Let’s talk about politics and voting
October 31, 2022
They say there are three things you don’t talk about in polite company: sex, religion and politics, but we’ve never stood on ceremony here, so we’re going to ignore that advice and talk about politics and voting!
Let’s talk about politics
Who gets elected to federal, state, and local office impacts your ability to run a business, drive to work, and feed your family. It’s too important to ignore.
The 2022 mid-term election is Nov. 8. You, your family and friends of voting age should have all received your ballots by now (if not, visit SOS.WA.GOV)
Increasing lumber prices, supply chain disruptions, rising interest rates, labor costs, gas prices and grocery prices. The people we elect to office have a lot of influence over these things.
Your ballot is an opportunity to fire those who aren’t performing, retain those who are, and hire new people who can do better. It’s time to cast votes for pro-builder candidates. It’s also time to vote against elected officials who consistently make building homes more expensive.
Talking about voting is important
Talking about voting shouldn’t be uncomfortable. IT IS IMPORTANT TO EVERYONE. Be confident and kind. We’ve all heard the whole bit about catching more flies with honey than vinegar. Have you ever been convinced by a loud, screeching, angry person yelling at you? Didn’t think so.
Remember that when you talk about voting. Try to point out where a candidate or incumbent’s policy positions or votes have impacted everyday life: Gas prices? Supply chain? Housing costs? Inflation?
Fortunately, BIAW has some great resources for you when it comes to discussing the rising cost of home ownership:
Research
- Read our Housing Facts to learn how policy decisions affect the price of homes and who can own them.
- Watch our explainer videos on how permitting, energy codes, zoning and regulation affect the cost of new homes.
- Review Lt. Governor Denny Heck’s reports on Washington State’s Housing Affordability Crisis and how the housing gap affects the racial wealth gap.
Reflect
- Think about the wide variety of issues you consider when voting for state, local and federal offices. If housing you can afford is a top priority, it’s time to take action.
Take action
- Register to vote if you haven’t already.
- Learn who represents you at the state, county and city levels.
- Review the Building Industry Association of Washington Voter Scorecard and Washington Affordable Housing Council Endorsements to see how your elected officials voted when it comes to supporting affordable home building.
- Vote for candidates who genuinely support increasing housing supply and cutting the costs of new homes. Make sure it’s more than lip service!