Due to all the intense media coverage, it seems like election season has been upon us longer than pumpkin spice lattes and skeletons in the supermarket, and there sure is a lot to pay attention to. From our 10 Congressional races to the 123 legislative races in the state, control over the law making bodies at both the federal and state levels is at stake. Additionally, three contentious ballot initiatives and five Supreme Court seats are on the ballot. Be sure to check out all the election resources prior to casting your vote before November 3rd.
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In Washington State, judges and justices are elected to the bench through non-partisan elections. In this episode of Elections Explained, Court of Appeals judge, Judge Cecily Hazelrigg explains the importance of judicial independence and how Washington’s Code of Judicial Conduct reinforces the rule of law. However, because judges may not affiliate themselves with a political party, casting a vote in a judicial election requires a different type of research. Be sure to check out endorsements, incumbency, statements in the voter’s pamphlet, and candidate forums for more information.
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Brianna Klein: Public Programs Manager, Seward Park Audubon Center, explains her role as the public programs manager at Seward Park Audubon Center. By promoting a lecture series, guided nature walks, and ecological restoration, she showcases how to become ecologically literate. By encouraging others to see birding as a part of ecological literacy, Brianna helps build thriving communities, especially for those who have historically been left out of the conversation.
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Marshall Davidson: History Teacher, Charles Wright Academy, showcases how planting a garden empowers people to be observant of the world around them. He explains how planting a garden increases community pride and connection between oneself and the environment. When involved in gardening, one has to be curious which is a skill that can be transferred into all aspects of life.
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Katie Watkins: Florist, Blooms and Twine Floral Design, explains how her small floral business supports the local economy and community. By focusing on inclusion, Watkins showcases the experiences and products of her environment, improving the local community for all. As a community business owner, she shows how her experiences allowed her to create the world that she wants to see on a small scale.
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Rena Priest: Former Washington State Poet Laureate (2021-2023), member of the Lummi Nation, explores how poetry gives us access to another person’s point of view and why this awareness is so important to community life. As she explains, “the more access you have to different points of view, the greater your vision—the broader your vision.” Speaking directly to how this function of poetry translates into action, she explains the importance of being able to see into the hearts of others to best understand what they want and why while simultaneously knowing what you want and why.
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David B. Williams: Naturalist and Writer, discusses the connections between people and place, exploring how the landscape influences people and how people influence the landscape. Through his writings about the natural history of the Puget Sound, he inspires his readers to protect the places in which they live. He encourages people to be observant of the natural world, allowing the realization that everyone’s actions matter in our civil society.
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Christopher Williams: Former Acting Superintendent, Seattle Parks, explains how his experience with the public parks system taught him about the power of authenticity and being an engaged and interested listener. These skills allow for disagreements without villainization when communicating with others. Williams showcases how he listened to and empathized with a community’s concern while continuing to amplify the park system’s mission of equity, inclusion, and access.
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Chirag Vedullapalli: Campaign Manager for Representative Adam Smith, explains what a political campaign is and why it is important. By being involved in a campaign, Vedullapalli helps someone who has a candidate deliver on their promises to the community. He explains that through hard work, an individual can have their ideas heard and learn how to work together with people we disagree with.
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Purcell Parker: A lifelong football and baseball coach, Central Area Youth Association (CAYA), speaks to how sports are more than just sports. Parker reflects on life lessons learned and taught in his time working with young people in Seattle’s Central District. In particular, he discusses the role of development, the journey of life, and taking the long view as young people grow into adults and as we affect the communities around us.
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