How do I register to vote?
You can register to vote by calling the Election Department of your County Auditor's Office (listed under the Government Pages in the phone book), by calling the Voter Info Hotline at 1-800-448-4881, or logging onto http://www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/register.aspx.
What is a legislative session?
The Washington State Legislature is made up of two houses (or chambers), the Senate and the House of Representatives. Washington has 49 legislative districts, each of which elects a Senator and two Representatives. Senators serve four-year terms and Representatives serve two-year terms.
The Senate and House of Representatives meet in session each year to create new laws, change existing laws, and enact budgets for the state. In the odd-numbered years, for example, 2009, the regular session is 105 days; in the even-numbered year, for example, 2010, it is 60 days.
When is the legislative session?
In Washington state, the Legislature convenes the legislative session on the second Monday in January each year.
To learn more or get a current schedule, visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/Legislature/calendar/
How do I find my legislative district?
You can easily find your legislative district from the Washington State Legislature homepage. Simply log onto http://www1.leg.wa.gov/legislature/, click "Find Your District," and enter your street and ZIP code.
How can I look up a bill?
The legislature homepage has a link to "Bill Info" where you can look up any information regarding bills. http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/
How does a bill become a law?
Washington state's "LEGInfo" provides several files that describe the legislative process.
Do you have any tips on communicating with my legislators?
Here are some simple tips to communicating with your elected officials.
- Introduce yourself and the organization you represent
- Define your key points
- Let them know what the issue is
- Keep it simple; don't talk jargon
- Tell stories about what works
- Don't get defensive or argumentative
- Find out what their interests are
- If you do not know the answer to a question, say so
- Follow up and write a thank you note