The political warfare has been nonstop, and blockers have targeted both signature gatherers and signers

Over the last week, Let’s Go Washington (LGW) has received a high volume of reports about signature gatherers being threatened, harassed, attacked, and having their petition sheets destroyed or stolen. The incidents to subvert democracy began on the first day of signature gathering and have continued daily. 

The political warfare has been nonstop, and blockers have targeted both signature gatherers and signers. While supporters have been quick to mobilize and locate signing venues despite the dangerous rhetoric and actions directed against them, many still find it intimidating to confront the loud minority’s hegemony. This pattern of vitriol against initiative supporters is not new but has escalated to levels that are not safe or tolerable. 

Last year, Yakima’s Mayor wasted emergency resources by calling 911 on a group of peaceful signature gatherers to have them removed from outside a Walmart. In 2023, the majority in the legislature set up the snitch line to report on citizens engaging in democracy with the intent to intimidate and remove them. It’s only with more coverage of this year’s attacks that people will be protected while they participate in democracy.

Despite clear communication with Washington State officials about the obvious voter suppression and threats to democracy, only Attorney General Nick Brown has posted on X about the attacks. 

Governor Ferguson’s response didn’t warrant so much as a social media post from his office, so LGW posted it on X for him. 

To shed light on the ongoing voter suppression and violence against Washingtonians, LGW is releasing this Attack Tracker which will be updated as often as there are hostile actions taken against signature gatherers. LGW founder, Brian Heywood, talked more about the events and the tracker: 

“We appreciate that the Attorney General has taken notice of the threats, harassment, and theft, but a tweet won’t be enough to keep people safe from coordinated, statewide attacks against democracy by extremists. The criminals engaging in these behaviors appear to be untethered from reality – they seem to believe there are no consequences to their actions, and they have already disenfranchised at least 500 individuals who have had their signature stolen or destroyed. 

“We are releasing this tracker with the hope that it will bring much needed attention to the onslaught of criminal activity against regular people trying to make their voices heard. State officials must make a strong, clear message that this sort of political intimidation and violence is not acceptable and that they will pursue and prosecute the thugs and criminals that are obstructing the democratic process in Washington State.” 

LGW has sent out record numbers of petitions since the violence began last week, and it is estimated that over 500 more sheets will go out by the end of the week. The organization will continue to stand up for the democratic process and work to protect normal citizens from having their vote stolen from them. 

Visit letsgowashington.com for more information. 

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