Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 23, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke, League of Women Voters File Lawsuit to Ensure September 2004 Primary Election

Gov. Gary Locke and the League of Women Voters of Washington today filed a lawsuit with the state Supreme Court to ensure that Washington has a primary election in September that guarantees voter choice and participation.

The action comes a day after the Washington State Grange filed suit to invalidate the 2004 primary law on various legal and technical grounds.

“While our county elections officials are working hard to prepare for the September primary, some in our state seek to create uncertainty and undermine those preparations,” Locke said. “These efforts serve neither the voters nor election officials.”

Judy Golberg, president of the League of Women Voters of Washington, said, “The new primary law is in place and it’s time to prepare for the September primary. Our suit is needed to stop those who would keep us from that task.”

The suit by Locke and the League of Women Voters asks the court to rule that the legislation the governor signed into law April 1 is not subject to referendum. The Secretary of State’s certification of a referendum would leave the state without the benefit of the new primary law for 2004. If that were to happen, the September primary system could be dictated by a federal court at the request of the major political parties. Such a system could limit participation to only those voters who publicly register with a party.

Under the Washington constitution, a law is not subject to referendum if it is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of state government and its existing public institutions.

“The primary bill that I signed into law goes to the heart of our democracy and the operation of our democratic institutions,” Locke said. “What could be more basic to our democracy than a primary election? We look forward to prompt closure on this issue so that the Secretary of State and local elections officials can move forward in their preparations for the Sept. 14 primary.”

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