And whether you agree with us or not, you should vote. But just in case you want to know this paper’s opinion when it comes to voting, here are our recommendations and a rundown, based on our ballot:
INITIATIVES & ADVISORY
Initiative 1351: This would allocate funds to reduce class size and increase staff size in high-poverty schools. — NO
Initiative 591: Government would not be able to confiscate firearms/guns without due process and unless a national standard is required. — NO
Initiative 594: Background checks for firearm sales. — YES
Advisory Vote No. 8: The legislature eliminated, without a vote of the people, agricultural excise tax preferences for various aspects of the marijuana industry, costing approximately $24,000 in the first 10 years, for government spending. — This tax increase should be: MAINTAINED
FEDERAL & STATE
US Representative Congressional District No.9 — Adam Smith
Legislative District No. 37 State Senator — Pramila Jayapal
Legislative District No. 37 Representative Position No. 1 — Sharon Tomiko Santos
Legislative District No. 37 Representative Position No. 2 — Eric Pettigrew
Prosecuting Attorney — Dan Satterberg
Supreme Court Justice Position No. 1 — Mary Yu
Justice Position No. 3 — Mary E. Fairhurst
Justice Position No. 4 — Charles W. Johnson
Justice Position No. 7 — Debra L. Stephens
Court of Appeals, Division No. 1, District No. 1 — Michael J. Trickey
Judge Position No. 5 — Linda Lau
Judge Position No. 6 — Ann Schindler
DISTRICT COURT
West Electoral District Judge Position No. 2 — Mark C. Chow
West Electoral District Judge Position No. 4 — Eileen A. Kato
West Electoral District Judge Position No. 5 — Anne C. Harper
TRANSPORTATION
Seattle Transportation Benefit District
Proposition No. 1 Transportation Funding
This would fund preservation of transit service on existing routes that are proposed to be cut. Funds collected would support regional transit service and improve access for low-income transit riders. There would be a $60 fee for vehicle licenses with a $20 rebate for low-income individuals. It would also authorize a 0.1 percent sales and use tax. The fee and tax would expire by Dec. 31, 2020. — YES
Not on our ballot, but might be on yours, and we endorse:
Shari Song — Washington State Senate, District 30
Mia Gregerson — Representative, District 33
Frank Chopp — Representative, District 43
Janet Garrow — District Court, NE Division, Position #1
Ketu Shah — District Court, NE Division, Position #2
Marcus Naylor — District Court, NE Division, Position #3
Lisa O’Toole — District Court, NE Division, Position #3