At a time when political turmoil and division remains on the rise, the government should be seeking more voter input, not less.
This leads me to question why legislation such as House Bill 1399 is being considered by our lawmakers.
The bill would allow the state to remove a local sheriff without a vote of the citizens, utilizing a mechanism in which the state makes the rules (which are always subject to change). The bill also would allow the state to decide who is “suitable” to run for the office of sheriff, removing candidates from the ballot as they see fit.
I ran for sheriff with the mindset that the role should be performance-based, with the voters of Thurston County retaining the ultimate say. The entire premise of voting is to elect your leaders for set terms with the expectation they perform their duties well.
HB 1399 erodes the right to vote, allowing state interference in local elections. What is the purpose of voting if the state can override your choice or prevent it from appearing on the ballot in the first place?
HB 1399 is voter suppression wrapped in a façade of police accountability and baked in hypocrisy. Lawmakers would never consider this bill if it were aimed at their own legislative offices. All elected officials, not just sheriffs, should remain in office until voters decide otherwise.
The political waters are rough right now, and voters ought to be steering the ship.
Derek Sanders
Thurston County sheriff
