PEMCO’s civic engagement guide: Complete your full ballot, use your full voice!

PEMCO’s commitment to civic engagement is nonpartisan and focused on citizenship. As a mutual, we’re committed to collective responsibility, and we believe this includes a duty to participate in the political process.  
 
We encourage our employees and communities to participate as well – especially at the local level where the races, issues, and positions have a direct impact on almost all aspects of our daily lives. 
 
While much attention is given to the top of the ballot each election year, we’re shifting focus to the important decisions to make in state, county, and local races.  
 
Leading up to Election Day, we invite you to follow along as we grow our understanding of what’s on the ballot this year. We’ll share information on local debates, voter resources, and key dates and deadlines to inspire our communities to complete their ballots. 
 
When you vote and complete your full ballot, you’re using your full voice to help shape our collective future.  
 

Highlighting community resources 

• TVW: TVW was created with the vision of increasing transparency in the government process in Washington state and holds a nonpartisan, unbiased perspective. Learn more about candidates and what’s on your ballot and how elections work.    

• Cascade PBS: Cascade PBS serves as a vital platform for educational content and community engagement. Through their newsletter, Politics, they provide insightful coverage and analysis of political developments, contributing to a more informed electorate.   

• WA State Debate Coalition: The WA State Debate Coalition is dedicated to fostering public discourse and debate on issues affecting Washington state. By hosting debates and public forums, they provide a stage for candidates to present their views and for voters to gain a deeper understanding of the choices before them.   

• League of Education Voters (LEV): The LEV is committed to empowering students and ensuring that every student in Washington state has access to an excellent public education that provides the opportunity for success. LEV's focus on education aligns with our belief that informed citizens are the foundation of a strong democracy.   

Upcoming debates: 

• Seattle City Council Debate: Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. – Seattle Central College, Seattle, WA  

• Attorney General: Thursday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. – Seattle Central College, Seattle, WA  

• Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction: Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. – Edmonds Center for the Arts, Edmonds, WA  

• Coming soon … links to debates located in eastern Washington (check back for more info!)  

• Access video recordings following all debates on the Seattle CityClub YouTube channel   

Key dates and deadlines 

• September 17: National Registration Day!   

• October 18: Start of 18-day voting period (WA)   

• October 28: Deadline for online voter registration (WA)   

• November 5: Deadline for in person voter registration (WA)  

• November 5: General election. Ballots must be post marked or dropped off in an official drop box by 8pm. (WA)   

 
We recognize there’s a lot happening on the national stage this year, and it can be easy to tune out or feel like local issues take a back seat. Join us in staying informed and engaged this election season, especially on matters that hit close to home. Complete your full ballot, use your full voice, and make your vote count!