The Olympia Workers' Bill of Rights Initiative is a proposed ballot measure for the November 4, 2025, election. If passed, it would establish a $20 hourly minimum wage, require employers to provide work schedules at least 14 days in advance, guarantee extra pay for last-minute schedule changes, give current employees priority for newly available shifts, and introduce stronger workplace safety standards for large employers. The initiative seeks to ensure fair compensation, reliable scheduling, and safer working conditions for Olympia’s workforce. A simple majority ("yes" vote) is required to approve the measure and make the changes part of Olympia's employment law.

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Citizen Initiative Referred to November 2025 Ballot

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Join the fight: 

https://www.olyrising.com/​​

Rachelle Martin is a longtime union steward, public health advocate, and community builder with over 15 years of organizing experience in Thurston and Pacific Counties. As president of the Thurston Lewis Mason Central Labor Council and a WFSE member, she’s fought tirelessly for workers’ rights, equity, and public services.

Her platform is rooted in action: raising Tumwater’s minimum wage, protecting renters, and taxing vacant commercial properties to spur community-led redevelopment. She’s committed to making Tumwater a place where LGBTQ+ youth, immigrant neighbors, and working families can thrive, not just survive.

Rachelle brings deep experience, bold ideas, and a collaborative spirit. She’s the kind of leader who turns solidarity into policy.

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https://www.martinfortumwater.com/​

Caleb is a principled public servant with a clear commitment to equity, sustainability, and economic resilience. He’s invested in Olympia’s workers and small businesses and he’s focused on practical solutions that keep our city livable and inclusive for everyone.
From expanding tenant protections and lowering housing costs to strengthening crisis response and upholding Olympia’s status as a Sanctuary City, Caleb brings both heart and strategy to the table. His work in state government and his legal training reflect a deep understanding of systems, and a drive to make them work better for all of us.
Olympia deserves leaders who listen, act, and build policy rooted in community. Caleb Gieger is ready to do just that.

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https://www.calebforoly.com/​

Anthony Hemstad brings a rare combination of global perspective and local commitment.  He’s is deeply familiar with the Port’s mission because he’s already serving it, chairing the Economic Development Committee for the Citizen Advisory Commission. His track record spans city management, international trade, and bipartisan policy work, making him uniquely equipped to guide the Port through economic headwinds.

Anthony has the experience and integrity needed to diversify our economy, protect our environment, and create family-wage jobs.

Olympia deserves a Port Commissioner who understands both the complexity of global markets and the needs of local families.  Anthony Hemstad seems ready for the challenge.

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https://www.hemstadforport.com/​​

Zev Rose Cook is a bold progressive voice with deep community roots as a shelter manager, case worker, and co-founder of Tacoma for All. She’s running to challenge the status quo and fight for renters, workers, and the unhoused.

Her priorities include raising the minimum wage to $20.29, creating mixed-income social housing near transit, and restoring fire, senior, and arts services through progressive revenue. She also opposes the city’s camping ban and wants to redirect sweep funding toward shelter beds.

If you want a councilmember who leads with compassion, policy expertise, and the courage to confront entrenched power, Zev Rose Cook is the clear choice.

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https://zevfortacoma.com/​

Alisa Lee's story as a first-generation Vietnamese-American and daughter of a refugee embodies our union's belief in opportunity through service.  She's a proven bridge builder from APACE and the Washington Voting Justice Coalition, to her leadership role at Sage Leaders designing equity-centered programs that uplift marginalized communities across Washington.

As parks Commissioner, Alisa will make Tacoma's green spaces safer, more inclusive and more resilient.  She'll work with staff and security to reduce incident response times, expand park access on the South and East sides, and preserve existing acreage while creating pocket parks.  Alisa will ensure parks serve as true 'third spaces' for families, seniors and people with disabilities, and transform community centers into climate resiliency hubs during emergencies. 

Re-elect Alisa Lee to bring a committed, equity-driven leader to Parks Tacoma. 

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https://www.votealisalee.com/

Erica Tomas has a strong background in public service and a deep commitment to equity. A WFSE union member and former epidemiologist with the Washington State Department of Health, Tomas has worked across vital social programs including WIC, SNAP, and nutrition initiatives for women and children.

Her campaign centers on expanding affordable housing, improving public transit, and attracting union-represented jobs to Auburn.  Tomas supports infrastructure to enables greater housing density, broader transit access, and increased investment in community services. Her priorities reflect a practical, people-first approach to policymaking.

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​https://www.ericaforauburn.com/

Leatta Dahlhoff has served Tumwater with dedication since her 2018 appointment to City Council and subsequent elections in 2019 and 2023.  With over 20 years as an environmental chemist, she's driven state agencies to cut greenhouse gases, eliminate toxics, and choose sustainable solutions.  Leatta is also a lifelong Tumwater resident who has proven she can build collaborative solutions for public safety by holding leadership roles on TCOMM911 (the Thurston County Opioid Taskforce), and regional justice councils.  She has consistently demonstrated her commitment to protecting worker and community health through responsible public policy.

As Mayer, Leatta will champion transparent, responsive, and equitable governance.  She'll revitalize neglected corridors, close sidewalk gaps, improve pedestrian and transit access, and expand community safety measures.  She'll protect Tumwater's green spaces and rural character, to ensure parks and farmland endure for future generations.  

Help elect Leatta Dahlhoff to ensure Tumwater a sustainable future that works for everyone. 

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https://www.voteleatta.com/

In his first term on the council, Robert has demonstrated principled, forward-thinking leadership rooted in equity, public engagement, and practical solutions.

Robert is a proud WFSE member who champions reparative justice and Black homeownership.  He's a tireless advocate for affordable housing and expanded transit. Robert doesn’t just talk about progressive values, he writes them into law. His resolution urging federal and state commissions to study reparations reflects a rare willingness to confront historical injustice with clarity and courage. His support for mixed-income housing and flexible development shows he understands the systemic nature of Olympia’s housing crisis and is ready to act.

Olympia deserves leaders who listen deeply, act boldly, and build policy from the ground up. Robert Vanderpool is that kind of leader.

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https://www.robertvanderpool.com/​

Renee Fullerton is the kind of leader our schools need.  She is public servant with deep roots in Olympia and a proven track record in policy, transparency and community engagement.  Renee brings both heart and expertise to the table.  She listens, she learns, and she leads with integrity.

Her commitment to equity, career-connected learning, and mental health support aligns with the values our members fight for every day.  Renee understands that strong schools depend on strong staff, and she's ready to champion the educators, paraeducators, and support professionals who make learning possible.

Renee Fullerton is the Olympia school board member we need to help build a school district where every student, and every worker can thrive. 

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https://www.reneefullerton.com/

Maren brings brings lived experience, deep compassion, and a systems-level understanding of the challenges facing our community. From mental health advocacy to aging policy, from voter education to grief support, Maren has spent decades walking beside those most often left behind.

Her approach is grounded in equity, fiscal responsibility, and practical solutions. She  talks about housing, behavioral health, and climate resilience; but she's also worked in those trenches, shaped policy, and built programs that serve real people. Maren’s commitment to seniors, caregivers, veterans, and working families is personal, not performative.

In a time when Lacey is growing fast and facing complex pressures, we need leadership that listens, understands, and acts. Maren Turner is that leader.

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https://www.marenturner.com/​

Pete Reyes brings 15 years of behavioral health nursing to the Parks Tacoma board.  His 'Green Time Over Screen Time' initiative speaks directly to his commitment to holistic wellness.  As a dad, community volunteer, and active steward of Tacoma's green spaces, Pete knows that clean, accessible parks are essential low-cost options for improving physical and mental health.

Pete has a track record of building partnerships with schools, transit agencies, nonprofits, and community groups.  Pete has lead with transparency and a deep sense of responsibility while expanding tree canopy in underserved neighborhoods, supporting after-school programs and engaging residents through participatory budgeting. 

Pete Reyes is a great choice for Tacoma voters to keep a passionate advocate for health, community, and environment on the parks Tacoma board.

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https://electpetereyes.com/

Devin Rydel Kelly is a seasoned organizer with nearly 30 years of experience fighting for social, economic, and environmental justice.  In the last decade he’s helped deliver real wins in Pierce County communities: stronger tenant protections, worker organizing victories, and the creation of Tacoma’s non-police crisis response team. Devin understands how systems work, and how to fix them when they fail the people they’re meant to serve.

Devin brings the vision, grit, and coalition-building skills needed to ensure our charter reflects the needs of our diverse working class, not just the priorities of elites and insiders.

If you want a charter that expands democratic access, protects vulnerable residents, and holds leaders accountable, Devin Rydel Kelly is the candidate to trust.

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https://www.devinforthepeople.org/​

Renew Thurston County is a citizen-led effort to establish a county charter that brings government closer to the people.  While this isn't a ballot measure today, it's a crucial first step toward a more responsive, transparent, and accountable Thurston County government.

A charter empowers residents to:

• Redefine county roles, structure, and powers

• Pioneer innovative governance for budgeting, public health, and service delivery

• Exercise initiative, referendum, and min-initiative tools that give every Thurston County voter a direct voice in setting priorities and challenging outdated policies.

We are supporting the resolution to draft a charter because public service and workplaces depend on democratic, accountable governance.

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https://www.renew-thurston-county.org/