Sen. Keith Goehner, R-Dryden/CREDIT: Washington State Senate

Across Washington, we have encountered troubling reports of harassment and intimidation toward citizens collecting signatures for statewide initiatives. These are not isolated incidents — they reflect a growing disregard for respectful dialogue and civic participation that are meant to define our state’s democratic process.

My colleague Sen. Jeff Wilson, R–Longview, is working on legislation to strengthen protections for signature gatherers and give law enforcement clear authority to respond to harassment. His proposal would impose stricter penalties for anyone who interferes with signature collection, including:

• Establishing a gross misdemeanor for protesting within 25 feet of a signature gatherer.
• Making it a gross misdemeanor to deface or destroy petitions.
• Elevating repeat offenses or theft of petitions to Class C felonies.

Sen. Wilson is also working with law enforcement across the state to make sure his legislation is effective and enforceable.

As someone who strongly believes in open government and citizen participation, I support this effort to safeguard the public’s right to engage without fear or intimidation. Civil discourse and mutual respect are crucial if we want to uphold the trust and cooperation that keep our communities connected.

Our initiative process is for every Washingtonian — and defending that right is essential to keeping our democracy strong and open to everyone.