Gig Harbor Election Guide 2012

As we look ahead to November’s elections, Gig Harbor Patch is devoted to bringing you the information you need about every race in town. Bookmark this page for updates.

Voting Information

• Sample Ballot: To see the full state ballot, go to the Washington Secretary of State's website.
• Polling locations: To find ballot drop-off locations go here and enter your zip code.
• Register to Vote: You have to register to vote by Oct. 6. You can download the form here or register online here.

Races

LOCAL:

Pierce County Executive

Pat McCarthy (D); Bruce Minker

Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer

 Mike Lonergan; Billie O'Brien 

STATE:

Governor

Rob McKenna (R); Jay Inslee (D); 

Lt. Governor

Brad Owen (D); Bill Finkbeiner (R)

Secretary of State

Kim Wyman (R); Kathleen Drew (D)

State Treasurer

Jim McIntire (D)

State Auditor

James Watkins (R); Troy Kelley (D)

Attorney General

Bob Ferguson (D); Reagan Dunn (R)

Commissioner of Public Lands

Peter J. Goldmark (D); Clint Didier (R)

Superintendent of Public Instruction (Nonpartisan)

Randy I. Dorn; Ronald L. (Ron) Higgins

Insurance Commissioner

Mike Kreidler (D); John R. Adams (R)

State Representative, Legislative District 26 (Position 1)

Jan Angel (R); Karin Ashabraner (D)

State Representative, Legislative District 26 (Position 2)

Larry Seaquist (D); Doug Richards (R)

For information about state judicial elections go here.

NATIONAL

U.S. CONGRESS

District 6

Derek Kilmer (D); Bill Driscoll (R)

U.S. SENATE

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D); Michael Baumgartner (R)

U.S. PRESIDENT

Pres. Barack Obama (D); Former Gov. Mitt Romney (R); Gary Johnson (L) 

BALLOT ISSUES:

Property Tax Levy for Maintenance and Operation Expenses - Proposition No. 1 (Pierce County Fire Protection District No. 16): This proposition would fiance maintenance and operation expenses for the Key Peninsula Fire Department. If passed, it would allow the District to levy the following excess taxes, on all taxable property within the District, to be used for maintenance and operation and to increase the current level of fire and emergency medical services. $800,000 per year for collection in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Referendum 74: Washington Same-Sex Marriage Veto Referendum: This bill would allow same-sex couples to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony.

Initiative 502, Marijuana Legalization: The proposed measure would legalize the production, possession, delivery and distribution of marijuana. The initiative would regulate the sale of small amounts of marijuana to people 21 and older. 

Initiative 1240, Charter Schools: The proposed measure would allow 40 public charter schools in the state over the next five years.

Initiative 1185, Washington Two-Thirds Vote Required to Raise Taxes: The proposed measure would require either two-thirds legislative approval or a vote by the people in order to raise taxes.

For other measures, look here. 

For Washington state political contributions and campaign finance information please click here.