This year, the Resident & Fellow Physician Union – Northwest (with much support from CIR!) will be making endorsements for candidates on the ballot for the Seattle primary election on August 1st. Endorsements are an important tool for unions to gain allies and build relationships with legislators who will champion our labor rights as essential healthcare workers at multiple levels of government.

Our Political Advocacy Working Group conducted interviews with a number of candidates across multiple hospital site districts, prioritizing questions about reproductive health, gender-affirming care, Seattle’s housing affordability crisis, support of our interest arbitration bill, and much more. After careful consideration, our Political Advocacy Working Group has made recommendations to endorse candidates in the following races: Seattle City Council, District 2; and King County Council, District 8. We anticipate more endorsements that we will announce before the general election. You can find your district here.

Seattle City Council, District 2
The RFPU/CIR Political Advocacy Working Group recommends Tammy Morales for re-election. She is a mother of three that comes from a working-class family. Tammy advocates for Seattle’s communities of color, and plans to champion affordable housing, food security/justice, and stopping displacement in low-income neighborhoods. Read more about Tammy Morales and her platform here.

King County Council, District 8
The RFPU/CIR Political Advocacy Working Group recommends Teresa Mosqueda. She is a mother to a three-year-old daughter and is a third-generation Mexican-American in a family of social activists.. Teresa has been in her city-wide seat for the past five years, and wants to continue fighting to eradicate the root causes of poverty and improve community health. Read more about Teresa Mosqueda and her platform here.

King County Proposition No. 1
The RFPU/CIR Political Advocacy Working Group recommends a YES vote on King County Prop 1: Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy. If approved, this proposition would fund capital facilities and services for veterans, service members, and their families; seniors and caregivers; and resilient communities susceptible to reduced health, housing, financial, or social stability outcomes. Visit the website for more information.

2023 Seattle August Primary Election Information

Register to Vote:
Ballots were sent out last week! Make sure you are registered to vote. You have until August 1 by 8pm to register in person at your County Elections Office (online and mail registration were due by July 24). If you have not received your ballot and you are registered to vote, you can request a replacement ballot or print it online through your local County Elections website. Visit the King County registration page for more information. You can find information for other counties on the Washington State registration page.
Don’t know if you’re registered to vote? Check the status here.

Submitting your Ballot:
You’ve filled out your ballot, now what? Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, August 1, or put in a drop box or returned in person to your designated Voting Center by 8 p.m. that day. Double-check that you signed the ballot envelope! Here is a map to identify ballot boxes and Voting Centers by county.

If you are in King County, you can find your nearest ballot box here.

If you have any questions about being a new Washington voter, updating your registration, methods of voting, how to submit your ballot, candidates, ballot measures, etc. don’t hesitate to email us at admin@rfpu.org.