News

OLYMPIA — In response to the White House Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) decision to withdraw its approval of the sale of National Archives and Records Administration’s (NARA) Seattle facility, Secretary of State Kim Wyman issued the following statement.

“OMB took a crucial step today in withdrawing approval for the sale of the National Archives in Seattle.

“I applaud the enduring commitment and hard work Washington’s Congressional delegation, tribal communities, historical and cultural groups, and many others have undertaken for over a year to keep our state’s… Read more

OLYMPIA — The Office of the Secretary of State is now accepting nominations for Washington’s Medals of Merit and Valor.

The Medals of Merit and Valor are two of three statutory civilian decorations* issued by the state and are considered the highest civilian honors awarded to the people of Washington. The Medal of Merit recognizes exceptional individuals who perform outstanding services for Washington and its residents. The Medal of Valor is awarded to anyone who has saved, or attempted to save, the life of another at the risk of their… Read more

OLYMPIA — Secretary of State Kim Wyman has appointed Sara Jones as the new Washington State Librarian.

As State Librarian, Jones will oversee the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State. Among her responsibilities are developing and leading strategies that enhance public access to library materials, collections, and services; safeguarding the state library’s role as a historical asset and repository for government documents and publications; and working with the Institute of Museum and Library… Read more

OLYMPIA — State Rep. Skyler Rude (R-Walla Walla) has sponsored request legislation from Secretary of State Kim Wyman to allow for greater voter participation in presidential primaries.

Introduced in the state Legislature this week, House Bill 1265 gives voters an option on the presidential primary ballot to not declare a party affiliation. It allows unaffiliated votes (i.e., those cast by voters who do not indicate their party preference) to qualify for the presidential primary and… Read more

OLYMPIA — Late yesterday, the Culp for Governor campaign withdrew its case against Secretary of State Kim Wyman and several county auditors demanding an audit of Washington’s 2020 General Election. The notice of dismissal was filed “with prejudice,” meaning the lawsuit cannot be refiled.

“These unsubstantiated allegations were without merit and created confusion among Washington voters,” said Wyman. “Today we finally have an opportunity to shed light on some of the misleading and inaccurate assumptions made in this lawsuit, and can continue working to restore confidence with a… Read more

OLYMPIA — This academic year, Temperance and Good Citizenship Day is Friday, Jan. 15, and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Office of the Secretary of State are helping schools register the next generation of voters.

One of several Washington state civic observances, Temperance and Good Citizenship Day was enacted by the state legislature in 1923 to promote… Read more

OLYMPIA — The Office of the Secretary of State over the weekend was made aware of a website that lists Washington state’s elections director among election officials nationwide who the site creators claim “have aided and abetted the fraudulent election against Trump.” The site includes images of the officials, with crosshairs over their profiles, and home and email addresses. The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI have been notified, as well as the Fusion Center in Washington state.

Secretary of State Kim Wyman issued the following:

“This continued escalation of… Read more

OLYMPIA — Today Secretary of State Kim Wyman presided over Washington’s 2020 Electoral College. The state’s 12 electors cast ballots for Joseph R. Biden for president and Kamala D. Harris for vice president, both of whom won the popular vote in the Nov. 3 General Election.

The Electoral College vote was held in the Legislative building in Olympia, which is not open to the public. To ensure public health and safety, and in adherence to health guidelines, attendance was limited to the electors and alternates, and authorized persons.… Read more

OLYMPIA — Next Monday the electors who represent Washington state’s 12 electoral votes will meet at the Legislative building in Olympia to cast their votes for the U.S. president and vice president. This process will take place throughout the country Dec. 14.

Due to the pandemic, the Legislative building remains closed to the general public. To ensure public health and safety, and in adherence to health guidelines, public attendance for this year’s Electoral College will not be available. However, TVW will broadcast the ceremony live at noon on TV and online. Click… Read more

OLYMPIA — Following a Facebook Live video posted by gubernatorial candidate Loren Culp, in which attorney Stephen Pidgeon, Ph.D., alleged over 800,000 votes were tallied than eligible voters who appear in the voter registration database, Secretary of State Kim Wyman issued the following statement:

“Gubernatorial candidate Loren Culp, and now attorney Stephen Pidgeon, have made sweeping claims about alleged voter fraud committed in the 2020 General Election without providing any substantive evidence. If Mr. Culp, his attorney, or anyone else believes they have evidence of fraud, I… Read more