🏛️ Structure of Washington State Government
Executive Branch
Led by the Governor (currently Jay Inslee).
Other elected officials: Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Insurance Commissioner, and Commissioner of Public Lands.
Governor's Office Website
Legislative Branch
Washington State Legislature: Bicameral system with the House of Representatives (98 members) and the Senate (49 members).
Washington House of Representatives Website
Washington State Senate Website
Judicial Branch
Led by the Washington Supreme Court, with the Court of Appeals, Superior Courts, and District and Municipal Courts.
Washington Judiciary Website
🗳️ Elections and Voter Information
Washington Secretary of State (Elections Division): Oversees voter registration, election integrity, and candidate filings. Washington conducts elections entirely by mail.
Register to Vote
Elections & Voting Info
Washington Voter Guide: Comprehensive guides for state and local elections.
Voter Guide Portal
📊 Key Political Issues in Washington
Climate Change and Renewable Energy
Affordable Housing and Homelessness
Education Funding and Equity
Healthcare Access and Mental Health Services
Public Transportation and Infrastructure
Criminal Justice Reform and Police Accountability
🤝 Civic Engagement & Grassroots Activism
League of Women Voters of Washington: Promotes informed and active civic participation.
Washington Environmental Council: Advocates for environmental preservation and climate action.
Fuse Washington: Focused on progressive advocacy and grassroots engagement.
📰 Stay Informed
The Seattle Times: Covers statewide politics and government.
Crosscut: Nonprofit newsroom focused on Washington state issues and policy.
KUOW Public Radio: Offers in-depth reporting on state and local issues.
📚 Educational Resources
Washington State Archives: Provides access to historical and government records.
Washington State Archives Website
BallotPedia Washington: Neutral, fact-checked information on elections and policy.
Ballotpedia Washington
📱 Useful Tools and Apps
Countable: Follow legislation and contact your representatives.
CivicEngage: Portal for community-level civic information.