On Thursday, November 7, from 7:30 to 9:00 PM, the University of Washington’s College of Arts & Sciences and the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance hosted Trust on the Ballot: Voting in Washington. The forum brought together three Washington Secretaries of State to explore the history and evolution of voting systems in Washington, examining both the successes and challenges within the current polarized climate following the November 5, 2024, General Election.
The panel discussion featured insights from current Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, along with former Secretaries Kim Wyman and Sam Reed. Together, they discussed how Washington’s voting systems have adapted over the years and the factors shaping election integrity and voter trust today. Their collective experience provided an in-depth look at the complexities of securing elections in an era marked by increasing challenges to democratic processes.
