Accomplishments

Fighting for the people's will

When Sam took office in 2001, he set to work on his chief priority to protect voter rights. One of the great victories came earlier this year when the United States Supreme Court reinstated the voter approved, Top Two Primary.

Sam understands that the voters of Washington want to support the most qualified candidates running for public office, regardless of their political party preferences. He understands that voters want the freedom to choose any candidate on the ballot and don't want to be forced to pick a political party ballot. With the Attorney General, Sam took the people's case for this freedom all the way to the United States Supreme Court and won.

In August, Washington will hold its first Top Two Primary, with the two most popular candidates will go on to the November General Election.

Helping to grow and maintain Washington's businesses
Since taking office in 2001, Sam has worked to make Washington a more business friendly state. In 2002 he made the state one of the first in the nation to allow corporations to file online. Now corporations doing business in Washington do not have to drive to Olympia to file with the state, they can do so from the convenience of their office or home. What would have taken weeks before, can now be done in a matter of minutes. In 2001, 28,140 new corporations filed with the office. In 2007, more than 59,600 new corporations and non-profits filed with the office, and of that 49,535 were filed online.

Saving the state's oldest cultural institution – the State Library
In 2002 and 2003 the state faced severe budget cuts. After a long fought battle and threats of closure, Sam saved the Washington State Library from annihilation. Sam recognized the importance of this cultural treasure. Open since 1853, the State Library is home to priceless collections such as the Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the record of every bill ever introduced in the State Legislature, and the papers of renowned activists like Emma Smith Devoe. The State Library was moved from an agency under the Office of the Governor, to a division of the Office of the Secretary of State. Today, the State Library is strong and continues its valuable work for the citizens of Washington and their children and grandchildren.

Opening the doors of the nation's first state government digital archives
The advent of the internet and email has allowed for people throughout the world and across continents to conduct business in a matter of minutes. It has increased productivity and innovation. With the use of new technology, many didn't realize that the record of the daily business of government was being erased from history without any way to preserve it. Recognizing this weakness, Sam set to work to find a solution. In 2003 the doors were opened to the nation's first state government digital archives to permanently preserve the electronic records of government. Since then, the state's digital archives has become world renowned, receiving many national and global recognitions and awards.

Opening a world-class facility to secure Washington's past and future
Picture your grandchildren holding the hands of their children and walking them through an interactive exhibit telling the story of the territory's first settlers – this is Sam's vision for the state. Sam successfully advocated for this project at a time when preserving the heritage of the state is not considered a top priority. The 2007 Washington State Legislature authorized the funding of a new facility, the Washington State Heritage Center. The Washington State Heritage Center will tell the story of all people who make up Washington State and Territory and preserve it for future generations. Visitors will be able to learn about the experiences of the past through the expertise of the State Archives, State Library, and State Capital Museum.

Election Reforms

Centralized statewide voter registration system increases security & accountability
In 2006, Sam launched the state's first consolidated voter registration system, replacing 39 separate county registration systems.

This state-of-the-art database now holds all of Washington's more than 3 million voter registration records. Since its activation, it has improved accuracy and helped to prevent opportunity for fraud in the state's elections. In fact, in just two years more than 400,000 improper voter registrations have been removed from Washington's voter rolls including duplicates, deceased voters, and felons.

Voter Identification advances voter trust
Thanks to Sam's leadership, citizens are now required to present identification when registering to vote and when voting at the polls.

County election reviews ensure proper practices statewide In the 2005 legislative session Sam fought for the authority to address the problem of varying election procedures in different counties. Now, the Office of the Secretary of State audits each county election department once every three years, to ensure proper practices and procedures.

A State Primary in August protects election integrity
For years, Sam fought to move the State Primary from September to earlier in the year. The September date gave election workers less than three weeks to put together the General Election. Counties also had only four or five days after the certification of the Primary to mail ballots to military and citizens overseas.

In 2005 Sam worked with the State Legislature to move the State Primary to August. This move allows for the men and women in uniform stationed all over the globe to receive their ballots earlier and ensure their right to participate in our democracy. It also gives more time for election workers throughout the state to more accurately prepare for the General Election.

No more ballot enhancement increases trust in elections
One of the major reforms Sam championed following the 2004 Governor's race ended ballot enhancement. The practice of ballot enhancement allowed election workers to physically mark a voter's ballot. Now, all counties have consistent standards in place for ballot duplication.

Voters no longer have to wait for one county to report recount results
In 2004, a weakness in the state's election system caused many voters to question why one or two counties would consistently be the last to report recount results. Sam recognized this and worked with the State Legislature to change it. Now, it is the Secretary of State that can require all counties to report their recount results on the same day, eliminating the perception of one or two counties swaying an election.

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