The Seattle Traveler

Just when you thought it was safe to stop thinking about voting and  presidential elections, along comes the Washington State Presidential Primary.

Yes, that’s right.  Even though you learned all about our long-standing caucus system, found out where your caucus was, and made it there to caucus and vote, there’s still another step in Washington State.

On Tuesday, February 19th, Washington State will have its very first Presidential Primary.

So what does this all mean?  Well, let’s break into down into three parts:  the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, and local issues.

• The Democratic Party chose its delegates for the presidential election in caucuses held on February 9th.  The full list of candidates still appears on the primary ballot, and while you are not required to cast an additional vote for your candidate of choice, you are free to do so.  This is what’s called an advisory or “beauty contest” vote, and it will have no impact on the delegate selection.
• The Republican Party chose half its delegates for the presidential in the February 9th caucuses.  The other half of the delegates will be chosen based on the outcome of the February 19th primary vote.  If you are supporting a Republican candidate, it’s important to vote in the primary to help shore up the delegate count for your candidate of choice.  This is the first time there has been a presidential primary in this state, and this is how the Republican party has chosen to choose and allocate delegates.
• Local municipalities have measures on the primary ballot, so even if you don’t give a hoot about presidential politics, voting on these issues will be important.

Because of my work schedule, I vote by absentee ballot.  After filling out the ballot with my votes for the party and candidate of my choice and voting my local issues, I still had one more step. 

The outside of the absentee mailing envelope has an area to declare and check off the appropriate political party selection.  This is required, and becomes, by law, a part of the public record.  The declaration only applies to this presidential primary vote, and can be changed at any time.  If you do not declare a party preference, you cannot vote for presidential candidates, but may still vote on local measures.

Confusing?  A bit; it’s our first time through this, after all. 

The important thing to remember is that — regardless of your political preference — go out and vote!

Washington State’s Presidential Primary is Tuesday, February 19th.

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