Does ‘West Side – Seattle’ Carry Too Much Voting Clout? See For Yourself

This started as a look at how Initiative 1351 (reducing classroom size) was doing, but turned into a stunning look at how Eastern Washington - as well as areas outside of King County - cast their votes.

I-1351, pushed by the Teachers Union (The Washington Education Association) was a bill that would have mandated the state hire over 23,000 more educators to reduce class sizes.  But it didn't appropriate any funding to do this.  What it DID stipulate is that all new teachers hired after it went into effect, if it passed, would have to pay $1,000 to the union.  It would give the WEA and extra $7 million annually.  According to the Secretary of State website, the bill failed.

What got our attention was the voting maps published by the Seattle Times, by way of the Office of the Secretary of State.

You can see their page by clicking here.  It's a stunning look at how different we vote than Seattle-King County, and parts of the West Side.

For Example:

I-594 - the Universal Gun Backround Check Initiative:   Except for three counties, every single county East of the Cascades voted against it.   But it still passed, due to overwhelming King-Pierce and other West side votes.

I-592 - Prohibits certain restrictions being placed on firearms and backround checks.   This measure passed every single county East of the Cascades except two.  But it still failed, due to King County-Seattle.

So, if you don't believe the age-old arguments that Seattle-King County-the West Side carries too much political weight,  see for your own eyes.   It will alarm you.