With all this going on, we have a primary coming up Tuesday. Thank goodness we vote by mail. I would hate to think what this would have done if we're lining up at polling places. I mean or thank God we vote by mail because corona virus, right? We got the advice from the Secretary of State, Kim Wyman, who's in live in the studio with us today. You guys have a new what slogan should we call it or saying 'whether healthy or sick, please don't lick.' This is because of corona virus.

With all this going on, we have a primary coming up Tuesday. Thank goodness we vote by mail. I would hate to think what this would have done if we're lining up at polling places. I mean or thank God we vote by mail because corona virus, right? We got the advice from the Secretary of State, Kim Wyman, who's in live in the studio with us today. You guys have a new what slogan should we call it or saying 'whether healthy or sick, please don't lick.' This is because of corona virus.

It is, it is. We've been talking to Department of Health and Department of Homeland Security, and they're concerned that they don't know how long the virus lives on an envelope that's been licked. And so we thought, maybe just to try to help our folks processing ballot envelopes, that would be a good, you know, safeguard. But really, we we've done things on the back end, like wear gloves when you're processing ballots. So we're working with our county officials and we'll get it done.

It is, it is. We've been talking to Department of Health and Department of Homeland Security, and they're concerned that they don't know how long the virus lives on an envelope that's been licked. And so we thought, maybe just to try to help our folks processing ballot envelopes, that would be a good, you know, safeguard. But really, we we've done things on the back end, like wear gloves when you're processing ballots. So we're working with our county officials and we'll get it done.

Of course, before this broke, the big concern of people was having to sign a party affiliation statement that was on the outside of the envelope, so explain to everyone why that decision was made.

Of course, before this broke, the big concern of people was having to sign a party affiliation statement that was on the outside of the envelope, so explain to everyone why that decision was made.

Well, we've done this every time we've done the presidential primary. And it's so that the county officials can separate the ballots by stacks of, you know, Democratic ballots, Republican ballots, because at some point they take your name away from your ballot to give you a secret vote. And once they do that, if somebody's crossed over, they select a Republican. If you know, mark the cross over and raid the Democratic Party. Um, those votes won't count if you if you select a Republican and cross over, it won't count. So that's there's just a mechanical way to keep the ballot secret, but also makes sure only Democrats vote for Democrats and Republicans vote for Republicans.

Well, we've done this every time we've done the presidential primary. And it's so that the county officials can separate the ballots by stacks of, you know, Democratic ballots, Republican ballots, because at some point they take your name away from your ballot to give you a secret vote. And once they do that, if somebody's crossed over, they select a Republican. If you know, mark the cross over and raid the Democratic Party. Um, those votes won't count if you if you select a Republican and cross over, it won't count. So that's there's just a mechanical way to keep the ballot secret, but also makes sure only Democrats vote for Democrats and Republicans vote for Republicans.

And correct me if I'm wrong. I was gone when this sort of story was blowing up, but I know that you are not a fan of being able to sign your name on the outside along with the party affiliation checkmark? Are you as secretary of state going to try and change that?

And correct me if I'm wrong. I was gone when this sort of story was blowing up, but I know that you are not a fan of being able to sign your name on the outside along with the party affiliation checkmark? Are you as secretary of state going to try and change that?

I am. You know, if I get to keep this job after this cycle. Um, next year, one of the things we're gonna do is try to bring back the unaffiliated vote. You know, I did vote last Thursday. I have voted. I just didn't pick a party box because there's only one candidate on my side of the ballot. And it's more to bring light to this idea that there are many people in the state that want to participate, don't care if the parties use their vote. They just want to be heard.

I am. You know, if I get to keep this job after this cycle. Um, next year, one of the things we're gonna do is try to bring back the unaffiliated vote. You know, I did vote last Thursday. I have voted. I just didn't pick a party box because there's only one candidate on my side of the ballot. And it's more to bring light to this idea that there are many people in the state that want to participate, don't care if the parties use their vote. They just want to be heard.

And will your vote count if you didn't check the box?

And will your vote count if you didn't check the box?

I don't think it will be. I think it would be rejected by the canvassing board.

I don't think it will be. I think it would be rejected by the canvassing board.

Your own vote's going to be rejected?

Your own vote's going to be rejected?

It might be.

It might be.

But they're there for you by not by me, not by me, by county officials.

But they're there for you by not by me, not by me, by county officials.

So just to clarify madam secretary, because I'm thinking of doing the same thing because I usually don't go by the party. So my only way of protesting that is to vote and just not sign the back and let them know that there's a whole pile of non checked boxes in their office.

So just to clarify madam secretary, because I'm thinking of doing the same thing because I usually don't go by the party. So my only way of protesting that is to vote and just not sign the back and let them know that there's a whole pile of non checked boxes in their office.

I would still sign it because- Of course.

I would still sign it because- Of course.

But I mean, you can do that?

But I mean, you can do that?

You can do that. And ah, and you know it will go to the canvassing board. The canvassing board will probably reject it. But it's just one way to kind of let people know, in 2000, the last time we had this option, half a million people, more than half a million people signed the unaffiliated spot because, you know, some people work in an environment where they don't want people to know their party affiliation. Well, why couldn't you just design the envelope with a flap that folds over that part?

You can do that. And ah, and you know it will go to the canvassing board. The canvassing board will probably reject it. But it's just one way to kind of let people know, in 2000, the last time we had this option, half a million people, more than half a million people signed the unaffiliated spot because, you know, some people work in an environment where they don't want people to know their party affiliation. Well, why couldn't you just design the envelope with a flap that folds over that part?

You could, and we used to have that, there was a period of time, and it was my county that started it many, many years ago. It is one more step for auditors to process so that it's an auditor's choice. They used to be mandated by law to do it, and that was taken away, and and now it's an option. So I have a feeling the amount of feedback we got this election, they might reconsider.

You could, and we used to have that, there was a period of time, and it was my county that started it many, many years ago. It is one more step for auditors to process so that it's an auditor's choice. They used to be mandated by law to do it, and that was taken away, and and now it's an option. So I have a feeling the amount of feedback we got this election, they might reconsider.

Suppose you just put it in your own security envelope and mail it with your own stamp?

Suppose you just put it in your own security envelope and mail it with your own stamp?

You could. And then they would take that envelope out. And yeah, you could if you were just put in the drop box. Election officials are going to see it anyway, so you might get in the drop box.

You could. And then they would take that envelope out. And yeah, you could if you were just put in the drop box. Election officials are going to see it anyway, so you might get in the drop box.

Now, let me ask you this. Are those envelopes mined for mailing lists? I know the party's love to know who's affiliated with which parties so they can make their fund raising more efficient. Do they do that?

Now, let me ask you this. Are those envelopes mined for mailing lists? I know the party's love to know who's affiliated with which parties so they can make their fund raising more efficient. Do they do that?

So by law, we have to give both political parties the list of people that chose their party affiliation. And then for the next 60 days after we certify the election, it will be a public record. If you wanted to get a list, Dave, you could get a list of people that chose a Democrat, a Republican.

So by law, we have to give both political parties the list of people that chose their party affiliation. And then for the next 60 days after we certify the election, it will be a public record. If you wanted to get a list, Dave, you could get a list of people that chose a Democrat, a Republican.

Now voter turnout is your holy Grail. Yeah, we want to increase those numbers, and you've tried another mail by mail in voting. We've paid for stamps. You told us that hasn't really moved the needle much, b oth of those efforts, but perhaps moving the primary up, which we did this year from May to March. So are you seeing a trend that voter turnout is up?

Now voter turnout is your holy Grail. Yeah, we want to increase those numbers, and you've tried another mail by mail in voting. We've paid for stamps. You told us that hasn't really moved the needle much, b oth of those efforts, but perhaps moving the primary up, which we did this year from May to March. So are you seeing a trend that voter turnout is up?

We are. It's exciting, right? As of yesterday, were up to 1.1 million people that have returned a ballot. Uh, and four years ago, we peaked out at 1.4 million, total.

We are. It's exciting, right? As of yesterday, were up to 1.1 million people that have returned a ballot. Uh, and four years ago, we peaked out at 1.4 million, total.

Already returned a ballot?

Already returned a ballot?

They have already returned a ballot.

They have already returned a ballot.

Is it mostly Republicans? It must be mostly Republicans.

Is it mostly Republicans? It must be mostly Republicans.

No, mostly Democrats.

No, mostly Democrats.

Seriously, because there's the ballot is completely different. Other than the last week, it's changed completely.

Seriously, because there's the ballot is completely different. Other than the last week, it's changed completely.

Yes, yes. And so I think we're going to see the bow wave this week. I think we're going to shatter our turnout for the presidential primary. I'm very excited.

Yes, yes. And so I think we're going to see the bow wave this week. I think we're going to shatter our turnout for the presidential primary. I'm very excited.

Mmm. Well, so the mail-in thing has turned out to be a success. It has spread to California. Now, um, can you comment, please, on some of the accusations, this is particularly from Texas, that polling places have been deliberately closed and that lines in some areas were seven hours. I mean that that really is not- that doesn't qualify as access to the ballot.

Mmm. Well, so the mail-in thing has turned out to be a success. It has spread to California. Now, um, can you comment, please, on some of the accusations, this is particularly from Texas, that polling places have been deliberately closed and that lines in some areas were seven hours. I mean that that really is not- that doesn't qualify as access to the ballot.

No. No, it doesn't. And I think we look at California. California is where we were probably 10, 15 years ago when we hit 60% of our voters getting an absentee ballot. That's the tipping point, and California is there. They're a vote by mail State. They just haven't figured it out yet. And I think the stuff that happened on Tuesday is gonna make them rethink having polling places.

No. No, it doesn't. And I think we look at California. California is where we were probably 10, 15 years ago when we hit 60% of our voters getting an absentee ballot. That's the tipping point, and California is there. They're a vote by mail State. They just haven't figured it out yet. And I think the stuff that happened on Tuesday is gonna make them rethink having polling places.

So what is the obligation of states like Texas when you find lines are that long? Is there? Is there nothing that the federal government can do to say, frankly, you know, if if this is a trend, does the federal have a way of saying OK, you're no longer in the union. I mean, the way you're running your elections obviously is bogus. You're trying to repress the vote for some reason, we simply can't consider you when, when choosing the president.

So what is the obligation of states like Texas when you find lines are that long? Is there? Is there nothing that the federal government can do to say, frankly, you know, if if this is a trend, does the federal have a way of saying OK, you're no longer in the union. I mean, the way you're running your elections obviously is bogus. You're trying to repress the vote for some reason, we simply can't consider you when, when choosing the president.

You know, I don't know that I would make that leap. I think that the problem is you have turnout fluctuations. So you have this incredibly big surge for this election that happened in California and happened in Texas. But remember, they started planning those elections six months to a year ago. So you planned for one set of circumstances. Things change like all of a sudden, everybody shows up, and then in California, they had same day registration that was added. So everybody waits till election day to register and vote. And that's one of the things we're going to really work on, particularly this fall, because we're gonna have the same thing on Tuesday. People, right now, check and make sure your address is correct. Make sure you're registered, and if it's not, you can. You can go into your county election office right now before Tuesday, avoid the lines and everything. But my fear is that people wait to the last minute.

You know, I don't know that I would make that leap. I think that the problem is you have turnout fluctuations. So you have this incredibly big surge for this election that happened in California and happened in Texas. But remember, they started planning those elections six months to a year ago. So you planned for one set of circumstances. Things change like all of a sudden, everybody shows up, and then in California, they had same day registration that was added. So everybody waits till election day to register and vote. And that's one of the things we're going to really work on, particularly this fall, because we're gonna have the same thing on Tuesday. People, right now, check and make sure your address is correct. Make sure you're registered, and if it's not, you can. You can go into your county election office right now before Tuesday, avoid the lines and everything. But my fear is that people wait to the last minute.

And people don't want to go into offices anymore. Can they do this online?

And people don't want to go into offices anymore. Can they do this online?

They can't register online. They will have to go into the county office. They can contact the county office, for example, if you think you're sick and you don't want to go , in fact, people call the county office and see if you can make some arrangements and it'll be county by county. But I think people are going to try to do something, and my being people come up in a HAZ- HAZ mat suits your door, but

They can't register online. They will have to go into the county office. They can contact the county office, for example, if you think you're sick and you don't want to go , in fact, people call the county office and see if you can make some arrangements and it'll be county by county. But I think people are going to try to do something, and my being people come up in a HAZ- HAZ mat suits your door, but

you could get those. I have a whole boxful HAZ mat suits- Did you Did you buy some? Well, long. I used for home.

you could get those. I have a whole boxful HAZ mat suits- Did you Did you buy some? Well, long. I used for home.

I didn't peg you as a prepper.

I didn't peg you as a prepper.

Ah, One more thing : have there been attempts to hack us.

Ah, One more thing : have there been attempts to hack us.

There are always attempt more beings.

There are always attempt more beings.

Like what were they trying to do? They're just trying to

Like what were they trying to do? They're just trying to

get in and see what they can see. Or maybe do some malicious software

get in and see what they can see. Or maybe do some malicious software

going into the registration database.

going into the registration database.

Yeah, that's the one that that is,at least here's an external connection, but we've put some pretty strong firewalls up in monitoring software. We have plans. So we're ahead of the game, we're ahead of where we were

Yeah, that's the one that that is,at least here's an external connection, but we've put some pretty strong firewalls up in monitoring software. We have plans. So we're ahead of the game, we're ahead of where we were

able to fire back When someone tries to hack you, Can you hack it back and turn their lights off, make their toilets flush, make the garage door, do strange things. You know, I have a really good tech team. I'm gonna have to see. We might have something like that.

able to fire back When someone tries to hack you, Can you hack it back and turn their lights off, make their toilets flush, make the garage door, do strange things. You know, I have a really good tech team. I'm gonna have to see. We might have something like that.

And what's

And what's

the legal requirement by your office? If if the registration database is hacked, do you have to say something right away? When would you report it to the public? Well, we have protocols in place in our plans that we would obviously let the Legislature know, let the governor know, let let the public know. But, um, I believe there's a bill in working through. It's through the way of the Legislature that is going to require it. But we were doing that anyway. I mean this This is just our

the legal requirement by your office? If if the registration database is hacked, do you have to say something right away? When would you report it to the public? Well, we have protocols in place in our plans that we would obviously let the Legislature know, let the governor know, let let the public know. But, um, I believe there's a bill in working through. It's through the way of the Legislature that is going to require it. But we were doing that anyway. I mean this This is just our

protocol. Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman. Kim. Thanks for coming in.

protocol. Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman. Kim. Thanks for coming in.