40 Attacks on Signature Gatherers and Attorney General Nick Brown Stays Silent

When citizens can’t safely collect signatures in public, democracy itself is under attack. This right is enshrined in Article II, Section 1 of the Washington state constitution.

In recent weeks, violence and harassment against signature gatherers in our state  have become an epidemic — yet Attorney General Nick Brown, the state’s top law enforcement officer, has remained largely silent. Aside from a retweet of Secretary of State Steve Hobbs condemning political intimidation, there’s been no strong statement, no action, and no reassurance that Washingtonians exercising their First Amendment rights will be protected. As of now, there have been nearly 40 incidents reported around the state!

That silence speaks volumes.

Examples shared online show an alarming pattern: peaceful signature gatherers being screamed at, shoved, threatened, and even robbed of their materials by organized agitators. In one recent case, the same volunteer was victimized five times within a week and forced to defend himself. Another group collecting signatures earlier this week had someone ride by on a motorcycle and actually brandish a gun at them.

What these bullies are trying to do is very clear and coordinated:

• Harass and intimidate citizens engaged in constitutionally protected activity.
• Steal and destroy petitions and property.
• Compromise or expose personal data of petition signers.
• Provoke confrontation to create the illusion that “both sides” are violent.
• Pressure property owners/businesses to ban all petitioning, thusly killing the initiative effort by making it near-impossible to collect sufficient numbers of signatures.

As Washington’s Attorney General, Nick Brown has the obligation to defend free speech and ensure public safety. Beyond his official duties, he has a prominent “bully pulpit” he uses extensively to promote various other topics and political positions he holds. He should be calling on local law enforcement to:

• Arrest anyone who harasses or assaults signature collectors.
• Treat the theft or destruction of petition sheets as the criminal act it is.
• Protect, not penalize, those engaging in lawful civic participation.

And he should make it clear that they’ll have the full support of the Attorney General’s Office in doing so.

This isn’t about one initiative or one campaign or a particular policy issue — it’s about the right of Washingtonians to participate in democracy without fear. What’s happening now is an abomination to free expression and an embarrassment to our state’s political leadership.

Attorney General Brown must act now. Tell him to stand up for the rule of law and for the people he serves.

Contact Attorney General Nick Brown directly

Free speech means nothing if citizens are too afraid to use it.