Island County Democratic Party

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July at a Glance

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August 

Top Two Primary
Frequently Asked Questions

What does this mean for voters?

In August 2008, the State will conduct a Top Two Primary.  Voters will not have to pick a party and will be able to choose among all candidates for each office.  In each race, the two candidates with the most votes will advance to the General Election.

What is a Top Two Primary?

A Top Two Primary allows voters to choose among all candidates running for each office.  Voters do not have to declare a party affiliation in order to vote in the primary.

Candidates for partisan office may state a preference for a political party, which is listed on the ballot.  Candidates do not have to be supported, nominated or endorsed by that party.  The two candidates who receive the most votes in the Primary Election qualify for the General Election.  Candidates must also receive at least 1% of the votes cast in that race in order to advance to the General Election.
                       
What does the candidate’s “party preference” mean in a Top Two Primary?

Each candidate for partisan office may state a political party that he or she prefers.  A candidate’s preference does not imply that the candidate is nominated or endorsed by the party, or that the party approves of or associates with that candidate.

How did the Top Two Primary become law?

The Top Two Primary was passed by the people in 2004 as an initiative.  I-872 passed by almost 60%.

What happened after I-872 passed?

In May 2005, the state Democratic, Republican and Libertarian parties sued in federal court to prevent its implementation.  The political parties argued that the Top Two Primary system violated their right to free association.

The federal District Court agreed with them and issued an order in July 2005 prohibiting the State from implementing the Top Two Primary.  The State appealed, but the Court of Appeals also agreed with the parties in an order issued in 2006.  The State appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

What did the U.S. Supreme Court decide?

The court upheld the constitutionality of I-872.  The Supreme Court reasoned that, since this form of primary has never been used, the political parties' challenge was based on assumptions.  The Court decided that it would not nullify the vote of the people based on speculation.  Click here to read the Supreme Court’s opinion.

Could a race in the General Election include two candidates who prefer the same party?

Yes.  The candidates in each race who advance to the General Election will be the two who receive the most votes in the Primary.  It is possible that both candidates who advance to the General Election prefer the same party.

Can a voter still write-in a candidate?

Yes.  Each race on the ballot will still have a write-in line and you can write in the name of a candidate.

What offices are affected?

The Top Two Primary applies to elections for partisan office.  This includes the U.S Senate and House of Representatives, the State Legislature, partisan statewide offices such as Governor, and partisan county offices such as County Commissioner or County Treasurer.

The Top Two Primary does not apply to elections for President and Vice President, or nonpartisan office such as judicial office, municipal office, or a junior taxing district such as fire district or school board.

The Top Two Primary does not apply to an election for county office if the county has a charter and the charter specifies a different election system for county offices.  This is the case for county offices in Pierce County.

Does the U.S. Supreme Court opinion impact the Presidential Primary?

No.  The Top Two Primary is for local, state and Congressional races.  The Presidential Primary is a separate system that only applies to nominating candidates for President, and how the major parties allocate their delegates to the national conventions.  The relevant statutes are RCW 29A.56.010 through RCW 29A.56.060.

Where can I find more information about the Top Two Primary?

The Secretary of State’s Office posts information about Initiative 872, the administrative rules to implement Initiative 872, and the court documents in the legal challenge on its website at:  http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/toptwo.aspx

Questions from Candidates:

What does this mean for candidates?
Candidates must still file a declaration of candidacy with the County Auditor or the Secretary of State, depending on the office.  Candidates will be allowed to state on the declaration of candidacy which political party they prefer, and that information will be listed on the ballot.

This is strictly an expression of that candidate’s preference.  It does not imply that the candidate is nominated or endorsed by the party, or that the party approves of or associates with that candidate.  For purposes of conducting elections, people running for office are not members of a particular party or candidates of a particular party.  Rather, they are candidates running for office, and are provided the opportunity to express a preference for a political party.

When is the filing period?
The regular filing period is the first week of June.  This year, that is June 2-6, 2008.  Candidates may file in person, by mail or, if filing with the Secretary of State’s Office, online.  Declarations of Candidacy filed by mail may be received beginning May 16, 2008.

Are minor party candidates still required to conduct conventions and collect signatures in order to run for office?
No.  All candidates use the same procedures to file for office and appear on the Primary Election ballot.  The Top Two Primary evens the playing field for candidates.  Candidates may list any party as the party that they prefer.

Minor party and independent candidates for President and Vice President are an exception.  They must still collect signatures and obtain the consent of the candidates.

Can the political parties prevent a candidate from expressing a preference for their party?
No.  Candidates are permitted to express a preference for any political party.  The court ruled that the ability of candidates to express a preference for a party does not severely burden the rights of the party.

Can the political parties still nominate candidates?
Yes.  State law no longer dictates how political parties conduct their nominations.  Now, the state and local parties decide how to conduct their nominations.  The rules for party-run nominations vary party to party, and even between the state and local parties.  Political parties can nominate multiple candidates for the same race.  The Court stated:

Whether parties nominate their own candidates outside the state-run primary is simply irrelevant.  In fact, parties may now nominate candidates by whatever mechanism they choose because I-872 repealed Washington’s prior regulations governing party nominations.

Can the political parties demand that their nominees be distinguished on the ballot?
No.  The law does not allow nominations or endorsements by interest groups, political action committees, political parties, labor unions, editorial boards, or other private organizations to be printed on the ballot.

The Supreme Court ruled the political parties do not have a constitutional right to have their nominees distinguished on the ballot.  The Supreme Court said:

It is true that parties may no longer indicate their nominees on the ballot, but that is unexceptionable:  The First Amendment does not give political parties a right to have their nominees designated as such on the ballot. … Parties do not gain such a right simply because the State affords candidates the opportunity to indicate their party preference on the ballot.  “Ballots serve primarily to elect candidates, not as forums for political expression.”

Can candidates advertise themselves as nominees of a political party?
Yes.  Candidates can promote themselves in voters’ pamphlets, advertisements, and other forums as the nominees of a political party.

After candidate filing week, can a major party fill vacancies on the major party ticket?
No.  This process was specifically repealed in I-872 because there is no major party ticket in a Top Two Primary.  All candidates are treated the same.

A race will only be reopened for a special filing period if there is a void in candidacy, meaning no candidates filed during the regular filing period.

If only one or two candidates file, will that race skip the Primary and only appear on the General Election ballot?
No.  Even if only one or two candidates file for a partisan office, that race will still appear in the Primary Election.  It is only in nonpartisan elections that the race skips the Primary when just one or two candidates file.  The relevant statute is RCW 29A.52.220.

If a candidate for partisan office who was one of the top two vote-getters in the Primary dies or is disqualified before the General Election, will the party be allowed to name a replacement?
No.  In a Top Two Primary, a candidate’s party preference is purely for informational purposes and does not play any role in the administration of the election.  Because the candidates are not representatives or nominees of a political party, a party is not allowed to name a replacement candidate.  The laws that previously allowed the political parties to replace deceased or disqualified candidates were repealed in I-872.

Past Events

Island County Democratic Convention / Legislative District Caucus -- April 19, 2008

2008 WA STATE CAUCUSES BREAK PREVIOUS RECORDS! Barack Obama victor over Hillary Clinton by wide margin. The overwhelming turn-out at the Democratic Party Caucuses generated a tremendous amount of energy and momentum as well as a fair amount of noisy confusion.    In the midst of all the activity, some of the Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs) did not have an opportunity to call for the collection of Platform Resolutions. Since the caucus, we have collected several additional Platform Resolutions and hope to reach all caucus-goers who intended to submit a resolution.  Please forward them to me directly.  I can be reached at 360-720-3025 or email me at ericas@windermere.com The Platform Resolutions Committee will do our best to consider each and every resolution we receive. Thanks,  Erica Schumacher Island County Democrats Vice-Chair Whidbey Our enthusiastic electorate... ...The final tally                                                                       The Island County Democrats 2007 annual Summerfest was a great success. A large group attended a gala fundraiser and enjoyed good food, great music, greetings from several local democratic officials, and good conversation despite an occasional smattering of rain.

May 2008 at a Glance Thursday May 1 6:00 PM Senator Mary Margaret Haugen and Island County Commissioner John Dean host a joint "town hall meeting" on Camano Island at Camano Senior & Community Center 606 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. Sen. Haugen will talk about the recent legislative session and Commissioner Dean will give a brief report on the "state of the county." Saturday, May 3 2-5 PM. The Committee to Elect Tim Knue will hold an informal rally at the Farmhouse Restaurant. Tim is a Democratic candidate for State Representative, District 10, which includes Island, Skagit, and Snohomish counties. The rally will include an opportunity to meet and greet the candidate, ask questions, and join the campaign. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided along with a no-host bar.   Supporters and undecided voters alike are welcome to attend. The Farmhouse Restaurant is at the Junction of Highway 20 & LaConner Whitney Road, just 7 miles West of I-5 on Highway 20.    www.skagitfarmhouse.com Event Contact: Bud Anderson, Tim Knue Rally 360-296-9132 Wanderson@tsocorp.com Saturday, May 17 51 Congressional District Level delegates and 9 alternates will be elected at the Congressional District Caucuses held throughout the state beginning at 10:00 AM. District Level delegates constitute a special group called the Elections Committee. To run as a District Level delegate or alternate, an interested Democrat must fill out a Declaration of Candidacy Form – District Level Delegates and Alternates – and submit it to the State Democratic Party Headquarters no later than Friday, May 2, 2008 at 5:00 PM   Saturday, May 17 7:00 PM Fundraiser and Art Auction to elect Coupeville Port Commissioner Ann McDonald to represent the 10th Legislative District in Olympia.   You are invited!  Please join a group of art lovers and citizens of District 10 who want to place a Democrat in Olympia.  Jack Gunter has gathered a selection of fine regional art donated by local artists and he is hosting a gala art auction at his gallery in Stanwood to benefit the campaign of Commissioner  Ann McDonald for State Representative, Position 2.  Jack Gunter Art & Design "Ideas" Stanwood Gallery, in the Cinema Complex. 6996 265th NW, Stanwood, Wa. 98292  www.jackgunterart.com 360-629-0316        RSVP 360-678-3854 . Wednesday, May 21 5:30 PM Island County Democrats Executive Board Meeting in the Island County Commissioners' Meeting Room. Coupeville All welcome. ● Thursday, May 22 1:00 P.M. Meet Angie Homola in Langley Angie Homola, candidate for Island County Commissioner at Useless Bay Coffee Company on 2nd Street, Langley. This is an informal event, so feel free to just drop by to say hello or stop for a cup of coffee and some talk. For more information: email Angie's campaign. ● Thursday, May 22 at 7:00 P.M NOTICE OF NOMINATING CONVENTION FOR 10TH LD TO ALL PCO’S IN THE 10TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT: On May 22, 2008 at 7:00 P.M., the 10th Legislative District will be holding its Nomination Convention at Skagit Valley College in McIntyre Hall.  The meeting will take place in the Multipurpose Room.  As PCO’s, you are the people who will vote for the candidates who will be representing the Democratic Party in this year’s election. As many of you are aware, there has been some confusion surrounding these conventions due to a recent State Supreme Court Ruling.  Nevertheless, we must abide by the existing Party rules.  If we, as PCO’s, do not vote by May 23rd, the State Chair will select the candidate for us.  Voting for the selection of our Democratic Party Candidates is your right and your duty and the voters are counting on you to do your job.  Jan Helwig Vice-Chair 10th LD     Wednesday, May 28 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Cancelled. Sorry. Join us June 8th. Fundtaiser for Helen Price Johnson Enjoy homebaked treats, refreshments and community as we gather local residents to discuss the future of Island County. Greenbank Progressive Club, Greenbank , WA Contact: lonetree@whidbey.com

June at a Glance Monday, June 2 5:00 - 6:30 P.M. Campaign Kick-off Meeting Congressman Rick Larsen at Deer Lagoon Grange 5142 Bayview Road, Langley ● Wednesday, June 4 7 P.M. The Whidbey Island Democratic Club will have a general  membership meeting in the SVC Oak Hall Room 306. Phone number for questions: 678-6028  ● Saturday, June 7 at 7:30 PM or Sunday, June 8 at 2 PM Enjoy a night at the theater and help a Democratic Candidate at the same time!  Proceeds from this event will go to support the "Putting People First" election campaign of Patricia Terry RN (D), State Rep. Candidate, 10th LD, Position 2. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 7:30 PM or Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 2:00 PM to enjoy the hit musical-comedy HOT FLASHES at the historic Lincoln Theatre, 712 S.  First St., Mount Vernon, WA.  HOT FLASHES is an original musical about a 5-woman rock band as they age from 40-70.  This show has been delighting audiences in Portland, OR and the Pacific Northwest since 2002.  Tickets are on sale now at the Lincoln Theater box office from 12 noon to 5 PM Monday - Friday and two hours before each performance.  Ticket are $26 each for *festival seating.  Advance ticketing is recommended. (*Note: The best 100 seats for each show are under the exclusive control of the candidate.  Consider being a sponsor for this event and be the first in line for premium seats.  For more information, go to www.patriciaterry.org)   Sunday, June 8 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Campaign Fundraiser Concert to Benefit Helen Price Johnson Candidate for Island County Commissioner at Greenbank Community Hall 3090 Firehouse Rd. Featuring music by Colleen Johnson local singer/song writer Click for a musical preview Refreshments and the power to change the direction of Island County included! info@helenpricejohnson.org ● Monday, June 9 7 P.M. Special meeting of the ICDCC wherein PCOs will vote to endorse Democratic candidates for local and state offices.  Commissioners’ Hearing Room in Coupeville.   Camano Island PCOs will meet at the home of Mary Hughes and will participate via teleconference. NOTE: We will need at least 20 PCOs to have a quorum. Candidates or their surrogates will have 5 minutes to make a presentation, but only candidates will have 5 minutes to answer questions from the audience.  Following these presentations, we will ask the candidates or their surrogates to leave so that we may frankly and freely discuss their candidacies. We will then vote to endorse or not endorse these individuals.  Given that one of our primary races is competitive and that candidates will be looking for financial support, if they are endorsed, you should mark your calendars and accordingly plan to attend this meeting. Saturday, June 14 5PM - 7PM Campaign Rally for Mary Margaret Haugen Coupeville Rec Hall & Saturday, June 21 5 PM to 7 PM at Camano Senior and Community Center Come show your support for Mary Margaret and enjoy refreshments for more information contact Courtney Jones, Campaign Manager 360-672-0991 courtney@marymargarethaugen.com ● June 18, 2008 5:30 P.M. Island County Democrats Executive Board Meeting in the Island County Commissioners' Meeting Room. Coupeville All welcome. ● Wed., June 18 6:30 PM Kick-Off meeting for the Angie Homola Campaign Please join Angie to sign up as a grass roots supporter.  We will be passing out walker maps and call tree details.  We are looking for “feet to hit the street” Hummingbird Farms, Oak Harbor on Fort Nugent RD. Please carpool as parking is somewhat limited – parking is available at Fort Nugent Ball fields with shuttle to the farms to be arranged.  E-mail John Holland  to schedule – electangie@gmail.com ● Thurs, June 19 An informal living room gathering where you can get to know Helen Price Johnson, ask her questions and let her know your thoughts, desires, hopes for a new direction and positive possibilities in Island County. See Helen's website for details. ●   Saturday, June 21 A Solstice Evening and Fund Raiser for Angie Homola On this longest day of the year   At the lovely West Beach facing home of Scott and Suzanne Ashworth   6:30 PM arrival      wine and beverages on the deck (weather cooperating) 7:00 Presentation Bring your questions 7:30  Light supper prepared by chefs Susan Vanderbeek and Suzanne Ashworth 9:30 close            Piano, saxophone and flute by: Wyatt Homola Piano and voice by: Kira Homola   Space is limited RSVP to Suzanne or Scott Ashworth by Saturday 14 June   360.240.0709 thefarm@gmail.com   contribution $50.00 per guest ● Sunday, June 22, 2008 5:00 PM Tim Knue Campaign Kickoff Celebration at Whidbey Island Golf and Country Club 2430 SW Fairway Ln Oak Harbor, Washington Tim Knue is shifting from a 32-year agricultural educator to a full-time campaigner. This event, located in the heart of Whidbey Island, signals the beginning of the full-time campaign and a fight to lead the 10th district in Olympia. Speeches will be made on behalf of Tim, and local politicians will be present. Tim will be speaking on his vision for the district. There will be a light dinner available and live music. Suggested donation is $40 and contact can be made with campaign manager Mathew Wend at 360.420.2044 or his email, mathew.wend@gmail.com http://www.timknue.com   Thursday, June 26 6:00 PM Coffee in Coupeville Fundraiser for Helen Price Johnson Hosted by Sue Tingstad and Trish Rose 508 Broadway The Coupeville community's support is vital to the success of our campaign. Please join us as we gather in Sue's home with friends and refreshments to discuss the future of Island County. ● Saturday, June 28 3:00 PM Coffee Fundraiser for Angie Homola Home of Eve Parrish in Coupeville. ● Saturday, June 28 7 PM Please join us at the home of Laura Strehlau as we come together to discuss issues of importance to us and brainstorm ideas for how to bring change to our community and our nation. This will be a casual gathering of concerned citizens from across the political spectrum. Please bring a snack and/or a friend! More information is available at my.barackobama.com Call or email with questions: (206) 734-6876 aneff@mac.com Thank you for your commitment to changing this nation.  With your help, Yes We Will! ● Sunday, June 29 2:00 PM  - 4:00 PM Garden View Fundraiser for Angie Homola & Patricia Terry at the Oak Harbor view home of Trudy Sundberg   1436 Bonnie View Oak Harbor, 98277   RSVP to Trudy Sundberg   360.675.0860 tjsun@whidbey.net