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HomeThe Voter Newsletter

OCTOBER 2025


This Month's Features

Who Put the RAGE in Suffrage? We Did!

LWVSKC Speaks Out to Encourage Use of Democracy Vouchers

Understanding Conspiracy Theories

Disability Voting Rights

Let's Get Ready to Vote!

2025 Fall Candidate Forums

Kirkland City Council Candidate Forum

Want to Donate to LWVSKC? Consider a QCD!

Save the Date: LWVSKC Education Committee

Board Meeting Highlights

Our Newsletter

The Voter features information on our forums and other public events; our neighborhood discussion groups; volunteer opportunities; our voter registration and education efforts; and our work on issues like accountability for local government, climate change, education, health care, and police reform.


Do you have an idea? Send us your news! Contact the Voter Editor at votereditor@lwvskc.org. Submissions are due by the 15th of the month for the next edition.

View a PDF of the current issue of The Voter.

Our Mission

The League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

Want to work with us? Become a member!
Want to reach us? We’re at info@lwvskc.org!
Want to support us? Donate today!

Past Issues

View past issues of The Voter.

Who Put the RAGE in Suffrage? We Did!

Susan Waller


The League of Women Voters and the Girl Scouts of America have a connection going all the way back to the days of the suffrage fight; and the League of Women Voters of Seattle King County is building on that longstanding relationship.

When seasoned Girl Scout volunteer Tami Micheletti met LWVSKCmember Ann Beller, they knew this was a partnership worth preserving. After hearing about LWVSKC’s recent work with local Girl Scout troops, Tami immediately joined the League, and arranged with the 5th Avenue Theater for LWVSKC and Girl Scouts of Western Washington to staff a table together at Suffs performances. This joint event has strengthened the connection between the organizations, and resulted in Girl Scout alumnae becoming LWVSKCmembers. The laughter, tears, and rage at the rousing Suffs performances have inspired many people to get involved!


Last spring, LWVSKC’s Magnolia Unit led the Eckstein Cadette troop in earning their Democracy Badge. Using the LWVSKC’s Energizing Young Voters curriculum as a springboard, the unit developed fun, engaging activities to create an interactive experience for the girls. Word of the Democracy Badge project is spreading, and another Seattle Girl Scout troop has already requested the project for their troop!

GSA-LWVSKC.jpg

The Enumclaw Unit has also taken up the charge and is hoping to work with a South King County Girl Scout troop, while the Magnolia Unit will share resources, and support any unit interested in working with a troop. Contact Susan Waller for information about activities and resources by emailing s.e.waller@outlook.com.


At the national level, the League of Women Voters and Girl Scouts USA are partnering on Promote the Vote!, an effort to interest girls and engage the broader community in civic matters. Like all Girl Scout programs, Promote the Vote! is girl-centered and girl-led. Activities can range from something as simple as making a poster, to something as complex as planning a candidate forum - the only limit is your imagination! Visit www.lwv.org for more information. 


We encourage more LWVSKC units to consider working with a local Girl Scout troop. As Sarah Beth Miller, Youth Engagement Committee Co-Chair said, “Girl Scouts are our future members; they need us and we need them!” If your unit would like more information about working with a Girl Scout troop, contact Susan Waller by emailing s.e.waller@outlook.com.

LWVSKC Speaks Out to Encourage Use of Democracy Vouchers

LWVSKC supported the renewal of the Seattle Democracy Voucher program this past year.  The LWVSKC 2024-25 Co-Presidents, Kim Albert and Barb Tengtio testified twice in person at Seattle City Council meetings to support putting the renewal on the August primary ballot. When it passed to be on the ballot, Keela Williams represented LWVSKC with a coalition of organizations who encouraged voters to vote in favor of the renewal. LWVSKC's advocacy was based on our long-standing positions; democracy vouchers are a great tool to empower voters.  Since the successful passage of the renewal, the current LWVSKC President has written an op-ed to the Seattle Times encouraging the community to use this empowering tool. If you live in Seattle, please use your democracy vouchers!

Your Voice, Your Vouchers: Invest in Seattle’s Democracy Today
Barbara Tengtio, President, League of Women Voters of Seattle King County (LWVSKC)

Seattle voters just made history! Earlier this month, we overwhelmingly approved Proposition 1, renewing the city’s landmark Democracy Voucher Program for another decade. This is a powerful statement: our community values a democracy where everyone, not just the wealthy and well-connected, has a meaningful voice in local elections.

Now comes the most important part: using your vouchers! Every registered voter in Seattle has four $25 vouchers to give to the City Council, City Attorney, or Mayoral candidates of their choice. The primary is over, the general election is here, and this is the moment to put your vouchers to work.

When voters approved Prop 1, we ensured that future generations will continue to have this unique tool to strengthen grassroots democracy. Since its creation in 2015, the program has changed who runs for office and who funds campaigns. Candidates who once would have struggled to compete can now run viable campaigns. More Seattle residents—renters, young people, and working families—have been able to participate in local politics by donating their vouchers.

But the promise of the program is only realized when all of us take part. Whether you support a candidate who shares your vision for housing affordability, transportation, climate action, or public safety, your vouchers can help ensure their voices are heard. Using your vouchers is simple: log on to the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission website to give your vouchers directly to the candidate, or sign and mail the vouchers you received in the mail.

The League of Women Voters believes democracy works best when we all participate. Prop 1’s passage is a reminder that Seattle continues to lead the nation in advancing bold reforms that strengthen people power; but reforms are only as strong as the civic engagement behind them.

This general election let’s put our values into action. Use the vouchers sitting on your kitchen counter. Invest in the candidates who reflect your priorities and vision for Seattle. It’s your city. It’s your voice. And thanks to the Democracy Voucher Program, it’s your vouchers - be empowered!



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Understanding Conspiracy Theories

LWVUS


What is a conspiracy theory? 
A conspiracy theory is an unproven claim that a group is secretly coordinating to achieve a nefarious goal without credible, verifiable evidence. These claims often rely on rumors, coincidences, or misinformation as “proof.” The absence of evidence is sometimes used as evidence of a cover-up (“there’s no proof because ‘they’ hid it”). Conspiracies do exist, but they are supported by hard evidence. Why conspiracy theories feel compelling: 
    • Simple answers to complex problems: They offer clear villains and explanations to complicated, messy problems;
    • Confirmation of prior beliefs: They may align with people’s existing biases, which makes them easier to believe; 
    • Community and identity: Online groups form around shared interests, “research,” and content creation; 
    • Entertainment value: There’s always a next reveal or plot twist, keeping people engaged; 
    • Moments of crisis: In uncertain times (e.g., pandemics, natural disasters, elections), people seek control and explanations for difficult problems. 

    Why conspiracy theories spread 
    • Made for social media: Short, striking claims travel faster than nuanced explanations; 
    • Low barrier to sharing: It’s easier to repost something that sounds good than to fact-check and seek trustworthy information; 
    • Influence and financial incentives: Some influencers and public figures promote conspiracy theories to build audiences or gain attention; 
    • The “rabbit hole” effect: Suggested content can pull people deeper into related narratives. 
    How to talk with friends and loved ones who believe in conspiracy theories 
    Many people fall prey to conspiracy theories and other kinds of rumors, mis- and disinformation. Here are a few tips to remain resilient yourself and for reaching out a hand to friends and loved ones who engage with conspiracy theories. 

    How to avoid getting pulled in yourself
    • Check for evidence: Look for multiple, independent, reputable sources; avoid relying on screenshots or anonymous posts; 
    • Use cognitive reflection: Let your analytical brain override the initial emotional “click/reshare” impulse; 
    • Pause before you share: If a claim sparks a strong emotional reaction, that’s a good sign to slow down and double check the facts.
    When someone you know is “down the rabbit hole” 
    • Know these conversations are tough: Often, there’s no single thing you can say or solution you can offer to someone who believes a conspiracy theory. Keep lines of communication open the best you can. 
    • Establish common ground: Emphasize shared values and goals, like fair elections, trustworthy information, and responsive government. Stay calm and empathetic. 
    • Ask respectful questions: Encourage critical thinking and engagement with facts, but don’t belittle or talk down. 
    • Set boundaries if needed: It’s okay to say, “Let’s pause on this topic,” especially if conversations become repetitive or stressful. 
    • Leave the door open: People who fall down conspiracy theory rabbit holes can become isolated from friends and family. Let them know you’re available for respectful conversation and try to stay connected. 
    • Avoid: Ridicule, shaming, or overwhelming people with too much information.

     

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    Disability Voting Rights

    LWVSKC


    King County Elections (KCE) remains firm in their commitment to making voting accessible to every voter. A disability should never stand in the way of a person’s ability to register or cast their vote privately and independently.

     

    Voters with disabilities bring vital perspectives to our democracy, shaping the laws and policies that affect us all. KCE works year-round to ensure our elections are accessible and welcoming for every member of our community, which is an ongoing effort. And we know that one’s right to vote is only as strong as their ability to access it.

     

    Here are some of the tools and services KCE offer to help make voting accessible for everyone:

    • Voters can register online up to eight (8) days before an election.
    • Online Ballot Marking: Voters who are blind or have low vision can mark their ballot using KCE secure online tool, then print and return it.
    • Accessible Voting Units (AVUs): Available at every Vote Center, these devices allow voters to listen to the ballot and vote independently with privacy.
    • ADA-Compliant Facilities: KCE offices and Vote Centers are fully accessible to voters using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
    • Large Print Voter Pamphlets: Available by request to make it easier to read and engage with election information.
    • Signature Alternatives: Voters unable to sign can use two witnesses in place of a signature.
    • Personalized Assistance: For voters who cannot travel or access a printer, KCE team can deliver or pick up voting materials when needed.
       
    The Secretary of State's Office also has resources available for voters with disabilities.


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    Let’s Get Ready to Vote!

    LWVSKC

    The general election may be local (and with a lot less media coverage), but it’s just as important! Candidates for mayor, city council, and school boards are up for a vote this fall and election day  is Tuesday, November 4.


    Vote411 is a League resource to help you learn about who and what is on your ballot. It also helps people register to vote and understand vote-by-mail. Share this informational resource with your family, friends, and neighbors!


    The calendar for the election is:

    Oct. 15 -- Vote center in Renton opens; in-person registration, voting assistance and ballots available up through 8 p.m. on November 4.

    Oct. 16 --     Ballot drop boxes will open (are you going out of town in October? You can ask for an out-of-state ballot and vote already!). 


    Oct. 16-18 --     Expect to receive your voter’s pamphlets and ballot in the mail. Our Vote411 website with the tailored display of candidates you will be voting on goes active.


    Oct. 27 --     Deadline to register to vote by mail (must be received!) or online.


    Nov. 1 --     Five additional vote centers around King County will open and be available on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday.

    Nov. 4 -- ELECTION DAY!



    Ballot Measures     in King County

    Click on each of these to see the information that is available online.

    Two or more of the following measures will appear on your ballot depending on your residence address.


    Statewide Measure
    Senate Joint Resolution No. 8201
     The legislature has proposed a constitutional amendment on allowing money in Washington’s long-term care fund to be invested.

    King Countywide Measure
    Proposition No. 1
    Medic One – Emergency Medical Services Replacement of Existing Levy

     

    Cities

    City of Bothell
    Proposition No. 1
    Renewal of Safe Streets and Sidewalks Levy Lid Lift

    City of Burien
    Proposition No. 1
    Levy Lid Lift for Public Safety

    City of Lake Forest Park
    Proposition No. 1
    Public Safety Services Levy Lid Lift

    City of Mercer Island
    Proposition No. 1
    Public Safety and Maintenance Facility Bonds

    City of Milton
    Advisory Vote No. 1
    Sale, Possession, and Discharge of Consumer Fireworks Within the City of Milton

    City of Seattle
    Proposition No. 1
    Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy
    Proposition No. 2
    Changes to the Business and Occupation Tax
    Schools

    Auburn School District No. 408
    Proposition No. 1
    School Construction and Replacement Bonds
    Proposition No. 2
    Safety, Security, Facility Improvements, and Technology Replacement Levy

    Highline School District No. 401
    Proposition No. 1
    Renewal of Expiring Educational Programs and Operation Levy

    Renton School District No. 403
    Proposition No. 1
    Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy
    Proposition No. 2
    Replacement Technology and Capital Projects Levy

    Special Purpose District

    King County Fire Protection District No. 50
    (North Bend area)
    Proposition No. 1
    Levy Lid Lift

    King County Public Hospital District No. 1
    (Valley Medical Center)
    Proposition No. 1
    Levy Lid Lift for Health Care Services

    Northshore Park and Recreation Service Area
    Proposition No. 1
    Replacement Levy for Repair, Maintenance and Operation

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    2025 Fall Candidate Forums

    Hear from the candidates who want to represent you!

    Civic Engagement and Voting

    League of Women Voters envisions a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge, and the confidence to participate.

    You can take action and be empowered this election season by attending a candidate forum in your area; below is the list of the forums LWVSKC is hosting, co-hosting, or supporting in October. If forums are videotaped, links will be added afterwards.

    candidate_forum_graphic.jpg
    Redmond 
    City Council Candidates
    Wednesday, Oct 1, 6 - 7:30pm

    Lake Forest Park
    City Council Candidates
    Tuesday, Oct 7, 6:30 - 8pm

    Auburn
    Mayoral and City Council Candidates
    Tuesday, Oct 7, 5:30 - 8pm

    Burien
    City Council Candidates
    Tuesday, Oct 7, 6:00 - 7:30pm

    King County
    Executive Candidates
    Thursday, Oct 9, 6:30 - 7:30pm
    Zoom Registration

    Northshore School District
    School District Candidates
    Wednesday, Oct 8, 6:00 - 7:30pm

    Des Moines
    City Council Candidates
    Tuesday, Oct 14, 7:00 - 8:00pm


    33rd Legislative District
    33rd LD Candidates
    Tuesday, Oct 14, 8:00 - 9:00pm

    Mercer Island
    City Council and School Board Candidates
    Wednesday, Oct 15, 6:30 - 8:30pm
    Doors open at 6:30 but program starts at 7.
     Flyer

    Seattle 
    City Council Candidates - City Wide Positions 8 and 9
    Wednesday, Oct 15, 7:00 - 8:30pm

    Bellevue 
    City Council Candidates
    Sunday, Oct 19, 6:00 - 8:00pm

    Kirkland
    City Council Candidates
    Wednesday, Oct 22, 6:00 -8 :00pm
    Flyer

    Kenmore 
    City Council Candidates
    Wednesday, Oct 29, 6;30 - 8:00pm
    Dates are linked to the calendar page for each event and have more details and locations. Additional events and updates can be found on the Events Calendar.

    Looking for more information about the candidates? Check the King County Elections website here.

    League's Vote411 website will have more in-depth candidate information starting October 10. Enter your address and see information about the candidates you will be voting on.


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    Kirkland City Council Candidate Forum

     

    LWVSKC

    On Wednesday, October 22, LWVSKC will be co-hosting a citywide forum with the Lake Washington PTSA Council. This nonpartisan event is designed to help Kirkland residents make informed decisions ahead of the general election. The format will be unique in that high school students will serve as moderators, asking a mix of questions submitted by the community, as well as those they've come up with themselves. 

    While students will play a visible role, this is not a student or school event - it is a community forum for all Kirkland residents. 

    We hope you'll participate by submitting questions and/or attending! Please see the flyer for a QR code where you can direct all inquiries. 

    Kirkland City Council Candidate Forum
    Wednesday, October 22 | 6pm
    Lake Washington High School 


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    LWV_Kirkland_City_Council_Candidate_Forum_Flyer_-_V2_copy.jpg

    Want to Donate to LWVSKC? Consider a QCD!

    LWVSKC Member Barbara Erickson and LWVSKC Morgan Stanley Representative Jennifer Iranon

    Have you been thinking of making a donation to the League of Women Voters of Seattle King County (LWVSKC) from a traditional IRA account? A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) can be a great way to reduce required minimum distributions (RMDs) and optimize the tax benefits of giving.

     

    A QCD is a direct transfer of funds from a traditional IRA to a qualified charity, allowing individuals age 70½ and older to satisfy some or all of their Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) obligations without the distribution being added to their taxable income. The IRA assets go directly to charity, so donors don't report QCDs as taxable income and don't owe any taxes on the QCD, even if they do not itemize deductions.

    • QCDs allow eligible individuals (age 70½ or older) to transfer money from their IRA directly to a qualified charity, and the amount is excluded from their gross income, rather than being taxed as income. 
    • A QCD doesn't offer a tax deduction, but rather, the QCD amount isn't included in your taxable income. The tax benefits of a QCD could outweigh the charitable deduction you would have received from donating cash or other assets to an eligible charity.

    For 2025, the maximum annual QCD is $108,000 per individual and $216,000 per married couple.


    Key Requirements & Rules

    • Age: You must be at least 70½ years old when the distribution is made to qualify for a QCD.
    • Direct Transfer: The funds must be transferred directly from the IRA to the LWVSKC. You cannot receive the funds and then write a personal check to the League.
    • RMD Coordination: For IRA owners age 70½ and older, the QCD counts toward satisfying their annual RMD.

    Benefits of a QCD

    • The QCD is excluded from your adjusted gross income (AGI), which is before standard or itemized deductions. This provides a more valuable tax benefit than a charitable donation, which could reduce taxable income if you itemize deductions.
    •  Lower AGI: with a lower AGI, a higher tax bracket may be avoided.

    How to Make a QCD

    • Contact your IRA Custodian: Inform you IRA provider that you want to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution.
    • Provide Charity Information: Give the custodian the name and address of the qualified charity you wish to donate to.
    • The Custodian Initiates the Transfer: The custodian will directly transfer the funds to the charity.


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    Save the Date: LWVSKC Education Committee

    LWVSKC


    LWVSKC Education Committee is hosting an online conversation with campaign representatives for the replacement of the expiring levy. Be a part of the conversation.  What are the major differences between the new proposal and the expiring levy? What are the successes of the current levy? Were there lessons learned reflected in the renewal?

    Online information:
    Every Child Ready
    King County Elections

    Saturday, Oct. 4 at 4pm
    Zoom link to meeting



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    Board Meeting Highlights

    Laura Rudert


    At our September board meeting, the League reflected on a year that ended stronger than expected. Thanks to the generosity of donors and steady investment income, the League closed the fiscal year ahead of budget. Members also dug into the details of financial oversight, reaffirming the importance of timely reconciliations and accountability.

    Membership continues to grow, with more than 570 members across Seattle and King County. Recent orientations have brought in new energy, and units remain vibrant — from Girl Scout partnerships in Magnolia to new groups beginning in West Seattle.

    This fall is all about voter engagement. Fourteen candidate forums are scheduled in just one month, supported by standardized supply bins and dozens of committed volunteers. The board endorsed a new candidate forum training program and will hold a post-election debrief to capture lessons learned.


    The Program Committee is preparing for the upcoming King County Executive     Forum on mental health, co-sponsored with The Seattle Times. Looking ahead, the committee will gather input from units this fall to help shape program priorities for 2026.

    Finally, the board began forming the 2025–26 Nominating Committee and discussed a smooth transition for treasurer responsibilities. Throughout the meeting, one message echoed clearly: gratitude. From outreach tables to candidate forums, our League thrives because of the commitment and energy of our members and volunteers.



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    We’d Like to Hear from You!


    Not sure who to reach? You can always find us at info@lwvskc.org or 206-329-4848 or check our events calendar for more information.

    Want to stop by our office? We have office hours every workday except Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  We moved in December, but just within the same building. We’re located at: 


    Melbourne Tower

    1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 801

    Seattle, WA 98101


    Executive Committee of the Board of LWVSKC

    President

    Barbara Tengtio

    president@lwvskc.org

    Vice-President

    Janet Lenart

    		 vp@lwvskc.org

    Secretary

    Laura Rudert

    secretary@lwvskc.org

    Co-Treasurer

    Carol Levin

    treasurer@lwvskc.org

    Co-Treasurer

    (pending)

    		  

    Directors of the Board of LWVSKC
     

    Co-Unit Liaison

    Sarah Beth Miller

    unitliaison@lwvskc.org

    Co-Unit Liaison

    Keela Williams

    unitliaison@lwvskc.org

    Voter Services Co-Chair

    Julie Sarkissian

    		 voterservices@lwvskc.org
    Voter Services Co-Chair Dianne Benigno voterservices@lwvskc.org

    Program Co-Chair

    Cindy Krebs

    		 program@lwvskc.org
    Program Co-Chair Evelyn Strawn program@lwvskc.org
    Development Chair Phillippa Kassover  development@lwvskc.org
    Membership Chair Marie Cooley membership@lwvskc.org


    Committee Chairs for LWVSKC

    Economics and Taxation

    Marilee Fuller

    		 marileefuller@yahoo.com

    Education

    Joanna Cullen

    jfoxcullen@gmail.com

    Investment

    Cindy Piennett

    cindypiennett@gmail.com
    Finance Kim Albert kim.a@lwvskc.org
    Youth Civic Engagement Sarah Beth Miller
    Barb Tengtio    		 sarahbethmiller410@gmail.com
    president@lwvskc.org
    Unite & Rise Action Keela Williams keela.w@lwvskc.org


    Nominating Committee for LWVSKC

    Chair

    		 Chelsea Jordan

    nominate@lwvskc.org

    And if you’re looking for the editor of The Voter, reach out to votereditor@lwvskc.org!


    Find us on the web at lwvskc.org!


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