Vote for Trails
Election Day was Nov. 3, and we've seen the evidence — you have voted in record numbers. When we're out building trails on a work party, each and every volunteer makes a difference. When it comes to the future of our public lands, every ballot makes a difference.
Find tips to help learn more about the election process, results and what to do next.
Why Vote for Trails?
Your vote matters. So vote like your hike depends on it.
Trails and public lands depend on the decision-makers in government to develop budgets, prioritize projects and programs, and appoint leaders to key positions in agencies.
Your vote will have a direct impact on the future of trails. Your vote will help decide elected officials at every level of government.
Key Tips
Make sure you didn't miss any steps in voting this election. Here are some resources to keep you up to date.
- Look up election results in Washington.
-
Make sure your ballot has been counted.
-
What to do if your ballot hasn't been counted.
FEDERAL
The President's appointed cabinet includes the Secretary of the Interior, who is responsible for leading public land agencies like the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Members of Congress pass legislation that can change regulations and funding for public agencies, like they did this summer with the Great American Outdoors Act.
STATE
There are about 20 million acres of state-owned public lands in Washington, and those elected to lead state agencies play an important role in things like planning for future recreation and prioritizing projects. Lawmakers who make up the state's legislature help decide the state's biannual budget and funding for these agencies.
LOCAL AND INITIATIVES
County Commissioners and Parks Commissioners that have the ability to approve or fund changes to local parks and public lands. In some cases, like the King County Parks Levy, the county council can vote to add public measures to the next election cycle.
Protecting Democracy
Democracy is the foundation our government is built on, and elections are a cornerstone of that system. Making sure that everyone can and does participate is the most important part of that. Here are some resources from nonpartisan organizations working to protect American democracy for everyone.
Protecting Democracy
Check out Protecting Democracy for information on how they're working to prevent threats to fair elections.
Voter Participation
This organization works to help inform voters of potential barriers to voting, with state-specific information.