Each of us vote for the elected officials who most closely align with our values. Here at Seattle’s Child, our values dictate that we stand behind candidates who will:
- Put children and families first
- Advocate for affordable health care for all
- Fight to protect the right of every woman to decide what is best for their body
- Commit to protecting the planet for future generations
- Support responsible gun laws so that no family has to suffer the loss of a child or parent togun violenceBe courageous in rooting out racism and sexism in our national and state systems
- Commit to ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education from preschool to high school graduation
- Work to see that wealthy individuals and large corporations pay their fair share of taxes
With these values in mind, here are the candidates wes endorse in the 2024 General Election and where we stand on ballot initiatives.
At a glance
Candidates
- President of the United States: Kamala Harris / Tim Walz
- U.S. Senate: Sen. Maria Cantwell
- Washington State Governor: Bob Ferguson
- Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction: Chris Reykdal
- Washington Attorney General: Nick Brown
Initiatives/Propositions
- NO on Initiative 2109
- NO on Initiative 2066
- NO on Initiative 2117
- NO on Initiative 2124
- YES on Proposition No. 1
The details
Kamala Harris for President of the United States
Harris is the only candidate committed to fighting racism and protecting children and families, the environment, women’s rights, federally funded public education programs, affordable health insurance, equitable taxation on corporations and the richest Americans. And, when it comes to sanity in leadership and the continuation of democracy in America, she is the only choice.
Sen. Maria Cantwell for U.S. Senate
Since 2001 Sen. Maria Cantwell has fought for climate protections and clean energy and sponsored bills to protect waterways and strengthen tribal involvement in matters relating to conservation and land management. Earlier this year, Cantwell partnered with Sen. Patty Murray to win $28 million to ensure safe drinking water in Washington by replacing lead pipes. She is advocating to increase funding for K-12 and student loans and to expand the affordable housing tax credit. .Last but not least, we need Cantwell to remain in Congress to be part of the Democratic majority so critical to stop Trump efforts to derail democracy or to support the Harris administration’s work to accomplish their agenda that supports families.
Bob Ferguson for Washington State Governor
Bob Ferguson served as Washington Attorney General for 12 years, years in which he pushed to make gun control laws in Washington some of the strongest in the nation, protect statewide water quality from Donald Trump’s dangerous environmental policies, win over $1 billion from opioid manufacturers to fund treatment, and fight back against child detention laws. When it comes to strengthening the rights of working families in Washington, Ferguson is the choice.
Chris Reykdal for Superintendent of Public Instruction
Running for a third term, Reykdal has been a lightning rod for reducing learning gaps, raising educator and paraeducator salaries and increasing access to free meals in schools. He pushed expansion of dual and tribal language learning programs in school and has requested that the Legislature increase how much it spends on each Washington student and to address major hurdles in funding for special education. We join with the Washington Education Association in endorsing a third term for Reykdal.
Nick Brown for Attorney General
Nick Brown has stated that he is running to protect Washington’s climate, civil rights, and democracy. He has the skill and experience to do the job: He served as general counsel for Gov. Jay Insle before becoming President Biden’s appointment as U.S. attorney for Western Washington and served as judge advocate general (JAG) officer, representing soldiers and the U.S. Army in legal matters. Brown has also served as chair of the attorney general’s Advisory Subcommittee on Civil Rights. He is committed to fighting against the state’s rising tide of hate crimes and vows to enforce laws against deadly weapons and uphold strong consumer protections. As Attorney General, we believe Brown will best serve and protect families and youth in our state.
Vote NO on Initiative 2109, which would repeal the Capital Gains Tax
Repealing this tax would mean that Washihngton’s public education system would lose billions, worsening budget deficits statewide. Further, a repeal would make childcare even more inaccessible for Washington families.
Vote NO on Initiative 2066, repealing energy efficiency rules and legislation
By eliminating or rolling back modern energy standards, I-2066 would increase energy bills for families and impact Puget Sound Energy’s ability to give financial assistance to homeowners when they switch from natural gas to electric.
Vote NO on Initiative 2117, which would repeal the Climate Commitment Act
We owe it to our children to commit to policies and systems aimed at stopping climate change, protecting the environment, and thus protecting citizens’ health. Washington’s Climate Commitment Act does just that. Passage of I-2117 would cause more kids and seniors to suffer from asthma and heart conditions as a result of more toxic air pollution and wildfires.
No on Initiative 2124, which would repeal the Long-Term Care Act
Families face many costs as children grow and parents and grandparents age. Repealing the Long-Term Care Act would leave millions of Washingtonians who can’t afford private insurance without a cheaper state-sponsored option as they struggle to meet the needs of family members with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or who are aging.
Vote YES Proposition No. 1: Property Tax Levy Renewal for Transportation
This Proposition supports provides funds safety and access projects, such as: repairing streets and sidewalks, bridge maintenance, improved connections to light rail; new sidewalks; safety projects at 70 high-collision locations, and pollution reductions. Families regularly use the city streets and sidewalks on foot and bikes. Potholes on the road and a lack of sidewalks are dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists, including kids walking and biking to school.
The new levy will cost approximately $41 per month for the owner of the median-valued home. Unfortunately, due to our state tax structure, which does not include a state income tax, this is the only way to fund essential maintenance and improvements of the infrastructure.
Track your vote in King County: To ensure your vote is received track it at King County Elections office or the elections office of your county.
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