The often neglected primary on August 6 is especially important as the top two candidates move on to the general election in November. Learn more about where the candidates stand on issues around the land, water, air and climate of Okanogan County by reading responses to our candidate questionnaire. See what candidates the Action Fund has endorsed or recommended in the MVCC Action Fund Voters Guide - a pro-rural, pro-nature, pro-community voter guide with special emphasis on local races. To help Okanogan County voters cast a ballot reflecting their values, the guide features endorsements and recommendations* focused at the county level, from local district seats to state legislator races and everything in between. There are many resources available for broader state and federal races and we encourage you to check those out, including those from Washington Conservation Action and Fuse WA.

*Endorsements are different from recommendations. MVCC Action Fund endorsements are reserved for those candidates who are truly champions protecting our natural environment and rural character and who lead effectively on these issues. Even if a race does not feature an endorsed candidate, MVCC Action Fund works to recommend the best candidate running in every race because local elected officials -- from the school board to the statehouse -- affects our future.

How to Vote: 

Ballots will be mailed out on July 19th. Send yours in early!

July 29 is the last day to update or change your voter info online.

If you're not registered to vote you can still register and vote in person on August 6th. You can check your voter registration online at Voter.VoteWA.gov

Ballots are due by 8p.m. on August 6th! A list of ballot drop boxes can be found here.

Action Fund Endorsements and Recommendations for August 6 Primary:

Okanogan County Public Utility District Commissioner: MVCC Action Fund endorses Lauren McCloy.

Lauren is exactly what we need at this exact right time. The PUD commission has been historically led by old, white men - large landowners with a business interest at stake. As we face multiple crises it is time for a fresh face with creative and innovative ideas to lead us into a future that will help our community become resilient in the face of climate change. Lauren is clearly the woman for the job. After reading her responses to our questionnaire, you will have no doubt that she is HIGHLY QUALIFIED to lead the PUD.

County Commissioner District #1: No endorsements for primary. We recommend Nick Timm.

After conversations with both Michael Heath and Nick Timm, we recommend for Nick Timm. He is bright, informed, solution oriented, and data-driven. And while we might not agree on all the issues, we believe he has the character to make a good community-minded public servant that will serve ALL of Okanogan County. We have serious concerns about the candidacy of Marc Doney and believe he will be a polarizing figure on the County Commission. His attacks on the LGBTQ community, his involvement with armed militia at a local rally, and the many statements on his social media page are troublesome.

Our former mayor of Twisp, Soo Ing Moody has proven herself to be a great leader through challenging times and has delivered consistent results. We also note that Ing Moody's opponent Engell is a divisive candidate, using inflammatory and false rhetoric to push a far-right agenda that does not represent the diversity of viewpoints in the district.

State Legislative District #7, Position 2: No endorsements for the primary. We recommend Paul "Rocky" Dean.

Dean is running as a moderate Democrat, and while he may have uphill race in the very conservative 7th District, we feel Dean has the community interest at heart and has the vision and ability to lead. Dean’s top priorities include veteran support, accessible health care, sufficient funding for public schools, and addressing the unique challenges faced by Washington’s small towns.