Greater VOICE
ELECTIONS center
ELECTION RESULTS
— View election results here.
— Check out election news below.
Welcome to the 2024 GSI Elections Center – your go-to resource for all things related to the legislative session and upcoming elections in the greater Spokane region. Explore key initiatives on the ballot, view the new The Pulse polling data. View election results and more about our positions on ballot initiatives. Our goal is to empower you with the information you need to make informed decisions and actively participate in shaping our future. We encourage you to connect with us and get involved. Stay informed, get involved, and make your voice heard – every vote counts in building a vibrant Spokane region.
ELECTION CENTER NEWS
We’ve commissioned a polling series called The Pulse, which provides a benchmark dataset in the Quality of Life Index and reveals critical insights into Spokane County voter sentiment on issues such as public safety, homelessness, housing, education, and economic development. This polling series is the first to scientifically capture Spokane residents’ opinions on a wide range of critical topics, providing data-driven insights on needs and how they change over time. The poll results will guide advocacy and outreach efforts at the local, state, and federal levels driving community supported solutions for Spokane’s toughest issues.
Quality of Life |
|---|
The Pulse measured Spokane’s Quality of Life Index at 3.6. A negative Quality of Life Index indicates that voters are generally pessimistic about the future of Spokane and believe we’re off on the wrong track, with vast majorities of voters citing public safety and homelessness concerns as being most frustrating and most impactful to their quality of life. |
Mental Health & Substance Abuse |
|---|
72% of voters believe funding mental health and substance abuse facilities is important or extremely important to addressing public safety. GSI is working with a regional group of stakeholders to chart a path forward on public safety funding priorities like detention and mental health/substance abuse facilities. |
Creating a More Business Friendly Environment |
|---|
80% of voters said that creating a more business friendly environment would significantly or very significantly improve their quality of life. Working with local, state, and federal officials to make Spokane business friendly is at the core of what GSI does. From employment regulations and licensure reform to workforce development and infrastructure investments, GSI advocates on behalf of our employer community to advance the region. |
A Thriving Downtown |
|---|
89% of voters agree that a thriving downtown Spokane is critical for our region’s economic health. We rely on our strong partnership with the DSP to bolster downtown Spokane as an economic hub for our region, activate its spaces with residential opportunities, and expand our creative economy. |
Want to learn more about what voters believe when it comes to their quality of life, addressing homelessness, taxes, and more? Dig into the full report below. Want even more details? The full crosstabs showing opinions across demographics and more are just a click away.
RETURN YOUR MAIL-IN BALLOT
Washington State makes voting easy with mail-in ballots. Here’s how to ensure your ballot is counted:
Receive Your Ballot
Ballots are typically mailed out a few weeks before the election.
If you haven’t received yours, contact your local election office in the county auditor’s office.
Fill It Out Carefully
Follow the instructions on the ballot to ensure your vote is properly recorded. Double-check your choices and sign where indicated.
Return Your Ballot
You have two options for returning your ballot: 1) Mail it and make sure to send it in time to be postmarked by November 5 and 2) Drop it off by using one of the secure ballot drop boxes located throughout Spokane County. Drop boxes are the most reliable way to ensure your ballot is received on time.
NOVEMBER BALLOT INITIATIVES
After considering the impact on businesses and our community, our Executive Board has taken positions on the following November ballot initiatives. We believe policy should build employers, the economy, and the community and support efforts to improve and protect the business climate of Washington State and oppose the growing regulatory burden on jobmakers and the broad expansion of liability and litigation. View our positions below.
I-2117: Repeals the Climate Commitment Act
Position Taken: Neutral
This measure prohibits state agencies from imposing any type of carbon tax credit trading, and repeal legislation establishing a cap and invest program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It would decrease funding for investments in transportation, clean air, renewable energy, conservation, and emissions-reduction. More about this measure.
I-2109: Repeals a capital gains tax
Position Taken: Neutral
This measure would repeal an excise tax imposed on the sale or exchange of certain long-term capital assets by individuals who have annual capital gains of over $250,000. It would decrease funding for K-12 education, higher education, school construction, early learning, and childcare. More about this measure.
I-2066: Protects the use of natural gas
Position Taken: Support
This measure would repeal or prohibit certain laws and regulations that discourage natural gas use and/or promote electrification, and require certain utilities and local governments to provide natural gas to eligible customers. More about this measure.
Learn more about GSI’s position.
I-2124: Opt-out of the WA Cares long term care benefit
Position Taken: Support
This measure would provide that employees and self-employed people must elect to keep coverage under RCW 50B.04 and could opt-out any time. It would also repeal a law governing an exemption for employees. This measure would decrease funding for Washington’s public insurance program providing long-term care benefits and services. More about this measure.
Learn more about GSI’s position.
Proposition 1: City of Spokane – levies a 1/10% sales tax for public safety
Position Taken: Neutral
The revenue from the tax will be used for enhanced community safety purposes, including, but not limited to, operation enhancements for the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane Police Department, Municipal Court, and the Office of the Police Ombudsman. More about this measure.
CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR OFFICE
Check out the debates and candidates running for office here. GSI hosts debates and encourages candidate conversations, but does not endorse candidates. We’ve partnered with KHQ on these candidate debates, but you can also check out the voter’s guide and other media for candidate coverage.
Playlist
ABOUT OUR WORK IN PUBLIC POLICY
We work year-round with the business community and partners to advance policies that support the health of our community. With our combined role as a regional chamber and economic development council, we have the most impact when we find consensus around policy that is good for area employers, the economy, and our community. Our Regional Advocacy Committee takes positions on initiatives and makes recommendations to the Executive Board. The Executive Board then takes a formal vote on each issue and weighs the pros and cons based on how that issue will impact our employers, the economy, and our community. For more information, contact us at info@greaterspokane.org and view our public policy principles.