Letter: Retain Secretary of State Wyman, integrity of elections

In the midst of the angry world of politics, which seems uglier by the day, we should be grateful that Washington’s elections are trustworthy, accurate and run by Secretary of State Kim Wyman. She is a leader who has kept Washington’s edge in voter registration, turnout and ballot security.

Washington is consistently ranked at or near the top of the nation in voter turnout, number of voters registered and election innovations. Washington has made strides to keep our voting secure, ensuring that while it is easy for eligible voters to vote, we maintain the integrity of elections. Secretary Wyman led us to these accomplishments.

Unfortunately, Wyman’s opponent has not shown such concern for our elections. Her partisan and misleading attacks betray her lack of understanding of the office and her inexperience. Her call to unlawfully cancel our May Presidential Primary after voting had already begun would have suppressed the voices of over 1.4 million voters. We cannot afford to hand this office off to a hyper-partisan and grossly unqualified politician.

It is clear that Wyman is the best person for this job. The vast majority of current county election directors and county auditors have endorsed her, including nonpartisan elections leaders like King County Elections Director Julie Wise, Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson and Snohomish County Auditor Carolyn Weikel.

Democrat, Republican and non-partisan officials all endorse Wyman because she is the only candidate in the race with the qualifications and commitment to run our elections in a non-partisan and trustworthy manner.

It is essential for all election administrators to be committed to the ideal of impartial and non-partisan administration of elections. We urge all voters to re-elect Secretary of State Kim Wyman, and keep Washington a national leader in voting.

Sam Reed, Ralph Munro and Bruce Chapman

Former Washington Secretaries of State

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, May 15

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Sarah Weiser / The Herald
Air Force One touches ground Friday morning at Boeing in Everett.
PHOTO SHOT 02172012
Editorial: There’s no free lunch and no free Air Force One

Qatar’s offer of a 747 to President Trump solves nothing and leaves the nation beholden.

Comment: Governor should veto change to mortgage interest deduction

A provision in state tax legislation would increase mortgage costs for families buying homes.

Comment: Fair’s fair; kids get 3 dolls, Trump wants 3 jets

Trump’s tariffs require austerity from Americans, except when Trump sees a shinier aircraft on the tarmac.

Comment: Welcome South African refugees, yes, but Afghans, too

There has been no good explanation why Afrikaners are admitted, when so many others are turned away.

Goldberg: Is RFK Jr.’s MAHA movement suffering irony deficiency

His pick for surgeon general is faltering because she isn’t attacking vaccines earnestly enough.

Comment: Nonprofits filling gap left by federal cuts isn’t answer

Relying solely on donors to fulfill needs means providers no longer are accountable to the people.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, May 14

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

The Washington State Legislature convenes for a joint session for a swearing-in ceremony of statewide elected officials and Governor Bob Ferguson’s inaugural address, March 15, 2025.
Editorial: 4 bills that need a second look by state lawmakers

Even good ideas, such as these four bills, can fail to gain traction in the state Legislature.

Welch: Local elections work best when voters prepare for task

With ballots set, now’s the time to study issues and ask candidates where they stand and what they’ll do.

Comment: U.S., China had no choice but to seek tariff offramp

Neither will admit market forces and public opinion aren’t with them. A 90-day pause was the best option.

Harrop: Lack of SALT deal could doom GOP’s ‘big, beautiful bill’

A handful of Republicans, concerned for their seats, want a tax deduction key to high-tax blue states

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.