SEATTLE — Washington Attorney General Nick Brown announced Friday, June 12, that his office will assist local prosecutors investigating crimes against people collecting signatures for ballot initiatives and referendums, citing a recent pattern of harassment and violence.
“We should not tolerate illegal actions that threaten to disrupt Washington’s democratic process,” Brown wrote in his announcement. “Threats, intimidation, and violence have no place in our political process.”
Brian Heywood, founder of Let’s Go Washington, welcomed Brown’s announcement but called for follow-through.
“Grateful for this step,” Heywood said. “Signature gatherers have faced harassment and intimidation for several years while exercising a core constitutional right. A letter is a start — we’ll be watching to see if local prosecutors act on it and whether the AG’s office follows through when referrals come in. Words matter. So does what happens next.”…