State and local government is easily one of the most under appreciated, vital aspects of our nation and communities. This problem stems largely from individuals lacking the information needed to become informed voters on more than simply what major media sources decide to cover. For instance, I would bet that fewer than five percent of those reading this article have even watched an entire gubernatorial debate this campaign season. How can one expect to vote for anything other than party preference and name recognition on November 8th should they not take even the briefest amount of time to gather information on the candidates?

Taxes, environmental protection, mental health assistance, abortion, gay marriage, police oversight, and nearly every other major political issue currently relevant in American politics today are controlled by our local and state governments. Sure the feds can come in and provide legislation eventually, however state have always been, and continue to be, on the cutting edge of political change in the nation.

While most have been consumed in the more than controversial race for Washington, D.C., few have paid attention to massive political shift that is could very well be on Washington State’s horizons. With 345 elected office up for grabs in our state this year, this year’s state election has the potential to completely change the balance of Washington State’s political positions. It is very possible that Washingtonians enter 2017 either a Republican or Democratic majority in all three branches of state government.

Unakin to the Presidential election, Washington State voters have massive amounts of influence over local elections. No matter how much a voter may hope and pray that Clinton doesn’t win the election, with her nearly 16-point lead over Trump in Washington State polls, Clinton seems to be a shoo-in for Washington’s 12 electoral votes.

If you truly want to see change occur on a national scale, look to Washington’s candidates and support those who agree with your perspectives. What’s your other choice? Continue to mope and moan about the Presidential Election and watch idly by as the true change making position get taken up simply because of the sound of their names or the color of their campaign posters.