Washington voters just had their say in the August primary—and if you were hoping for a shift away from the usual tax-hiking, crime-enabling, big-government routine, sorry to disappoint. From Seattle to Spokane, voters didn’t just rubber-stamp the status quo—they enthusiastically requested more of it.
Let’s start in Seattle, where Mayor Bruce Harrell—the guy who at least used to play moderate on TV—is now tied with Katie Wilson, a proud progressive organizer who thinks the city’s budget crisis can be solved by taxing 800 wealthy residents into oblivion. Her campaign’s boost? Taxpayer-funded “Democracy Vouchers,” because nothing screams grassroots like public subsidies for people promising to raise your taxes.
Then there’s King County, where voters have pushed forward two Democrats who agree on just about everything—especially when it comes to soft-on-crime policies and vague “reforms” that somehow always involve taking more of your money. Girmay Zahilay, the frontrunner, is best known for pushing a $20.29 minimum wage and a $2 million “gun violence prevention” plan that’s been more headline than help. His challenger, Claudia Balducci, is right there with him, promising to “protect long-time residents” with one hand while reaching into their wallets with the other.
And don’t forget Spokane, where less than 1 in 5 voters turned out—but those who did apparently brought their checkbooks. Voters approved every tax measure on the ballot: a 20-year aquifer fee extension, a historic sales tax hike, and two new levies for fire and EMS. Apparently, in Spokane, the response to rising crime and failing infrastructure is to keep throwing more money at the same inefficient system.
Here’s the bottom line: when voters stay home, the loudest voices—and the worst ideas—win. The far left knows this and counts on low turnout to slide their agenda through. But if you’re tired of watching cities crumble under policies that sound good in activist circles and fall apart in the real world, November is your shot to fight back.
Don’t let them tax your silence. Show up. Vote smart.
