No labels: Some election overseers want to make their offices nonpartisan to inspire greater trust Should the top elections official in Washington state officially be a nonpartisan? That's one difference between the top two finalists running for Washington Secretary of State. Nonpartisan challenger Julie Anderson wants to make the job independent from political party affiliations. Her opponent, Democratic incumbent Steve Hobbs says it's an unnecessary change. County auditors and sheriffs associations are also chewing over party labels and what those labels convey about the leanings of their offices. Tom Banse Play AudioListen 5 mins
After incarceration, these voters have a voice A new group of voters are eligible to participate in the upcoming midterms. Voting rights were restored to formerly incarcerated felons in Washington when new legislation went into effect early this year. Christopher Poulos from the Department of Corrections is here to talk about the new law and its impact on the community. Patricia Murphy Play AudioListen 14 mins
Independent candidates test how fed up Northwest voters are with both parties A quartet of independent candidates on the ballot this November in Oregon and Washington state will test voter appetites for a centrist "third way." They are experienced contenders running for state senate, Oregon governor or Washington Secretary of State. Unaffiliated candidates are popping up around the nation too, with a common theme of being fed up with a divisive two-party system. Tom Banse Play AudioListen 5 mins
NPR poll shows Biden's approval rating is up but there are warning signs for Democrats The president's approval rating is up to 44%, but 7-in-10 people say the country is going in the wrong direction, and young and Black voters are among the least likely to vote this fall. Domenico Montanaro Play AudioListen 4 mins
Republicans and Democrats vie for Latino voters in the Northwest midterms After former President Donald Trump made gains with Latinos nationally in 2020, both parties started paying closer attention. And as the 2022 fall elections inch closer, campaigners across the Pacific Northwest are trying to capture a larger share of these voters. David Hyde Play AudioListen 5 mins
WA recently expanded voting access for formerly incarcerated people. But barriers remain Washington state now gives everyone convicted of a felony the right to vote when they leave prison. But some challenges remain for people who were once incarcerated when it comes to casting their ballots. Hans Anderson Play AudioListen 19 mins
Election fraud claims are driving polarization in the midterm elections Claims of election fraud have been increasing since the 2020 election, and they’re having an impact on the upcoming midterm elections in November. Roman Battaglia Play AudioListen 5 mins
Dan Newhouse does not regret impeachment vote 'at all,' but rejects electoral count reform bill Washington Congressman Dan Newhouse is one of only two U.S. House Republicans who survived after voting to impeach former President Trump. The other either retired or lost their primary races. KUOW caught up with Newhouse at the Yakima Sunfair Parade on Saturday, where he was campaigning for re-election, to ask if he now regrets that vote. “Not at all,” he said. David Hyde
Redistricting pulled thousands of voters east of Seattle into one of the state's most competitive races Scott Greenstone Play AudioListen 5 mins
