Hello, and a happy and healthy 2021!
 
I hope your new year is off to a great start. I’m excited to resume our Wyman’s Wire and bring you the latest news and developments from the Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS).
 
2020 was a year unlike any we’ve ever known. Despite a global pandemic, and many other challenges, we remained steadfast in our dedication to serving the people of our great state with courtesy and professionalism.
 
Due to the pandemic, our main office is still closed to the public, and many of our employees are working remotely. I encourage you to visit our COVID-19 webpage if you have any questions about conducting business with our office during this time.
 
Whether in-person, over the phone, or online, my staff stands ready and able to assist you, and our commitment to excellent service at the OSOS remains the same.
 
Be sure to visit our website, sos.wa.gov, to keep abreast of important updates and information, and check our newsroom for the latest announcements. I look forward to sharing a whole new year of OSOS adventures with you.
 
Sincerely, 

The 2021 legislative session began Jan. 11. As we kick off a new biennium, it’s important we work closely with the state Legislature on solutions that preserve election integrity, safeguard vital government records, and enhance civic knowledge and participation. 
 
On Jan. 18, our request legislation that will expand voter participation in presidential primaries was introduced by Rep. Skyler Rude (R-Walla Walla) in the state House of Representatives.
 
House Bill 1265 gives voters an option on the presidential primary ballot to not declare a party affiliation. It allows unaffiliated votes (i.e., those cast by voters who do not indicate their party preference) to qualify for the presidential primary and be counted.
 
Currently, state law requires voters to mark and sign the party declaration on their ballot envelope (RCW 29A.56.050). Ballots left with a party declaration unmarked, or with a vote for a candidate opposite their declared party, are rejected and do not count.
 
HB 1265 is sponsored by Reps. Rude, Mike Chapman (D-Port Angeles), Bob Chase (R-Liberty Lake), Carolyn Eslick (R-Sultan), Jenny Graham (R-Spokane), Dan Griffey (R-Allyn), Cyndy Jacobsen (R-Puyallup), Eric Robertson (R-Sumner), and Jim Walsh (R-Aberdeen).
 
Read our joint news release with Rep. Rude here.

The Feb. 9 Special Election is only days away, and voters in participating districts are returning their ballots. Be sure to send your marked ballot as soon as possible. The quickest and easiest way is to place it in one of the many ballot drop boxes across the state up until 8 p.m. the day of the election.
 
If you haven’t received a ballot or you’re unsure if you're eligible to participate, log in to VoteWA.gov or contact your county's elections office. About 760,000 voters in 27 counties (comprising 66 districts) are eligible to take part. 
 
Click here to learn more, and check our Elections page for important dates and deadlines. If you haven’t registered to vote, or need to update your voter registration, there’s still time! You can visit a county elections office to register or make updates, as well as return your ballot, until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9.

Many of our divisions offer free resources for teachers, students, and parents to learn about Washington’s history, elections, and more!
 
Legacy Washington offers oral and written histories about extraordinary Washingtonians past and present, and provides engaging content, including virtual exhibits with accompanying lesson plans. Be sure to check out Simply Washington, a colorful and easy-to-read guide about the beauty, bounty, and people of Washington state.
 
Washington State Elections provides a guide to teaching elections and even conducts student mock elections. Learn more about Temperance and Good Citizenship Day (which we celebrated Jan. 15), and our Future Voter program. These resources are available 24/7; it’s never a bad time to learn how to become more civically engaged.
 
Washington State Library (WSL) offers resources for libraries, students, teachers, and parents. Check out the digital collection with all sorts of books, newspapers, maps, historical photos, and more. You can also browse primary source materials and lesson plans with Primarily Washington, a WSL, Legacy Washington, and Washington State Archives collaboration.
 
Washington State Archives’ Digital Archives is the nation’s first archives dedicated specifically to preserving electronic records from state and local agencies that have permanent legal, fiscal, or historical value. Digital Archives offers a treasure trove of historical information about Washington with nearly 231 million records preserved.