Is it possible to form a more perfect union? Washington State is no longer united in spirit. One part of the state governs, while the other is governed. One side sets the agenda; the other is told to accept it—or leave. But what if there were a better way?
Thank you for the insights. One observation and improvement, both options can be pursued concurrently. The Convention of Counties, could be activated within months, and yes it will probably be challenged. If so, let the challenge run its course, who knows, it could be legitimized quickly with SCOTUS. The solution is Constitutionally based and legally sound. Simply, this supports a government For, Of and By the People.
Step 1: visit leg.wa.gov and look up Rep. Chase's bill 2085. a) Leave a comment on the bill and send it to your Senator and two Representatives. b) Follow up your comments with a phone call to your 3 legislators and have a conversation about the same. Ask them lots of leading questions about what do they think and what would change their mind if opposed. Be curious, not confrontational. Use the issue to build a relationship.
Step 2: follow convention of the counties on X and sign up for their communications.
Very similar to the electoral college, but it is a state electoral college. I have been promoting this for years now! Whether it is two senators per county or one doesn't make a difference. Each county gets "X" number of votes. Which would then balance out the top 5 population counties.
There is nothing in the Federal Constitution that would prevent Washington from moving in this direction. In fact it would garner much attention across the Union because there are other states such as: New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Oregon, Colorado, and we are starting to see the blueberry in the tomato soup (Austin, TX) move closer to taking a strong hold in elections because of its population.
I love this idea - it fair, repeatable, and the republican form of government that shapes our Presidency. I'll support the bill, but we should look at a statewide electoral college. IMO...
Why stop breaking it down by counties being divided by WA government. Pierce county is overall controlled by democrats but there are small pockets, such as LD2, which are quite conservative and represented by republicans.
The goal of not having people and businesses move out of WA is commendable but what might be the unintended consequences? Could this result in wealthier families migrating to the rural areas then commuting for their jobs in the cities? Could districts lose the minimal representation they may currently have as conservatives depart. Would we experience more gerrymandering to ensure democrats retain their hold on state legislation?
WA gained a congressional district after the 2010 census as people left Ohio and WA state population increased. We saw CA and NY lose while FL and TX gained after the 2020 census. While this may have been good for the nation, would such a migration be good for states if the representation is being adjusted accordingly? I don't the answer but it should be considered.
As an advocate for an Article V Convention of States, having a Convention of Counties is intriguing as it may get more advocates for WA to consider a Convention of States debate. Currently Olympia will not even allow the possibility bringing it to the floor for debate.
We do have a problem with extraordinarily large counties! Some of them as large as New England States!! It would be interesting to sub-divide those even smaller, wouldn't it?
I agree that a convention of counties is a very long shot. There's nothing in the state constitution that would allow it, but nothing that would disallow it either. It would be interesting to take it to the courts, and see what happens.
Is the problem geographical size or the disproportionate population of the counties? King county has a population on par with than the next 3 counties combined (Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane) appx 2.3M. By contrast the 33 lesser populated counties have just under 3M combined. Is the plan to break up the large population centers into more equal distributions like congressional districts?
Well, looking at Rep. Chase's bill, the idea seems to be to create autonomous self-governing "regions" within the state.
The other idea, the convention of the counties, aims to create a Senate that gives each county an equal voice, regardless of population.
Two different ideas, both interesting.
Your idea is also interesting: To subdivide counties into smaller units. I suppose that you could divide by population (a precinct model) or by geographic area, or both!
Which were created first, the counties or the state? Our counties should have always maintained local control. The state has overstepped it's job of protecting all citizens of Washington.
I believe the territory of Washington came first, then the state. The counties, came later. I'm not sure why we have such enormous counties. Ferry County, one of our smaller counties, is 2x the times the size of Rhode Island, with a population less than 8000! It's kind of crazy.
This is basic Washington state history. Too bad it is not learned in our current system of education in Washington.
My great-great grandfather was a resident of Washington territory. He brought his wife from Cherokee County Oklahoma to Washington territory in the mid-1880s.
Thank you for the insights. One observation and improvement, both options can be pursued concurrently. The Convention of Counties, could be activated within months, and yes it will probably be challenged. If so, let the challenge run its course, who knows, it could be legitimized quickly with SCOTUS. The solution is Constitutionally based and legally sound. Simply, this supports a government For, Of and By the People.
Yes, they can be pursued concurrently!
Thank you, Nancy, for your excellent work! How can we help?
Steve,
Step 1: visit leg.wa.gov and look up Rep. Chase's bill 2085. a) Leave a comment on the bill and send it to your Senator and two Representatives. b) Follow up your comments with a phone call to your 3 legislators and have a conversation about the same. Ask them lots of leading questions about what do they think and what would change their mind if opposed. Be curious, not confrontational. Use the issue to build a relationship.
Step 2: follow convention of the counties on X and sign up for their communications.
They are: https://x.com/COC1776
Very similar to the electoral college, but it is a state electoral college. I have been promoting this for years now! Whether it is two senators per county or one doesn't make a difference. Each county gets "X" number of votes. Which would then balance out the top 5 population counties.
There is nothing in the Federal Constitution that would prevent Washington from moving in this direction. In fact it would garner much attention across the Union because there are other states such as: New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Oregon, Colorado, and we are starting to see the blueberry in the tomato soup (Austin, TX) move closer to taking a strong hold in elections because of its population.
I love this idea - it fair, repeatable, and the republican form of government that shapes our Presidency. I'll support the bill, but we should look at a statewide electoral college. IMO...
Ryan Burton
Olympia, WA
Thurston County PCO 047
Follow Convention of Counties on X: https://x.com/COC1776
Run by someone I know, a PCO from Spokane County.
Why stop breaking it down by counties being divided by WA government. Pierce county is overall controlled by democrats but there are small pockets, such as LD2, which are quite conservative and represented by republicans.
The goal of not having people and businesses move out of WA is commendable but what might be the unintended consequences? Could this result in wealthier families migrating to the rural areas then commuting for their jobs in the cities? Could districts lose the minimal representation they may currently have as conservatives depart. Would we experience more gerrymandering to ensure democrats retain their hold on state legislation?
WA gained a congressional district after the 2010 census as people left Ohio and WA state population increased. We saw CA and NY lose while FL and TX gained after the 2020 census. While this may have been good for the nation, would such a migration be good for states if the representation is being adjusted accordingly? I don't the answer but it should be considered.
As an advocate for an Article V Convention of States, having a Convention of Counties is intriguing as it may get more advocates for WA to consider a Convention of States debate. Currently Olympia will not even allow the possibility bringing it to the floor for debate.
We do have a problem with extraordinarily large counties! Some of them as large as New England States!! It would be interesting to sub-divide those even smaller, wouldn't it?
I agree that a convention of counties is a very long shot. There's nothing in the state constitution that would allow it, but nothing that would disallow it either. It would be interesting to take it to the courts, and see what happens.
Is the problem geographical size or the disproportionate population of the counties? King county has a population on par with than the next 3 counties combined (Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane) appx 2.3M. By contrast the 33 lesser populated counties have just under 3M combined. Is the plan to break up the large population centers into more equal distributions like congressional districts?
Well, looking at Rep. Chase's bill, the idea seems to be to create autonomous self-governing "regions" within the state.
The other idea, the convention of the counties, aims to create a Senate that gives each county an equal voice, regardless of population.
Two different ideas, both interesting.
Your idea is also interesting: To subdivide counties into smaller units. I suppose that you could divide by population (a precinct model) or by geographic area, or both!
Let's think outside the box! :)
Which were created first, the counties or the state? Our counties should have always maintained local control. The state has overstepped it's job of protecting all citizens of Washington.
I believe the territory of Washington came first, then the state. The counties, came later. I'm not sure why we have such enormous counties. Ferry County, one of our smaller counties, is 2x the times the size of Rhode Island, with a population less than 8000! It's kind of crazy.
Franklin County was formed (from Whitman County) in November 1883. Washington became a state in 1889. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_County%2C_Washington
Whitman County was formed in 1871 (from Stevens County). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitman_County,_Washington
Stevens County (created in 1863) was named after the first governor of Washington Territory (Isaac Stevens). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevens_County,_Washington
This is basic Washington state history. Too bad it is not learned in our current system of education in Washington.
My great-great grandfather was a resident of Washington territory. He brought his wife from Cherokee County Oklahoma to Washington territory in the mid-1880s.
I'm so glad you are spreading the word about Rob Chase's ideas! He's a personal friend of mine -- a great guy representing us!