Election 2020

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic during an election year has renewed a nationwide conversation about mail-in voting.

UPDATE 11 p.m., Tuesday: Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden were virtually tied Tuesday night in Washington's Democratic presidential primary, separated by less than one percentage point.

Sanders barely led Biden, 32.7 percent to 32.5 percent, in early returns. More than 1.5 million votes have been counted so far. 

Ballots will begin arriving in mailboxes this week for Washington's presidential primary.  They're due by March 10.

The process will look a little different compared to other primary elections here. Here are five things you need to know.

OLYMPIA (updated Aug. 22, 9:40 a.m.) — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, who made fighting climate change the central theme of his presidential campaign, announced Wednesday night that he is ending his bid for the 2020 Democratic nomination.

Gov. Jay Inslee has made it to the debate stage twice with fellow Democratic presidential candidates, but the threshold for the next round of debates may be an issue for his campaign. As the governor tries to make headway in the crowded race, he’s still focused on matters back home. Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins joined KNKX’s Ariel Van Cleave for a live chat about the latest on Morning Edition.

Gov. Jay Inslee is preparing for his second nationally televised Democratic presidential debate this week in Detroit. It will be held tonight and tomorrow night. Inslee will appear on Wednesday night, sharing the stage with candidates such as former Vice President Joe Biden and Sens. Kamala Harris and Cory Booker. Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins talked about what to expect with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick.

Gov. Jay Inslee was able to raise more than $3 million in the second quarter of this year. He’s still far behind some of his fellow Democratic candidates in the race for president in 2020. Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins has updates on fundraising totals, as well as possible decisions Inslee may need to make regarding his status in the presidential race. 

Gov. Jay Inslee is heading east this week to campaign for the presidency. Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins gave Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick an update on the governor’s bid, and what it could mean for Inslee now that billionaire Tom Steyer has entered the race.

“What’s notable is just how much time the governor is spending on the campaign trail,” Jenkins said. “If you want to run for president...you gotta get out there and press the flesh.”

Inslee is heading to the East Coast, with stops in New York and Washington, D.C., before heading back to Iowa.

Gov. Jay Inslee is preparing for his first Democratic presidential debate, which will be held over two nights next week in Miami.

Inslee is one of 10 candidates who will be on stage the first night, Wednesday, June 26. Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick talked with Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins about the debate and the latest on Inslee's presidential campaign.

Gov. Jay Inslee continues his latest presidential campaign trip with a stop in Detroit today. Meanwhile, here in Washington state, there is good news for people who purchase individual health insurance. Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins talks about both in his weekly chat with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick.

The Washington Legislature adjourned its regular session more than a week ago, but Gov. Jay Inslee has been busy signing bills passed by lawmakers. He’s also been out on the campaign trail in his bid for the presidency in 2020. Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins shares the latest in his weekly chat with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick.

Following months of speculation, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has formally launched a campaign for president that he said will seek to mobilize the country around an ambitious plan to combat climate change. (This post was updated at 4:10 p.m. to include audio of analysis from Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins.)

Gov. Jay Inslee is sounding more and more like a presidential candidate. An official announcement is expected in the coming days, but Inslee has already been making his case to the national media. KNKX Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick talked with Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins about the prospect of Inslee running for president.

Gov. Jay Inslee is in New Hampshire today, testing the waters in the early primary state for a potential run for president in 2020. Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins is covering the trip, and talked with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick from across the country at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College.

Gov. Jay Inslee’s possible presidential campaign is getting financial backing, with more than $112,000 raised since October. Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins talked about this story with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick.

Gov. Jay Inslee has formed a political action committee, a strong signal that the two-term Washington governor is poised to run for the nation's highest office. KNKX Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins chats with Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick about his reporting, and the implications of the latest development.