Editor’s Note: As parents and voters, we should all care about the make up of the Washington State Supreme Court, which could potentially weigh in on issues like transgender girls playing school sports, the Millionaires’ Tax, proceeds of which are currently slated to fund severely underfunded public schools and social services, and the state’s Parents’ Bill of Rights. Check out the debate on I-645, which would repeal Millionaires’ Tax. It’s on the Nov. 3 ballot along with the five Supreme Court seast discussion below. — Seattle’s Child
This election cycle, a rare five of the nine Washington Supreme Court seats are on the ballot. The new court could issue rulings on the Millionaires’ Tax and other important cases.
When voters see the ten names to choose from on their ballots, it’d be fair to feel overwhelmed. With a majority of the nine seats open, groups like the League of Women Voters of Washington are working to help the public learn about the candidates. The organization interviewed all ten candidates, asking each of them the same four questions. The interviews are free to watch at LWVWA.org.
“It was flagged to our organization how unique and unusual this situation was … Many voters have told us they don’t feel they have sufficient information regarding judicial court candidates in particular. They don’t understand their role or responsibilities,” said Wendy Staley Johnson with the League of Women Voters of Washington.
It’s possible the judiciary could rule on key issues like the Millionaires’ Tax, the Parents’ Bill of Rights and laws or policies around transgender students playing school sports.
The League of Women Voters, which aims to remain nonpartisan, asked the candidates questions like how they would handle areas of law they don’t have experience in, and when the judiciary should overturn a popular referendum.
Along with the brief video interviews, candidates were able to give longer written answers to questions which are available on Vote411.org.
The Rotary Club of Olympia also hosted a candidate forum in September, which is available to watch in full at TVW.org. More information is also available on the Washington Supreme Court’s website.
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