成人X站

MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Kim Wyman using ‘typical Republican trick,’ opponent says

Oct 3, 2016, 5:36 AM | Updated: 8:51 am

voter fraud, vote by mail...

Could a vote by mail system help mitigate risks presented by coronavirus? (AP)

(AP)

Cascade Mall shooting suspect Arcan Cetin highlighted a loophole in Washington鈥檚 voting process, according to Washington Secretary of State .

“What came to light to the general public is the fact that election officials cannot verify a person鈥檚 citizenship status as part of voter registration,” Wyman said. “That affects county auditors, elections directors as well as for people in my office.”

It turns out that Cetin is a naturalized U.S. citizen with the right to vote. Authorities initially said Cetin was a permanent resident, but later confirmed he is a citizen.

Related: Congressional candidates go head-to-head live on-air

The issue is that a person does not have to prove citizenship to get an ID in Washington. According to Wyman, Washington is one of three states that has this loophole. It’s a federal standard that the state doesn’t adhere to. It not only deals with voter fraud, but it is also at the core of why federal authorities have threatened not to allow people on airplanes with merely a Washington ID.

Wyman is crafting a proposal aimed at solving the issue in a couple of steps.

“The Legislature enacting real ID, which is the federal requirements to prove citizenship at the time of licensing,” Wyman said. “If we do that, we can have a list of US citizens that we can work from. That would lead to the second part of the proposal where those people are verified; we would automatically register them (to vote).”

Podlodowski: This is not about voter fraud

Wyman’s opponent, , says that the timing of the Republican’s ID reform announcement is convenient, and she finds it offensive.

“I鈥檓 appalled by what she did,” Podlodowski said. “Secretary Wyman is showing her true partisan, Republican colors in an effort to score political points. Just like Donald Trump, she is intentionally flaming anti-immigrant sentiment by suggesting non-citizens are trying to vote here in Washington state. As a daughter of immigrants, I鈥檓 appalled by what she did.”

Podlodowski argues that the issue of ID, driver licenses in Washington, and voter fraud is a bi-partisan issue that lawmakers have been discussing for years. She contends that Wyman has been absent during those discussions.

鈥淚t鈥檚 old news in terms of making it happen,” she said. “This is not about real ID, it鈥檚 about Wyman trying to score political points.”

“To have Kim Wyman bring this up on the heels of this tragic shooting, and to score political points off of immigrants in this state, I am appalled,” Podlodowski said. “This is a typical Republican trick.”

Podlodowksi doesn’t want to change the license system in Washington.

鈥淲e have a system where you don鈥檛 have to be a citizen to get a drivers license,” she said. “That鈥檚 something that I want to make sure we keep. It鈥檚 incredibly important for non-citizens to be able to get a drivers license and insurance.”

Wyman said that her office is trying to be “thoughtful” moving forward with her proposal. She said that she doesn’t want to disenfranchise people, and also she doesn’t want to weaken security.

“Well, people on the left side of the aisle will talk about voter suppression, and people on the right side will talk about voter fraud,” Wyman said. “We balance our security and access pretty well here and you don鈥檛 hear of instances where people are disenfranchised here. On the other side, we have a secure system we want people to have confidence in.”

MyNorthwest News

seattle protest cal anderson park...

Frank Sumrall

Protesters arrested after fire, vandalism break out during Seattle rally to end ICE raids

SPD arrested protesters and issued a dispersal order after the downtown Seattle federal building was tagged with "Abolish ICE" and a dumpster fire broke out.

9 hours ago

Sol Duc Falls SAR 50 foot fall...

Jason Sutich

Sol Duc Falls closed after 18-year-old falls to death off 50-foot cliff

Olympic National Park temporarily closes Sol Duc Falls following tragic accident involving 18-year-old man's fatal slip.

13 hours ago

Boeing aircraft orders...

Jason Sutich

Boeing secures more than 300 aircraft orders in May, its largest monthly total since 2023

Boeing secures over 300 aircraft orders in May, marking its largest monthly total since late 2023, according to Aerospace Global News.

13 hours ago

John Wilson, candidate for King County Executive...

Julia Dallas

‘A very dangerous pattern’: King County Council votes no confidence, urges assessor’s resignation amid restraining order

Another restraining order has been filed against King County Assessor John Wilson.

14 hours ago

Magnuson beach High bacteria Seattle...

Jason Sutich

High bacteria levels: Stay out of Seattle’s poop-filled Magnuson Beach

Seattle Parks and Recreation advises beachgoers to avoid Magnuson Beach water for health safety due to elevated bacteria levels.

14 hours ago

Shon barnes seattle police chief protests...

Jason Sutich

‘I will probably go to jail’: Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes on protest decisions

Police Chief Shon Barnes defends First Amendment rights; anticipates jail for opposing Trump鈥檚 orders during Seattle City Council meeting.

18 hours ago

Kim Wyman using ‘typical Republican trick,’ opponent says