Voter turnout for the primary election earlier this year was a lackluster 31.5 percent across the state. Out of 3.9 million registered voters, only 1.2 million Washingtonians filled out a ballot. Jefferson, Garfield and Ferry counties were the only ones in the state with more than 50 percent of registered voters participating.

We’re now coming upon the general election season, and the projections for voter turnout are lower than the last two mid-term elections. Most of us know that we all can do better in our shared responsibility to become informed and participate in our democracy and one tool to make it easy and accessible for voters to get informed is www.livingvotersguide.org.

Created by the people and for the people of Washington State, this unique nonpartisan site invites everyone to learn what’s on the ballot, decide how to vote, and share opinions on the issues. The site serves as a one-stop clearinghouse for election information, including official ballot information and financial impact statements, top contributors, endorsements, select news articles and videos. Living Voters Guide 2014 features all of the statewide measures and local ballot initiatives, provided by the Secretary of State, as well as Washington’s 10 Congressional races.

Living Voters Guide is not an angry echo chamber

Living Voters Guide is not an angry echo chamber, but a civil forum for sharing facts and thoughtful perspectives, in which users pledge not to make personal attacks and to focus comments on the issues.  Seattle Public Library will provide on-demand fact checking of comments and additions, while site monitors ensure that the dialogue remains civil and constructive. Used by more than 57,000 people in Washington state, the guide was developed by Seattle CityClub and the University of Washington because informed, engaged citizens build a healthier democracy and stronger community.

The guide will help voters in a year filled with confusing and conflicting measures, such as competing statewide ballot measures on gun background checks involving high stakes and big money. I-594 would increase background checks and close loopholes; while I-591 is a measure that would prevent Washington state from enhanced background checks or other gun control measures. Also on the ballot is I-1351, a measure backed by statewide teachers’ unions to mandate that public classroom sizes average 17 students. Can Washington afford to reduce class size? Can we afford not to? Support or oppose it, I-1351 would be expensive and deeply affect the state budget.

Participants can plug in their zip code and read up on local ballot measures right in their neighborhood. For example, in Seattle that will include two competing preschool initiatives, from which voters must only choose one. Proposal 1A, fast tracks a $15 minimum wage and provides training for preschool teachers and child care workers and is backed by local unions. Proposal 1B would expand free preschool in Seattle for low income families by raising property taxes and is backed by Mayor Ed Murray.

Living Voters Guide helps fill the large need in our society for a safe, civil discussion space that helps strengthen the civic health of our region. We invite you to join the conversation and explore a site where people can come together to become informed about the important issues of our day.

Diane Douglas is CityClub’s Executive Director. She leads strategic planning, fund development and supervises the management of operations and programs.