From Our Corner

“Archives treasure” #2: ferries photos, docs (not docks)

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(Photos courtesy of Washington State Archives.)

One of the unique characteristics of Puget Sound is the fleet of ferry boats used to carry passengers, vehicles and bikes across the sound. In fact, these famous ferry boats have been used to get… Read more

Here's how signature check for R-74 works ...

How does the signature check for a referendum work, and what is the impact of a referendum challenge on the effective date of the recently enacted legislation (SB6239) authorizing civil marriage for same-sex couples? The deadline for turning in Referendum 74 petitions to the State Elections Division is Wednesday, June 6. Ordinarily, the marriage bill would be taking effect Thursday, June 7, but if opponents… Read more

No initiative to the people will be on ballot this fall

Image For the first year since 1989, an initiative to the people won’t be placed before Washington voters. Friday, July 5, is the deadline for initiative sponsors to submit signatures to our… Read more

May Archives treasure #2: Japanese internment docs

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Quilts of Valor exhibit on display in July

The Secretary of State’s next office exhibit will salute American combat troops through quilting. Thirteen beautiful handmade quilts created by volunteer quilters from around Washington will be on display in the Secretary of State’s front lobby during the month of July. The office is on the second floor of the Legislative Building in Olympia. The quilts are part of the national Quilts of Valor program. Secretary of State Kim Wyman, who comes from a family of quilters and is the… Read more

Space Needle anniversary week, Photo #1

Image For the past 50 years, it's been the world-famous jewel of Seattle's impressive skyline. Ever since it opened in 1962 as the most visible attraction of that year's Seattle World's Fair, the Space Needle has

Over 100 years of Senate group photos

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(Images courtesy of Washington State Digital Archives)

With the Legislature a month into its scheduled 105-day session, it’s worth taking a look back – or waaay back – at past legislative bodies. Thanks to Washington’s… Read more

Veterans Day

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As the anticipation of a three day weekend approaches, the Office of the Secretary of State remembers the reason why Monday is a federal holiday- to actively honor our veterans.… Read more

From the Archives: historic logging photos

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(Photos courtesy Washington State Digital Archives)

Logging is one of the industries that helped literally build Washington and put it on the map during its territorial days more than a century ago. While… Read more

Ready, Set, Vote!

Back for its 9th year is the Washington State Mock Election! The Mock Election is a non-partisan educational program that gives students a taste of what it's like to research issues and "vote." The hope is that students will enjoy the experience and will look forward to getting registered and participating when they turn 18. Voting is free and quite simple. Anytime between Monday, Oct. 28, and noon on Nov. 1 students can go online to cast their vote. Students in grades K-12 will "vote… Read more

Washington Counties, oh how they have changed!

Image On November 11th, 1889 Washington was declared the forty-second state by President Benjamin Harrison. Well, it’s 124 years later and oh so much has happened in our beautiful Evergreen State! The construction of the Grand Coulee Dam, eruption of Mount Saint… Read more

And how good is your information literacy?

Secretary of State Wyman is proud to announce that October is National Information Literacy Awareness Month in our state. Wyman promotes libraries throughout Washington, and her office includes the Washington State Library, as well as the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library. “It’s a good month to thank a librarian and a good month to celebrate the gift of knowledge and literacy,” Wyman said. Gov. Jay… Read more

SecWyman visits Boeing's Everett plant

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Rich White, Boeing's State & Local Government Relations manager for the NW Region, shows Secretary Wyman one of the planes being built at Everett facility. (Photos courtesy of Boeing)

When some of the world's most modern… Read more

From Your Corner of Washington: Capitol Lake

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(Photo courtesy of Jeff Martin)

The view of Capitol Lake and the Olympia waterfront from the Capitol Campus is always scenic, even more so on a sunny day, as… Read more

From the Archives: Apples!

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(Photo courtesy of Washington State Digital Archives)

For many people, Washington means apples. In fact, for many years our state has been the top apple producer in the nation and a top exporter throughout… Read more

Snagging Millennial: An OSOS, Foley Institute

It's a familiar, but vexing topic among election administrators across Washington and America: how do you engage "Millennials," those 18 to 30-ish, in public life and voting? The sector typically votes at lower levels than their elders. Secretary of State Kim Wyman, a veteran of state, local and national election reform efforts, and a panel of experts tried it on for size Friday at a Capitol forum sponsored by Wyman, the Foley Institute for Public Policy & Public Service, and the Henry… Read more

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The Washington Office of the Secretary of State’s blog provides from-the-source information about important state news and public services.

This space acts as a bridge between the public and Secretary Steve Hobbs and his staff, and we invite you to contribute often to the conversation here.

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