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Election Day is coming up on November 3rd, and in preparation of one of the most anticipated general elections, Spokane City Council Member Betsy Wilkerson shares her guidance of attentiveness on proceeding with a safe and democratic voting process.   

Article X of Washington’s constitution provides for the formation and maintenance of an organized state militia, under civilian control, for the defense of the state and its people.  Washington State law provides that “[n]o organized body other than the recognized militia organizations of this state, armed forces of the United States, students of educational institutions where military science is a prescribed part of the course of instruction or bona fide veterans organizations shall associate themselves together as a military company or organize or parade in public with firearms…Any person participating in any such unauthorized organization shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.”  RCW 38.40.120 

“Voting is something that should be safe and without limitation and with every vote counted,” says Councilwoman Betsy Wilkerson.  “As a region made up of many municipalities, we should expect to unite with respect for one another and collective pride in our country.”  

WHAT WE CAN EXPECT:

  • Due to a high volume of vote-by-mail ballots, it is likely that we will not learn election results on Nov. 3rd. In addition, intensifying rhetoric create concerns that groups may act-out whether in the period between a potential electoral loss and Inauguration Day.
  • Many Washington State residents have already voted; however we anticipate higher volumes at drop-off boxes around the region.

WHAT WE CAN DO IN OUR REGION:

  • As elected officials we recognize the importance of aligning civil society and local government to prioritize a free and fair election. In the last weeks of the election, we are working to assist our community partners in the following constructive ways:
    • Believing in a country that includes everyone, and protects the right of every person to live, work, love, and worship free from fear and bigotry.
    • Placing value in our accountable democratic practice and committing to working together to defend democracy and protect our democratic institutions. 
    • We value human rights, human dignity, and human life, and those values are more important than our ideology.
    • Work towards unity and alignment among government leaders and the community.
    • Plan for a response to political pushback. Strengthen relationships among community groups, faith communities, business leaders, and elected officials.

The City of Spokane condemns the public presence of private armed militia groups, reiterates that their presence and organization is unlawful under Washington’s Constitution and Revised Code of Washington and wishes to make clear that none of these private armed militia groups have or shall receive any type of commission or sanction of the City of Spokane.  Community members and organizations have asked the City Council for assurance that they will be free from intimidation and/or violence perpetrated by or threatened by armed private militias in violation of state law. 

ONE FINAL THING:

Take a deep breath

Be patient

If you are feeling anxious, reach out and connect with people