Hello,

After how big the 2008 election was, we were all thinking this "off" election year would be a little less intense.  So maybe you're wondering why you are hearing so much from us about this year's ballot measures and candidates.  Or maybe you're asking, "What does this year’s ballot have to do with access to basic health care and equality?"

The answer is: Everything.

Your ballot must be postmarked by Tuesday, November 3rd!

Tim Eyman’s Initiative 1033 would be a disaster for Washington women’s health – and would make the health care crisis and recession worse.  I-1033 risks making permanent a 70% cut to family planning and birth control services. Vote NO on 1-1033.  If you are in King County, make sure you know where to locate 1033 on your ballot.

Washington’s domestic partnership laws provide essential protections for gay and lesbian families, seniors and children including family and medical leave to care for a loved one and insurance coverage. Ensure all families are protected equally – especially in times of crisis.  Vote Approve Referendum 71. 

Local races are also critical to protecting access to reproductive health:

• In King County, information and health services are provided to 56,101 people by essential community health care providers like Planned Parenthood and Seattle-King County Public Health.  If we elect leaders who are not fully committed to making reproductive health care accessible, essential health programs could be at risk.   This is why we are working so hard to elect Dow Constantine our next King County Executive.
  
  
• Cities are responsible for adopting and enforcing no trespassing laws and signage ordinances.  These functions are critical to patients and staff who are too frequently harassed and intimidated by protestors on their way into our health centers.  This is why we support Adrienne Fraley-Monillas and Priya Cloutier for Edmonds City Council and Amy Ockerlander for Duvall City Council.
  
  
• Local planning commissions are made up of residents who are appointed by local City Councils.  Commissioners get to vote on whether new health care clinics can open in their communities and – like the situation in Pasco – they can try to stop a clinic from opening if they aren’t supportive of access to reproductive health care.  This is one of the reasons we must elect Mike O’Brien for Seattle City Council, Position 8.

Planned Parenthood VOTES! Washington is actively supporting candidates who are champions for access to basic health care.  We hope you do the same.  Remember, your ballot must be postmarked by Tuesday, November 3rd! 

We don’t endorse in every race, but we know you care!  For recommendations from our progressive coalition partners, check out the Progressive Voter’s Guide!  And pass it on to your friends and family.

Want to do more than fill out your ballot?  Join us in making sure voters know which candidates support your right to access reproductive health care.

On behalf of our whole team, thanks so much for your support.
Dana Laurent