Don’t just complain – run!

For everyone who suggests the solution to a problem is to elect new leadership, there’s someone else who points out that many elected positions don’t draw many candidates. That’s true. (Just one example – both of our area’s State House representatives ran for re-election unopposed last year.) If you are interested in finding out what it takes to run for an elected position, King County Elections has just announced workshops. From the WSB inbox:

King County Elections will host four virtual Candidate Workshops in an effort to empower potential candidates to take the leap and run for office.

Tuesday, March 16, 6 p.m. – 8p.m.
Thursday, April 1, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thursday, April 29, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Virtual meeting over Zoom webinar – click here or visit bit.ly/kingworkshops to choose a date and register.

The workshops will be held to demystify the process by empowering potential candidates with key information they need to file their candidacy. This year there are over 330 local, nonpartisan offices up for election.

“We know that one of the key reasons people don’t vote in local elections is because they don’t see candidates on the ballot who look like them or represent their community,” said Director of Elections Julie Wise. “These workshops are an opportunity for less experienced or first-time candidates to get information and ask questions directly from the team that will ultimately help them through the filing process.”

The workshops will cover a range of topics including the elections calendar, online candidate filing, filing fee petitions, ballot order, local voters’ pamphlet filing, and more.

“Running for office takes a tremendous amount of courage and even the most technical parts of the process can be intimidating. We want to make to make things as easy as possible,” said Wise.

The workshops will be in preparation for the candidate filing period this year, Monday, May 17 through the following Friday, May 21. All Declarations of Candidacy must be received by King County Elections before the close of business on Friday, regardless of postmark.

Chemist March 8, 2021 (11:24 am)

Do the King County Elections folks also select the people who write statements in support/opposition for the voter’s guide? I was surprised at how few of the ballot measures had recruited people who write statements in opposition last year.

Will S. March 8, 2021 (3:25 pm)

Whichever local government proposed a particular ballot measure is also responsible for appointing the committees arguing in favor or in opposition. And if the local government fails to appoint committees, then it’s up to King County Elections.

CarDriver March 8, 2021 (12:22 pm)

The complainers don’t want to run. They’re afraid of dealing with complainers.

Will S. March 8, 2021 (3:20 pm)

I don’t run because I don’t want to genuflect to the all-knowing 22-year-olds who vote on the Stranger’s endorsements. And I don’t have the personal wealth to forego a paycheck for a full year while campaigning against the well-resourced campaign of a well-paid incumbent. So of course I’m going to complain–it’s not like the city does a good job.

CC March 8, 2021 (12:40 pm)

*Insert Rupaul’s Drag Race shade noise* I think WSB is talking to the comments section…

namercury March 8, 2021 (6:56 pm)

Yes! This a very important and pertinent subject. I get very frustrated with our mayor and city council and find it hard to understand how they repeatedly get re-elected. The thought process of Seattle voters is a mystery to me. They vote for every initiative as their taxes go higher and higher apparently believing that our government running our government efficiently. They meekly accept that the administration sets speed limits that almost everyone ignores. They tell us that we cannot drive on many streets that we pay taxes for. They tell us that we must do backin parking at the Alki Viewpoint and ignore the world class view. I don’t recall there being a meaningful status update on the bridge repair in 2021. I would think almost every driver should be looking for alternate representation. Lisa Herbold has taken very far out positions on several issues. I don’t consider myself as a viable candidate because of my age and I am considering downsizing to a location that will probably be outside of Seattle. I am surprised that the Chamber of Commerce does not recruit attractive candidates. Many seem to think that our far left government is beyond improvement.

Sad March 8, 2021 (10:48 pm)

Very very well said namercury. My wife and I have tried so hard to be extremely patient with Seattle leadership. Really wanted to raise kids here. Can’t do it anymore. Enough. I’d easily run for office if I could.