Editor,

Secretary of state races usually don’t attract much interest. But we should pay attention. Here in Washington state, vote for Democrat Gael Tarleton. She leads efforts to expand voter participation and protect every vote. Tarleton is also prepared for threats to our election. She’s a member of the Northwest Progressive Institute and has national security and defense intelligence expertise.

In contrast, Republican incumbent Kim Wyman testified against federal bill HR 1 to increase cyber security in electronic voting and vote counting, an automatic voter registration program, prohibitions on foreign nationals advertising on social media, and a national strategy for election protection. Apparently she’d rather follow the Republican head-in-the-sand strategy, smiling and wishing away the threat.

Not acceptable.

I also note Wyman has never directly repudiated Trump. She retains the political label of Republican, so she’s apparently just fine with Trump’s bullying approach to governance.

We now understand just how important each secretary of state is across our country. Wyman’s group, Republican Secretaries of State, encouraged electing Republicans like the person responsible for Georgia’s shameful primary election, an exercise in voter suppression.

We deserve better. Vote for Gael Tarleton, Democrat. Her integrity is invaluable. She’ll be an excellent Secretary of State.

Merri Huffine

Oak Harbor