Dear Friends,
In recent weeks we’ve talked about the importance of filling out the Census, how necessary it is that you make sure your voice is heard and that you and your family are counted. The Census is used to allocate federal funding, apportion members of Congress, and so much more. By filling it out once every ten years, you are taking action to help your community.
There has been a lot of confusion about when the Census is going to stop counting – there are a few ongoing court cases and a lot of different dates are being reported and discussed online. I want to make it perfectly clear to everyone:
You can still fill out the Census today.
If you haven’t already, click here to fill it out.
Earlier today, the Judge presiding over one of the Census cases in Northern California issued a new order making it clear that the Census Bureau must continue their enumeration efforts through their original end date of October 31.
We only have this opportunity once every ten years, and it truly is one of the most important things you can do for your community, and for your family. If you haven’t already, please take ten minutes today to fill out the Census.
“Stay Safe, Stay Healthy”
Rep. Debra Lekanoff
Trivia!
When is the last day to register to vote in Washington state?
COVID-19 Updates
As clusters of cases continue to appear throughout Washington, remember to keep yourself and each other safe by following guidelines to wear masks, wash your hands frequently, and continue to practice social distancing. Whatcom and Skagit counties are still in Phase 2 of our Safe Start reopening plan, visit the State’s Coronavirus Response website for a refresher on what is and is not permitted in Phase 2, and follow the links below for County-specific updates.
Whatcom County is offering no-cost mobile testing by appointment only, details can be found here. Whatcom Unified Command offers a comprehensive list of resources separated into the following categories:
Skagit County is currently offering drive-through testing for people living or working in Skagit, no one will be turned away for lack of insurance. Information in English and Spanish, please take every precaution and get tested if you are experiencing symptoms.
San Juan County is starting to lift some restrictions on parks and playground operations, but health officials still advise people living on the Islands to remain cautious and follow guidance to socialize outdoors, wash hands, and wear masks. You can find information on where to get tested here and general updates on COVID-19 here.
I am grateful for all of your continued efforts and sacrifices to keep each other safe and prevent further spread of COVID-19. I know this is a difficult time for so many. I believe in Washington and the 40th District, and I know that we will get through this together.
Shero Award!
Earlier this week, I was absolutely honored to receive the Shero Award from the National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington. We have all accomplished so much together during my time in Olympia, and I would not be here without the support of countless individuals.
I understand how important it is that I use my position and my capacities to lift up other women who want to get involved, who want to run for office, and who want to put in the work necessary to improve our state.
Thank you to the National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington for the Shero Award, and thank you for endorsing my campaign! It’s a pleasure to work alongside you, and I’m excited for all we will accomplish in the future.
The National Women’s Political Caucus is a multi-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to increasing women’s participation in the political process. NWPC recruits, trains and supports pro-choice women candidates for elected and appointed offices at all levels of government. For more information about their mission, click here.
Mike Pellicciotti For State Treasurer
Representative Mike Pellicciotti from the 30th LD is currently running as our Democratic candidate for State Treasurer, and I am proud to endorse his campaign! Mike has long worked in the people’s house on increasing visibility, removing ‘dark money’ from our elections, and banning foreign corporate money in Washington State’s campaigns.
I’m so excited to co-host a virtual fundraiser for Mike this coming Tuesday, October 6 at 6pm! We’ll be joined by so many close friends and colleagues, including special guest Attorney General Bob Ferguson! I hope you’ll join us if you’re able – click here to register!
Mike will be a tremendous treasurer for our state and I look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish. Mike also works as an Assistant Attorney General, and in that capacity he has fought against financial fraud and government waste, ensuring that your tax dollars go where they are supposed to – places that improve our communities and our state.
Washington State Women’s Commission
A few weeks ago, we talked about the new Director of Washington State Women’s Commission, Regina Malveaux, who was appointed last month to Governor Inslee’s cabinet, and has already made a tremendous impact in her new role.
I want to highlight the newest members of the Women’s Commission that Governor Inslee appointed at the end of last month as well. Quinn Dalan, Anna Franklin, and Vicki Lowe are the newest members of the Commission working to dismantle structural barriers facing women in Washington.
In particular, I am thrilled that Vicki Lowe had joined the Commission! It was my honor to nominate her to this important role, and I’m excited to see the great things that I know she will accomplish.
Vicki currently serves as executive director for the American Indian Health Commission in Sequim, and is a member of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe in Washington state and Bella Coola First Nation in Canada.
Get Out The Vote!
Around this time of year in 2018, my team was gathering together at Village Books in Fairhaven for a big push to get out the vote. Even though Get Out The Vote will be mostly virtual this year, we’ve still got that team spirit!
We’re just about one month away from the 2020 general election, and every single vote counts. There is so much on the ballot this year, and we each have the capacity to guide our community, state, and country towards a better future.
Your vote is your voice.
Make sure you’re registered to vote today – click here to check your status – and cast your ballot as soon as you can!
Endorsement Shoutouts!
Tanisha Harris has been a strong, passionate, and vocal member of the Democratic Party here in Washington State for years, and I am proud to endorse her current campaign to represent the 17th LD beside me in the people’s house.
Tanisha is not only a Democratic Precinct Committee Officer, 17th LD Democrats State Committeewoman, and Executive Board Member of the Washington State Democrats, but she also spent 10 years working for the Evergreen School District. She brings with her an incredible depth of knowledge and experience for supporting our schools and providing for our students.
We need people like Tanisha in our Legislature who will stand up for what is right, work for the benefit of all Washingtonians, and help us create a better tomorrow.
Learn more about Tanisha’s campaign here.
I’m so grateful to all of the groups and individuals that stand beside me. We don’t accomplish anything alone, and all of the support and guidance I have recieved has helped as I continue to work on behalf of the 40th LD.
Today, I want to thank Sierra Pacific Industries, Puget Sound Pilots, and former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy for endorsing my reelection campaign! Your support means the world to me, and I’m excited to walk side by side as we work to make a better world for seven generations to come.
Individual endorsements are an incredibly important part of my campaign. You can put your name next to mine and support my re-election by heading over to my website and filling out this form.
These endorsements mean so much to me – they show that this is a campaign focused on people, and I would be honored to have your name added along with mine.
Trivia Answer!
You can register in person all the way up to election day! Online registration and mail-in registration ends on October 26.