County Prosecutors Move To Improperly Squash Initiative - Republican Caucus January 13th
Dec 27, 2023 6:05 pm
County Prosecutor Improperly Halting Initiative From Going Forward
The initiative process is outlined in the Home Rule Charter, providing a transparent framework. Upon filing, the Auditor forwards the initiative to the Prosecuting Attorney's office, where a title is crafted and returned to the Auditor for formatting and numbering. Subsequently, the Auditor sends it back to the Prosecuting Attorney (PA) for a legal opinion. As per the Home Rule Charter 7.2 (C, 2):
"Within an additional ten (10) days, the prosecuting attorney shall evaluate the petition, providing the petitioner and auditor with the following statement: 'In the opinion of the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney, the subject of this initiative is within the scope of local initiative powers. Yes [ ] No [ ] No opinion at this time [ ].' The prosecuting attorney marks the box reflecting their opinion, and the petitioner may include this statement on the petition."
Despite the explicit process, it is apparent that the PA's office is attempting to impede the initiative effort. In under two days, they made a determination, acknowledging their lack of understanding of the intent of the initiative but deeming it illegal nonetheless.
Contrary to the PA's stance, there are NO LAWS prohibiting the actions called for by the initiative. For instance, the County Auditor can still conduct the mandated minimum audit and an additional full forensic audit demanded by the people. There are no RCWs prohibiting various actions, such as using video cameras in ballot processing areas, reporting 85% of ballot results on Election Day, or following state requirements to clean voter rolls.
Despite the absence of legal prohibitions, the Prosecuting Attorney's office persists in hindering the initiative, aiming to halt the people's call for election reforms. Taxpayer money is paradoxically being used against citizens to obstruct the formulation and signature gathering of an initiative—a foreseeable outcome of the amendment to the Home Rule Charter in November 2021.
In response, I have emailed the PA's office, demanding a clear articulation of how the initiative purportedly violates State or Federal laws and specifying the actions deemed violative by rescinding or amending State law.
Anticipating a vigorous fight, I recall the PA's office's prior efforts, providing talking points for Temple Lentz's divisive Facebook post and presenting numerous theories during a hearing to dissuade Councilors from supporting the Mini-Initiative. The resolve of the PA's office is evident, and we await their response.
STAY TUNED...
Precinct Caucus Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024
Election of delegates and alternates for CCRP County Convention and discussion of issues for the CCRP Party Platform.
Caucus Locations
Please confirm your precinct at:
https://voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx Verify your precinct location as you may not be attending the location closest to where you live.
Doors open at 8:30am. Registration ends at 9:55 am. Photo ID required. Must be a Washington state registered voter and 18 years old. Please arrive early, parking may be limited at some locations. Meeting time from 10am-11:30am.
Precinct Caucus Saturday Jan. 13, 2023
All the Caucus information is here.
The caucus is the election of delegates and alternates for CCRP County Convention and discussion of issues for the CCRP Party Platform.
Be the Party!
All Republicans are welcome.
ICYMI: Restore Election Confidence Initiative Filed In Clark County
It'll come as no shock to many, that we've got a serious problem in Clark County —our recent election saw a dismal 26% turnout. What's more concerning? The lack of urgency from the folks at the top—the Auditor, County Council, and State officials. As a result, I've filed a new petition with the Clark County Auditor because the people have the final say and there are times when it falls in our hands to do something when our officials refuse to act.
Beyond the low turnout, the dismissive attitude of those in power brings us to this point. This year the County Council approved a $4.4 million request from the Auditor, despite valid concerns from the community and a promise to investigate issues raised. Also, Auditor Kimsey's response involved a misleading statement that has resulted in an ethics complaint adding to the growing mistrust. On both sides of the political aisle, many have expressed serious election security concerns that have lingered to the point that confidence in Clark County's electoral processes is hanging by a thread.
After careful review, with several attorneys, members of the Clark County Election Integrity Team, and Bill Bruch, WA GOP Chair of the State's Election Integrity Committee, the initiative submitted will address these core issues:
- Chain of Custody: Ensure the security and accurate reporting of ballots to the public from pick up to storage.
- Fraud Prevention: Stop fake and illegitimate ballots from being sent out or counted.
- Voter Roll Cleanup: Ensure voter rolls are maintained 30 days before mailing out ballots.
- Transparency Measures: Install cameras at all drop boxes and processing areas.
- Post-Election Audit: A thorough examination after every presidential election.
- Timely Reporting: Provide the majority of results by the end of election day.
- Fraud Investigations: Address irregularities promptly and keep the public informed.
- Implementation Deadline: Ensure all measures are in place before the next scheduled election and place serious consequences for failure to do so.
Now, the road ahead won't be easy but it's doable. After the Prosecuting Attorney's office reviews and releases for signature gathering, we need 35,000 signatures in four months. Seems daunting? Remember, we pulled in over 10,000 signatures in just one month back in 2021. It's very doable, but we need everyone on board.
Here's What You NEED TO DO:
Stay Informed: Sign up for updates and stay in the loop.
Volunteer: Join the signature collection efforts.
Spread the Word: Every small effort makes a difference.
As we stand on the precipice of change, your active participation is the only forward to change. By signing up, volunteering, and spreading the word, you'll contribute to the collective effort of restoring confidence in elections.
Your voice is a catalyst for change, and your involvement is the key to shaping the future of Clark County don't wait for someone else to come to step up and fix this. Remember the words of Benjamin Franklin who told us long ago, "A Republic, if you can keep it."
