It’s time to add the Washington state voter’s pamphlet to your summer reading plans.

There are a couple hotly contested national races affecting the Northshore this summer to vote on in the Aug. 17 primary. People not currently registered in Washington can register in person at the King County Elections Office before Aug. 9.

The primary election will determine the two top candidates in the race for the U.S. 1st Congressional District seat. Incumbent Jay Inslee (Democrat) is being challenged by Matthew Burke (Republican), James Watkins (Republican) and David Schirle (Independent).

The hottest national race is for U.S. Senator, which features 15 candidates, including incumbent Patty Murray (Democrat) and former candidate for governor, Dino Rossi (Republican).

On the November ballot, there will be a number of important initiatives. Take the time to learn about each one, so you can provide an educated and informed vote.

Among them are a proposal to privatize liquor sales in Washington, a plan by Bill Gates Sr. to shift the tax burden to the wealthy and away from property and business and occupation taxes, and a Tim Eyman initiative to require a super majority in the state Legislature to raise taxes.

I-1100, if passed, would allow retailers besides state liquor stores to sell spirits other than wine and beer.

A similar proposal, I-1105, would change not just where liquor is sold but also how the state would collect liquor sales revenue, which currently brings in more than $300 million a year for public safety and education.

Supporters, mostly large retailers and grocery chains, say the state should not be in the business of selling liquor and could better employ its resources elsewhere.

Opponents, which include school advocates and public safety groups like Keep Our Kids Safe, describe the plan as being “an irresponsible measure backed with millions in funding above the interests of the people of Washington State.”

Keep Our Kids Safe claims I-1100 and I-1105 would wipe out millions in state revenue for essential services like public safety and schools.

While I-1105 includes provisions for the State Liquor Board to replace the revenue it currently receives from liquor sales with new taxes for public safety, this plan is complicated by Tim Eyman’s I-1053.

If passed, I-1053 would mean the legislature would need a two-thirds vote to approve any new tax. Given the currently political climate, that could mean our schools and public safety resources would lose the revenue they receive from liquor sales and be left without any new resources.

I-1098, supported by Bill Gates Sr., would create a state income tax on high-wage earners and would reduce the state share of the property tax and lower the B&O tax on many businesses.

I-1107 would repeal new taxes on certain types of food, candy, pop and bottled water. With sugary or unhealthy foods seen as major contributors to the nation’s public health woes and obesity epidemic, the legislature instituted taxes on these items intended to help fund public health programs. I-1107 is funded entirely by the soda pop lobby group, the American Beverage Association, which includes nearly 2,000 small business owners in Washington state.

The Legislature has sent three other measures to the statewide ballot this fall:

• Referendum 52, which would authorize bonds to finance construction and repair projects increasing energy efficiency in public schools and higher education buildings and continue the sales tax on bottled water, otherwise expiring in 2013.

• House Joint Resolution 4220, known as the Lakewood Police Officers Memorial Act, which would amend the state constitution on bail requirements for judges.

• Senate Joint Resolution 8225, which would amend the state constitution relating to debt limits for the state.

It’s easy to lounge around during the summer months and enjoy the weather, but take the time to educate yourself about the candidates and issues on the upcoming ballot. These politicians and measures will have a direct impact on our future, so it’s important we take the time to do our political homework.

So don’t be a lazy bum this summer — get out and vote — but do your homework first.

Courtesy of the Redmond Reporter