News

OLYMPIA — Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs issued the following statement in response to Governor Jay Inslee’s proclamation of a special legislative session.

“As Secretary of State, it is my duty to add the Washington State Seal to Governor Inslee’s proclamation of a special legislative session to establish a policy on drug possession. I support this extraordinary action, which provides the Legislature time and authority to create consistent statewide laws that balance compassion with accountability.

OLYMPIA — State funding is now available to local governments through Washington State Archives’ Local Records Grant Program.

OLYMPIA — Candidate Filing Week is May 15-19, and the Office of the Secretary of State is joining county elections offices across Washington to accept applications for public office. 

Nearly 3,400 local offices across the state are up for election this year, including more than 100 mayorships; many city and county council positions; and port, hospital, water, fire, and parks and recreation districts.

SEATTLE — Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL), which provides access to information and reading materials for people who are unable to read standard print, is seeking donations during GiveBIG 2023 May 2-3.

OLYMPIA — The Office of the Secretary of State is now accepting nominations for Washington’s Medals of Merit and Valor, the highest civilian honors awarded to the people of Washington.

OLYMPIA — Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs responds to former President Trump’s unfounded social media attack on the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC):

OLYMPIA — Secretary of State Steve Hobbs continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, one year into the unprovoked invasion by Russia.

Through the Office of the Secretary of State’s Combined Fund Drive (CFD), Washington state employees and retirees have donated more than $146,200 to over 15 charitable organizations that support Ukrainian relief. Of these donations, more than $12,200 were specifically dedicated to Ukraine.

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs to host reception celebrating 10 years of marriage equality in Washington state

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs and Governor Jay Inslee, along with state and local dignitaries, community leaders, and civil rights trailblazers, will gather at the Legislative Building in Olympia Feb. 14 for the grand opening of Legacy Washington’s newest exhibit, “Love, Equally: The Journey to Marriage Equality.”

OLYMPIA — Public high schools throughout Washington will observe Temperance and Good Citizenship Day Friday, Jan. 13.

OLYMPIA — Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, recently digitized 1,745 issues of the Seattle Gay News (now known as SGN), as part of the Washington Digital Newspapers (WDN) program.