Sound Off: Voting is your voice in Washington state

Published 1:30 am Saturday, July 25, 2026

By INDIVISIBLE WHIDBEY STEERING COMMITTEE

Every vote counts! On Aug. 4, Washington State will hold its primary election; this election will determine which candidates will compete in the November election. In last year’s primary election, only 28.63% of eligible voters in Island County cast a ballot. Your vote counts. Do not allow a handful of Island County residents to decide who moves forward to the general election. Your vote matters; on the ballot will be two state representative positions, a congressional seat, five state judicial positions, and a library levy, to name a few.

Indivisible Whidbey encourages voters to research candidates and vote.

Evaluate the judicial candidates. Some races feature multiple candidates who have demonstrated achievements and values that align with the Constitution. Take a look at the candidates’ websites, Ballotpedia, FUSE, Indivisible Whidbey’s assessments and endorsements, the “Washington Standard” and other sources to learn about the candidates and their qualifications.

This year, five of the nine Supreme Court positions are up for election; voters will determine the political makeup of the Washington Supreme Court. Conservative PACs are investing heavily in these judicial races and see this as an opportunity to reshape the future of Washington. Several crucial issues will come before this court. Should the “millionaire’s tax” survive the referendum, the court will decide its constitutionality. Other likely questions to come before the court include the sheriff’s accountability legislation, anti-trans initiatives, abortion access and sanctuary policies.

State and national candidates will affect us in Island County. Four candidates are vying for the second district congressional seat. Ensure that the candidate you vote for has the experience to check executive power, challenge the administration’s agenda, and make life more affordable, fair and safe. This year, efforts are underway to curb the influence of huge corporate donations that Citizens United permitted; your vote could support that work. Our state legislators will decide whether to change our tax code, keep Washington a pro-choice state, stop ICE attacks and make life more affordable for working families.

Make your choices known.

Libraries are critical to community strength. They provide access to technology resources, educational and reading programs, and meeting spaces. Voting for the levy will cost the typical Island County homeowner $7-$10 per month. If the levy is rejected, libraries will need to reduce staffing, cut the budget for books and digital materials, scale back early learning and literacy programs, and limit access to technology.

Indivisible Whidbey urges voters to support the library levy.

Mail your ballot early. Because of the closure of the Everett Postal Distribution Center, the U.S. Postal Service strongly recommends mailing your ballot seven to ten days before Election Day to be certain that your ballot will receive a postmark in time for the election. There are two ways to ensure your ballot arrives on time. Visit the post office where your ballot can be hand-stamped. You can also use an official ballot drop box; these open 18 days before Election Day and close at 8 p.m. on Election Day:

Island County Elections Office – 400 N. Main St., Coupeville (outside)

Island County Elections Office – 400 N. Main St., Coupeville (in lobby)

Ken’s Korner Shopping Center – 4141 SR 525, Clinton

Camano Island – 121 N. East Camano Drive, Camano Island

Oak Harbor City Hall – 865 S.E. Barrington Dr., Oak Harbor

Langley – Post Office (front patio), 115 2nd St., Langley

Trinity Lutheran Church – 18341 SR 525, Freeland

Indivisible Whidbey encourages all registered voters to participate in this year’s primary election on August 4. This primary election will shape Washington State’s political landscape for years to come. Do not allow other voters to make this decision for you. Include your voice!

Indivisible Whidbey is a nonprofit commited to defending our democracy, civic institutions, and civil rights. We work to ensure free, fair and on-time elections and to hold power accountable at every level. We support the election of representatives who are committed to the Constitution and responsive to the people they serve.