Studies & Reports
The League of Women Voters of Washington conducts formal studies to create our position and issues reports to present current information about important subjects. Learn more about our study process, the formal process by which The League of Women Voters does studies and takes positions on issues.
Studies & Reports AvailableClick on the links below to be taken to a summary & a link to the documents.
Social & Economic Justice
Education Infrastructure |
Local League Studies
Local Leagues across Washington conduct their own studies as proposed and voted on by their membership. Below are a few of these studies that local Leagues have opted to share on our website.
Election Reform
This study reviews the issues raised by the historically close 2004 governor's race and the resulting changes in state law. Examined were the new state Voter Registration Database system and the various approaches to auditing election results. Included is a synopsis of Building Confidence in U.S. Elections, (The Carter-Baker Report) and a summary of recommendations of the Brennan Center for Justice and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights for Improving Reliability of Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) Voting Systems.
Voting Studies
A two-year study looks at voting with absentee/vote-by-mail ballots, reviews the security checks in the ballot counting process, evaluates the role voting equipment plays in voting and tallying, and includes a definition of terms used in election processes.
The Initiative and Referendum Process
Under the framework of the league’s Privatization Position, the LWVWA Public Bank task force was formed to explore the public banking issue and evaluate the legislature proposed Washington Investment Trust, a state chartered public cooperative bank. The task force has two primary objectives: One is to analyze the issue of public banking, share the information and provide education to all leagues. The other is to recommend to the LWVWA state board whether to support, not support, or not decide on the current legislation after the analysis and evaluation of public banking and the proposed WA state legislation for a state owned public bank. The work of the task force is NOT a study. It is an evaluation of whether the existing state use of private commercial banks to manage public funds would meet the league standards under the Privatization Position or should the control of the state’s funds be returned to state control under a public bank.
The Decline of Local News and Its Impact on Democracy
Energy & Natural Resources
Shoreline Management Act at 50+ Years
The Washington State Shoreline Management Act is one of the first environmental laws enacted in Washington and the United States. There was an overhaul of its implementing regulations in 2003, but the statute itself has rarely been amended. This study evaluates how the SMA is working for the protection of our state shorelines. Shorelines are the dynamic and fragile place where land and water meet. We set out to examine current shoreline conditions, projections, and issues. The LWVWA Study Committee interviewed a variety of “stakeholders” who work directly with the Act, either by enforcing it, being regulated by it, or seeking to strengthen it. Are the approximately 28,204 miles of shoreline in Washington state being protected adequately through existing policies and agencies, or are additional safeguards required? This study identifies issues of concern.
Renewable Energy
This report examines the various sources of renewable energy, with the intent to provide a better understanding of these sources and the challenges and benefits to their development.
Washington State Conservation Districts
There are 47 conservation districts in Washington state, with the mission to promote conservation within their borders. This report reviews the history, governance and election procedures of the conservation districts, including the role of the Washington State Conservation Commission.
Washington's Dynamic Forests
A two-part study of forests and forest issues for citizens who wish to understand the history, policies and current issues of forests in our state.
Social & Economic Justice
Public Assistance as Public Policy
An examination of the safety-net and welfare system with a focus on who participates in Washington and the impact of the system.
Education
Early Learning
This report includes recent changes in early care and education, current research results, the quality and affordability of current care, community-based services, and emerging issues in the field. The report also includes a discussion of government's role in this issue.
Infrastructure
Washington State Ferries
Washington State Ferries are both a part of the state highway system and a mass transit provider. An updated study of the League of Women Voters of Washington Transportation Position with a focus on the Washington State Ferry System.
Washington State Public Port Districts
Examines the organizational structure of the ports system in Washington state—its governance (defined as the act, power, or process of governing); its financial basis; and how the public can be involved.
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To inquire about the availability of printed copies or for other titles, please contact the state office at (206) 622-8961 or by e-mail. Please contact the LWVWA for any additional information about studies and reports.