Re-elect Secretary of State Sam Reed

About Sam Reed

Sam Reed was raised in Wenatchee. After his family moved to Spokane, Sam graduated from Lewis and Clark High School.

A proud Coug, Sam graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Studies and a Master's Degree in Political Science from Washington State University.

Education

Sam comes from a long line of public servants. His grandfather, Sam Sumner, served as Chelan County Prosecuting Attorney, a member of the Washington State House of Representatives, and Washington State Republican Party Chairman. Both of Sam's parents were exceptionally active in civic and political affairs. His family taught him public service is the highest calling.

Starting at the age of 28 Sam served as the Assistant Secretary of State for six years. He also served as director of two gubernatorial commissions.

Experience

Later, Sam served more than five terms as Thurston County's nationally recognized award-winning Auditor.

Honors & Awards

In 2000, Sam was elected as Washington's 14th Secretary of State. Sam's major accomplishments since taking office include the most substantial election reform in Washington State history and making the state's history more open and accessible to the people.

Accomplishments

Prior to the closest race for Governor in the history of the United States in 2004, Sam's extensive experience in elections allowed for him to recognize weaknesses in our state's elections. He fought for reform with some success, but it took our state to witness these flaws in the infamous race for Governor for many of these reforms to be passed. Sam then worked with the Washington State Legislature to champion the major election reform our state needed.

Election Reforms

Sam is a community leader, active in many government and civic organizations. He is a nationally recognized elections expert, has served as an international election observer, and as the President of the National Association of Secretaries of State.

Personal

Sam lives in Olympia with his wife Margie.

Education

  • Master of Arts,
    Political Science, Washington State University
  • Bachelor of Arts,
    Social Studies, Washington State University
  • Certified Election Administrator
    (Secretary of State's Office)

Experience

  • 2001 – Present, Secretary of State
    • 2004, Secretary of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS)
    • 2005, President of NASS
  • 1978 – 2000, Thurston County Auditor
    • April, 1994, Election observer, representing the United States, for the Republic of Uganda, Africa
    • December, 1997, Election observer for the Russian Khabarovsk Territorial Governor
  • 1975 – 1977, Director of State Constitutional Reform Commission
  • 1969 – 1975, Washington's Assistant Secretary of State
  • 1967 – 1969, Executive Director of the Governor's Urban Affairs Council

Honors & Awards

  • 2006 – League of Women Voters of Thurston County Lifetime Citizen Award
  • 2006 – Municipal League of King County Civic Award – Warren G. Magnuson Memorial Award
  • 2005 – Washington State Coalition of the Homeless, Certificate of Appreciation
  • 2005 – Seattle Magazine, Power 25, Seattle's Most Influential People: Sam Reed – Politics
  • 2005 – Gonzaga University School of Law Medal for upholding the law during the controversial 2004 Governor's Race and subsequent contested election court case. The Gonzaga University's Law Medal is awarded to those individuals who have provided exceptional service to the law and the legal system. "Secretary Reed's integrity and actions in respect of the rule of law merit this recognition and have impelled the School of Law, its faculty, and administration to stand up, applaud, and bestow on him it's highest honor."
  • 2003 – KAPPA SIGMA- WSU: John G. Tower distinguished Alumni Award
  • 2002 – Grays Harbor Historic Seaport designates Sam Reed as Honorary Captain of the Lady Washington
  • 1995 – Sammy Award, initiated in 1995 by Mainstream Republicans of Washington Chairman Mark Gardner, as recognition of Sam's many years of dedication and loyalty to Mainstream Republicans. In 1997 the award was given to Joel Pritchard. At Sam's suggestion, the name of the award was changed to the Prichard Award.
  • 1986 – Governors Distinguished Volunteer Award
  • 1986 – Washington State Association of County Auditors' Outstanding Service Award
  • 1985 – Thurston County Citizen of the Year Distinguished Service Award
  • Ten National Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties for Significant Innovations in County Government
  • Listed in Who's Who in Government
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