Politics
These ballot boxes keep your vote safe from fire, rain and rampaging SUVs
The welded steel drop boxes got their start in the Puget Sound area, but are now in demand across the country.
Melissa Santos
Melissa Santos is formerly a Crosscut staff reporter who covered state politics and the Legislature. She came to Crosscut from The Seattle Times editorial board, where she wrote columns and opinion pi
Latest work
Politics
Two statewide ballot measures each come with baggage. Will that hurt their chances with voters this fall?
The committee that launched I-1000, an affirmative-action initiative, is deep in debt. Meanwhile, initiative promoter Tim Eyman is again in legal trouble as he champions I-976, which would cut car tab fees.
Politics
Fake kidnapping tale backfires: Inslee vetoes attempt to keep politicians’ financial info off the internet
The amendment was approved following a false story told by Sen. Tim Sheldon of an abduction in Mexico, implicating financial disclosure forms.
Politics
Legal experts say affirmative-action measure wouldn’t permit use of racial quotas
Opponents argue Referendum 88 would institute numeric, race-based quotas in Washington state. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled such practices illegal.
Politics
Opponents say I-1000's affirmative-action policy would hurt veterans. This UW law expert disagrees
The measure, which Washington state voters will decide on in November, also has the support of many veterans groups.