News

OLYMPIA – The Washington Supreme Court issued its ruling today in Vet Voice v. Hobbs, unanimously affirming the constitutionality of the state’s signature verification process for vote-by-mail ballots. In a majority opinion, the court ruled in favor of the defendants, upholding the longstanding process that ensures the integrity of Washington’s vote-by-mail system. 

The plaintiffs challenged the signature matching procedure outlined in RCW 29A.40.110(3), arguing that election officials should only use it to confirm whether a ballot return envelope has been signed. However, the… Read more

OLYMPIA – The Productivity Board, a state employee incentive program of the Office of the Secretary of State, voted unanimously on Feb. 27, 2025, to reward four state employees a cash award for their idea to generate revenue for the state. 

A team at Washington’s Lottery Commission implemented a project to improve earnings on their municipal investment account. Their efforts resulted in an increase in interest earnings of 311%, which resulted in an additional $726,900 of interest income for the initial 8 months of implementation. The four team members will each receive cash… Read more

OLYMPIA – The Productivity Board, a state employee incentive program of the Office of the Secretary of State, recognized individuals and groups, who proposed plans to reduce costs in state government or generate new revenue, during a State Capital ceremony on Feb. 25, 2025. 

The Productivity Board encourages all state employees to help save taxpayers' money by offering up to $10,000 for a successful employee proposal to increase government efficiency. First created by the Legislature in 1982 and reinstated in… Read more

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Library is now accepting applications for their TTRPG Innovation Grants for up to $2,000, which are available to any public, school, tribal, or community college libraries in Washington. 

Applications are due by March 10, and those who receive the grants will have until September 30, 2026, to complete their projects. Previous projects have included using tabletop gaming in libraries to encourage personal and academic growth through gaming, collaborating with community partners, and creating and disseminating resources that benefit the TTRPG… Read more

OLYMPIA – Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs called out the presidential administration’s action to place members of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) on administrative leave at a time when threats from cybercriminals and nation states to state and local elections grow. 

Speaking from his State Capitol office in Olympia on Wednesday, Hobbs urged the state legislature to fill in budget gaps to fund key election security programs,… Read more

OLYMPIA — Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is proud to announce the two outstanding recipients of the 2024 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award from Washington state: Charles Johnson and Iliana Barnes Diaz. These young leaders have demonstrated a deep commitment to civic engagement, social justice, and community empowerment, carrying forward the legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis. 

“These remarkable individuals are making a real difference in their communities,” said Secretary Hobbs. “Their work ensures that more people—especially those from underrepresented communities—have… Read more

OLYMPIA – The Office of the Secretary of State launched a new lobby exhibit in the Legislative Building on January 29 commemorating the contributions and history of the Washington National Guard. Assembled in partnership with the Washington National Guard, Of the community, For the community: The Washington National Guard since 1883 celebrates the stories of Washington’s citizen-soldiers and airmen, and their ever-evolving role in the community. 

The exhibit is available for public viewing in the lobby of the Office of the Secretary of State, and is the latest project designed… Read more

OLYMPIA—Election offices in 32 counties have mailed ballots to voters who are eligible to vote in the Feb. 11 Special Election.  

Approximately 30% of Washington’s 5 million registered voters are eligible to participate in this election. A total of 81 measures will appear on the ballot across 65 districts, covering issues and races ranging from school districts to public facilities districts. 

Not all voters in counties with special election measures will receive ballots. Seven counties — Franklin, Garfield, Klickitat, Pend Oreille, San Juan, Wahkiakum, and… Read more

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Library and Wisconsin State Library Agency are proud to announce extraordinary support from leaders in the game and gaming peripherals industries for their newly awarded IMLS National Leadership Grant, Empowering & Innovating Games-based Library Services. This groundbreaking initiative aims to integrate games into library services nationwide, fostering inclusion, innovation, and community engagement. This month, game companies GripMat, Lone Shark Hames, and Arcane Wonders have donated additional game materials in support of the… Read more

OLYMPIA – Washington public schools will observe Temperance and Good Citizenship Day on Thursday, January 16, an event established in 1923 that is currently dedicated to helping students take the first step toward active participation in democracy by registering to vote. 

The Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS) and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) are working together to bring civic education and voter registration opportunities to Washington… Read more