Letter written by former state attorney general claims that individuals affiliated with one or more of these groups harassed signature collectors in various cities including Ridgefield and Camas
TJ Martinell
The Center Square Washington
Let’s Go Washington has sent a cease-and-desist letter to three organizations it’s accused of illegally interfering with its signature gathering efforts for initiatives to be placed on the November 2024 ballot.
The letter, written by former State Attorney General Rob McKenna, accuses Fuse Washington, SEIU 775 and Washington D.C.-based Fieldworks of engaging in “a coordinated intimidation campaign against contractors for our client, Let’s Go Washington, and voters, to disrupt and prevent the collection of voter signatures for several initiative petitions in Washington.”
The letter was sent on Dec. 14, the same day Let’s Go Washington turned in 400,000 signatures for Initiative 2113, which would restore the ability of police officers to pursue criminal suspects.
The letter claims that individuals affiliated with one or more of these groups harassed signature collectors in various cities including Ridgefield, Camas, and Tacoma. In several instances, the incidents prompted a police response but also “caused petition signing by voters to be disrupted or terminated at that location,” according to the letter.
“It’s unconscionable and illegal activity, openly driven and coordinated by these activist groups,” Let’s Go Washington Founder Brian Heywood said in a news release statement. “The harassment and intimidation of Washington voters and initiative workers needs to end. The initiative process is one of the state’s most fundamental democratic rights and they are brazenly working to suppress it. They have to end this intimidation campaign right now or we’ll be forced to settle this in court.”
The Center Square reached out to the Secretary of State’s Office for comment. SOS Media Relations Coordinator Derrick Nunnally told The Center Square that their office has no investigative or enforcement power regarding interference with signature gathering.
“Our role has been to help with awareness of what the laws are, including laws against harassing folks who are attempting to participate in democracy, which is what signature gathering is,” he said, adding that if anyone witnesses interference they should contact local law enforcement.
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs issued a statement in July 2023 stating that harassing or impeding the signature-gathering process in any way is a misdemeanor.
Earlier this month, a hotline was set up by the Washington State Democrats for people to report signature gathering locations. When The Center Square called the hotline for possible comment on the cease-and-desist letter, it was sent to a voicemail asking to provide information about a signature gathering location.
Let’s Go Washington is also alleging that groups opposed to the initiatives have tried to bribe signature gatherers to “relocate to Florida until after the signature gathering period has ended. We expect to see the full disclosure of these opposition campaign expenditures in the PDC filing reports as required by state law.”
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- Rep. John Ley’s new bill calls for an independent audit of Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project
Rep. John Ley introduced legislation requiring an independent audit of the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project to review costs, management, and oversight. - Letter: Public school vision
Clark County resident Larry Roe urges a deeper community discussion about public school priorities, levy funding, and the long-term affordability of education for local families. - County Charter Review Commission sets meeting schedule, selects officers
The Clark County Charter Review Commission set a weekly meeting schedule beginning Feb. 4 and selected officers as it begins its review of the county charter. - WA Secretary of State certifies parental rights initiative
The Washington Secretary of State certified a parental rights initiative after verifying enough valid signatures, sending the measure to the Legislature and likely placing it on the November 2026 ballot. - WA leaders prepare for possibility of immigration crackdown
Washington’s governor and attorney general outlined preparations for a potential immigration crackdown, including possible conflicts between federal agents and state or local authorities - Opinion: House Bill 1834 would create a regulatory nightmare and restricts parental control on social media
Mark Harmsworth argues that House Bill 1834 would undermine parental authority and create sweeping regulatory and legal risks under the guise of protecting minors online. - Clark College invites high school students & families to learn how Running Start can jump-start college success
Clark College will offer virtual information sessions and in-person support nights to help high school students and families understand the Running Start program and the steps to enroll.
wpDiscuz
