and Tuesday in the CUB, where students can cast their ballots.
“That’s what we do here at the Center for Civic Engagement, is really getting people involved and seeing how their presence affects the community and how they can give and really immerse themselves into the inner workings of society,” third-year microbiology major Ryleigh McWilliams said.
McWilliams, who began working at the CCE in an effort to remain involved in social discussions, said the CCE partners with the Cougs Vote initiative to educate students on voting and registration.
“Being aware of all of these legislative initiatives and everything that’s going on around you is your impact. It’s what you give to the community,” McWilliams said. “You may be registering to vote today, and you may be the nation’s next leader.”
This year, there is one initative for the people (I-2066) and three for the Legislature (I-2109, I-2117 and I-2124). Initatives for the people are voted on directly by the public, while iniatives for the Legislature are sent to the Legislature where several courses of action can be taken, according to the Washington Secretary of State.
WHAT’S ON YOUR WASHINGTON BALLOT:
INITATIVE NO. 2066: This iniative would repeal state law (Decarbonization Act) that includes planning requirements for cost-effective electrification. It discourages the restriciton of avalibility and use of natural gas.
INITATIVE NO. 2109: This initiative would repeal an excise tax on certain capital gains over $250,000. Currently, Washington’s tax is %7. This includes goods held longer for a year like stocks, bonds, precious metals or artwork and does not include assests such as real estate and retirement funds. This initative was written by a group including former Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna.
INITIATIVE NO. 2117: Repealing the “cap and invest” program as outlined within Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 95% by 2050, this initative would restrict future legislation on programs dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
INITIATIVE NO. 2124: The measure would allow Washington employees to opt-out of the state’s long term care coverage (WA Cares) as outlined under RCW 50B.04. This coverage is mandatory for most workers, currently excluding those who are self-employed or members of federal tribes.
The Secretary of State provides arguments for and against each of these initatives.
For many WSU students, this election marks their first time voting. Senior broadcast news major Emmett Bryz-Gornia said being an educated voter is extremely important, especially when it comes to local elections.
“We always talk about the Andy Grammer’s song,” Bryz-Gornia said. “‘Always find your way back home.’ You’re here for four years. I know we go back home in the summers, but you spend most of your life now here in Pullman, Washington.”
Students who have questions regarding the voting process can contact the CCE or their county election office.
“I think being a college student is all about learning. You are being prepared to enter the workforce and the professional world,” McWilliams said. “As adults and as students, it is our duty to learn and to grow and to be consciously aware of our environment and how we affect it, because we are the new generation’s leaders.”
