Press Releases from WA Sec. of State on the Presidential Primary

PRESS RELEASES from Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed

News Release
Issued: January 28, 2008

2008 Presidential Primary Voters’ Pamphlet to reach 3+ million homes

Olympia... Washington's most comprehensive guide for the February 19th Presidential Primary will reach more than 3.2 million homes within the next few days.

This year, it is especially important for voters to be informed because for the first time in decades, the race to for the White House is completely up for grabs without an incumbent President or Vice President on the ticket.

The Voters' Pamphlet includes a list of candidates, candidate background information, career experience, as well as candidate statements.

"By reaching voters in their homes, the pamphlet puts information about each presidential candidate directly in the hands of voters," said Secretary of State Sam Reed, "helping them to make the most informed decision."

The printed Voters' Pamphlet is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. An online Voters' Pamphlet is also available at www.vote.wa.gov, offered in the same languages as well as audio format.

Large print and Braille formats are available upon request through the Office of the Secretary of State at (800) 448-4881 or elections@secstate.wa.gov.

Voters who nominate presidential candidates must choose a Republican or Democratic ballot. Voters should be aware that most counties are also running special elections on February 19. In most cases, other races and measures will appear on Presidential Primary ballots. Citizens who choose to skip the nomination for President may still vote on the other issues.

Citizens not registered in Washington have until February 4th to register in-person at their county elections department.

What's next?

February 1, 2008 – Deadline for counties to send absentee and mail ballots (RCW 29A.40.070)

February 9, 2008 – Washington State Political Party Caucuses (more information available at www.wsrp.org and www.wa-democrats.org)

February 19, 2008 – Washington's Presidential Primary. Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day.

News Release
Issued: February 06, 2008

Reed predicts heavy turnout for next week’s Presidential Primary

Washington's mail voters are turning out in force for the state's upcoming Presidential Primary still two weeks away. Trays of ballots are being delivered to county election departments across the state.

"From Clallam to King to Yakima County, initial returns are very strong," said Secretary of State Sam Reed. "At this rate, we expect nearly half of all registered voters in Washington to vote in Washington's Presidential Primary and Special Elections."

Auditor Patty Rosand of Clallam County reported, "On the first day of receiving ballots, 4,347 or 10% of the 43,300 mailed were returned to the Auditor's Office. This is about double the ballots we normally receive for the first day of processing."

Taking into account the results of Super Tuesday, Reed expects interest in the run for the White House to hold through Washington's caucuses this Saturday, February 9, and through the Washington State Presidential Primary scheduled for February 19.

Reed expects a record-breaking 47% of registered voters to cast ballots in the primary due to:

A high interest in who will become the successor to President George W. Bush. For the first time in decades, no incumbent President or Vice President is on the ticket;
Second, all but three counties will hold special elections in conjunction with the Presidential Primary;
Finally, Reed expects any active campaigning by the presidential candidates to drive turnout.

"Washington's political system allows voters to participate in both the party caucuses and the Presidential Primary," said Reed. "Our voters can have a say and an impact on the momentum that will send our next president to the Oval Office."

More information on Washington's 2008 Presidential Primary:

36 of 39 counties will hold special elections in conjunction with the Presidential Primary.
No special elections will be held in Garfield, Jefferson, or Whatcom counties.
Voters who wish to skip the nomination of a presidential candidate are encouraged to vote the other races and measures. These voters may skip the oath requirement but must still sign their names on the ballot envelope as required by law.
All counties except King and Pierce will conduct the election entirely by mail.

News Release
Issued: March 11, 2008

Washington's Presidential Primary draws record turnout

OLYMPIA... Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed today officially certified results of the Presidential Primary -- which drew a record turnout, particularly among those who voted by mail.

Statewide, 44 percent of registered voters turned out; participation among mail voters was 47 percent; turnout at poll sites (offered in Pierce County and King County only) was dramatically lower at 9 percent.

"We know – without question – that the people of Washington want a say in the nomination of the U.S. President," said Reed. "We hope the political parties take notice and honor the people’s will when determining how to allocate delegates in future presidential primaries."

The previous record turnout for a Presidential Primary was set in 2000 when 42 percent of registered voters cast ballots.

In the 2008 Presidential Primary, which required voters to choose a party ballot to nominate a presidential candidate, 56 percent of voters chose Democratic ballots, while 44 percent selected Republican ballots.

The Office of Secretary of State today also noted that during election time, the agency received more than 9,000 calls and 800 emails from citizens concerned about the political party oath.

"Washingtonians cherish their freedom on the ballot," said Reed. "They want the right to choose the candidate they believe will make the best chief executive for the country – free and clear of a party oath."