NEWS RELEASE

November 3, 2004

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For immediate release

Initiative 872 passes; voters reject party-controlled primary

The Washington State Grange is celebrating the passage of Initiative 872, which will restore voter choice to the primary election process.

Voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of I-872 on Tuesday night. In unofficial returns available from the Secretary of State, I-872 appears to be passing in all 39 counties of the state.

"This across-the-board support for a top-two primary is a signal to the political parties to leave the primary alone," said Grange President Terry Hunt.

The initiative will establish a qualifying primary in which voters will be free to vote for any candidate in any party. Under this system, the two top vote-getters will advance to the general election.

"We would like to congratulate the voters on their victory over the political parties, the Governor and the Courts," said Hunt. "The results of the election indicate that voters preferred the qualifying primary system originally passed by the Legislature, but which was ultimately altered by the Governor at the urging of the political parties.

"The voters have spoken, and they have said that they reject any type of primary which limits their choices," said Hunt.

Under the party nominating primary used for the first time this September, voters were forced to select a ballot of only one political party.

Although the potential exists for a legal challenge to erupt over the initiative, the Grange is confident the will of the people will prevail.

"We're looking forward to working with incoming Attorney General Rob McKenna and Secretary of State Sam Reed to ensure that the primary protects voters'choices," said Hunt. "We will do whatever is needed to help with any legal challenges that arise."

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For more information, contact David Burr, Communications Director, (360) 943-9911.