The 2020 General Election was held Nov. 3, and while votes continue to trickle in, voter turnout in Washington state is expected to exceed 80 percent. As one of the few states that votes almost entirely by mail, ballots will continue to be tabulated over the next several weeks. All ballots sent by mail must be postmarked by Nov. 3 to be counted. Final election results will be certified by the Secretary of State on or before Dec. 3.
Washington state’s legislature consists of 98 seats in the House of Representatives, and 49 seats in the Senate. This election cycle, all 98 House seats and 26 of the Senate seats were up for election. Democrats currently have the majority in the House (57-41) and Senate (28-21).
Early election results indicate that Democrats might see a slight boost to their majorities in both chambers. However, several races are still too close to call, and it will take time before the final outcomes become clear. To track the legislative races, click here.
Also on the ballot were nine statewide executive seats – Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, Attorney General, Commissioner of Public Lands, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Insurance Commissioner. Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee was elected to a rare third term over challenger Loren Culp, and former Congressman Denny Heck will now serve as the state’s Lt. Governor. Check out the statewide election results here.
New elected officials will assume office the second Monday in January, which is the start of the 2021 legislative session. The upcoming legislative session will be unlike any other due to the ongoing pandemic. New protocols – including remote testimony – will be implemented to ensure the safety and health of lawmakers, staff, agency officials, and the public. The Capitol building will be closed to the public and lobbyists and lawmakers are expected to convene in a mostly virtual setting. If they must meet in-person, strict safety procedures will be adhered to.
More information regarding protocols for the 2021 legislative session will be available later this fall. Stay tuned!