With the November 5th election approaching, it’s easy to focus on the “Big Election” – the one that will shape the next four years in the White House. But it’s important to remember that some of the most impactful changes happen closer to home, often in the local elections and ballot measures that don’t always make front-page headlines.
In fact, many local measures have long-term effects on your community—on things like transportation, schools, housing, and the environment. These are issues that might not grab national attention, but they affect your everyday life and the future of the place you live. However, they often slip under the radar, a consequence of both media sensationalism and the desensitization that comes with nonstop political coverage. Whether this lack of attention is a bug in the system or an intentional feature driven by political interests is up for debate—but the importance of these issues is not.
For those of you who are new to Washington State or Olympia, it might surprise you to learn that the political landscape here isn’t as clear-cut as it seems. While the area is known for its progressive leanings today, historically, Olympia has deep roots in industries like lumber, fishing, and farming. Many long-time residents still embody these working-class values.
The 1970s brought a wave of change, largely thanks to the founding of The Evergreen State College, which injected the region with a more diverse population and a broader spectrum of political thought. These shifts have contributed to a slightly more diverse, varied political climate, that blends traditional values with forward-thinking ideas.
This election, particularly the local ballot measures, will shape the policies and programs that directly affect your life, not just for the next four years, but for years to come. Whether you’re planning to be here for one year, two years, or longer, the decisions made in this election will impact you—and also the children, families, and future students who call Olympia home.
So, if you’re new to the area, your vote is especially important. Whether it’s about funding local schools, addressing climate change, or improving transportation, these ballot items could affect not only your time at Evergreen but also the community you interact with daily.
Make your voice heard. Your vote is a critical part of shaping both the present and the future of this unique region. If you’re curious to know a bit more about some of the key local ballot measures you’ll be seeing on your ballot. Read on!
What’s on the Ballot:
What is Initiative No. 2117?
Initiative 2117 would repeal the 2021 Washington Climate Commitment Act (CCA), which aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 95% by 2050. If passed, No. 2117 would also prohibit state agencies from running programs that manage carbon emissions, like cap-and-trade.
What is Cap-and-Trade?
In simple terms, cap-and-trade is like a game where big companies have to follow rules about how much pollution they’re allowed to make. Imagine each company has a jar, and they can only fill it up with a certain amount of pollution (carbon emissions). If they want to make more pollution than their jar allows, they have to buy extra room from other companies that aren’t using all of theirs. It encourages companies to find ways to make less pollution so they can sell their extra space to others.
This system helps keep the air cleaner while also allowing businesses some flexibility. If Initiative 2117 passes, it would stop this system in Washington State.
How Did Initiative 2117 Get on the Ballot?
Initiative 2117 was proposed by Let’s Go Washington, a group led by State Rep. Jim Walsh and conservative donor Brian Heywood. The state legislature took no action on the proposal, so it was added to the ballot for voters to decide (ballotpedia.org).
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Opponents of Initiative 2117 Those against No. 2117, including environmental groups, tribal nations, and labor unions, say that repealing the Climate Commitment Act would mean cutting billions of dollars from programs that help reduce pollution, fight wildfires, and protect our water and air. They also warn that vulnerable communities, including tribal lands and low-income areas, would be hit the hardest by more pollution and fewer environmental protections . |
Supporters of Initiative 2117 Supporters of No. 2117 believe that the current cap-and-trade system raises costs for everyday people by making gas, utilities, and groceries more expensive. They advertise that repealing the system would help lower living expenses for families in Washington and say that the current system doesn’t do enough to actually reduce pollution so it should be eliminated entirely (ballotpedia.org). |
What’s Next?
For more information about voting, registering to vote, or getting involved in local issues, visit the Civic Engagement page or Evergreen.edu/Vote. If you want to voice your concerns or get involved in a campaign, connect with WashPIRG and the Geoduck Student Union (GSU). These groups can help you stay informed and take action on important issues like Initiative 2117.