What’s happening: The Senate State Government Committee will hear the Native American Voting Rights Act next week. The legislation would allow the residential address portion of a voter registration form to be filled out with a nontraditional address.

When: 8 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 23) in Senate Hearing Room 2

Brief Summary:

·        Senate Bill 5079 establishes the Native American Voting Rights Act of Washington.

Quote from Sen. John McCoy, D- Tulalip:

“As the only enrolled tribal member elected to the Washington State Senate, I realize there is still much work to be done to ensure that the indigenous community can fully participate in the democratic process.

“Voter participation is not a partisan issue; it is the foundation of our democratic system and must be protected by all sides. Democrats and Republicans should be able to work together to ensure that our electoral system works in the interest of all Americans.

“Our democracy works best when we all have the opportunity to participate. When entire communities are denied access to the ballot box; lawmakers need to take a look at systemic issues that need to be addressed.”

A bold assortment of groups and individuals is coming together as the “Revolutionary Feminist Contingent” to participate in the 2019 Seattle Women’s March. The contingent is part of a national call for groups to come together to demand “Feminism for the 99%.”

The Seattle statement proclaims, “We aren’t just marching. We are building a movement of inclusive, revolutionary feminism that stands in solidarity with all oppressed people. We stand for a just, socialist world.” The statement outlines support for a broad range of issues including reproductive choice, no union busting, affordable health care, and safety from attacks, especially for transgender people, victims of police, and indigenous women who suffer extreme levels of violence.

While some of these issues are shared by Seattle Womxn Marching Forward, the Left contingent targets capitalism as the source of social problems, because it “relies on racism, sexism, and homophobia to keep us exhausted, afraid, and divided. We’re stronger together.”

Charges of anti-Semitism have roiled the national women’s march leadership. The Revolutionary Feminist Contingent responds: “We reject the anti-Semitism, transphobia and misogyny expressed by Rev. Louis Farrakhan and call on Women’s March co-organizer Tamika Mallory to join with other march leaders in repudiating the divisive politics that have undermined women’s marches nationally. In this time of a rising fascist movement, we have to stand together against all forms of bigotry.” The Seattle contingent also states its opposition to anti-Muslim bias and attacks on immigrants and refugees.

The contingent will gather at 9:00 am on the south side of Cal Anderson Park.  To get involved, contact rwseattle@mindspring.com.

Endorsers to date include: Seattle Clinic Defense, International Socialist Organization, Organized Workers for Labor Solidarity, Seattle Democratic Socialists of America,
Party for Socialism and Liberation, Radical Women, Freedom Socialist Party and Tacoma Clinic Defense.

Visit the Facebook page for more information or updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/2209086489353217/