The leadership of the Washington State Association of Counties, which represents all 39 counties in Washington State, and the Association of Washington Cities, which represents all 281 cities and towns in Washington State, denounces the violence witnessed at our nation's and state’s capitals on January 6.

The foundation of our democracy relies on free and fair elections and peaceful transition of power. In Washington State, our election administrators have led a transparent and accurate vote count. While some may disagree with the election’s outcome, walking away from the truth, civil discourse, and our democracy is not the answer.

The right to gather and peacefully protest is deeply engrained in our first amendment rights and social fabric. Our constitutional framework allows for robust debate of the issues facing our communities. We did not see that on January 6 and there is no place for these violent acts in our representative democracy.

As local leaders from different political backgrounds we condemn – in the strongest possible terms – the violent and destructive behavior exhibited in our nation’s and state’s capitals.

We call on Washingtonians and Americans to lay down their arms. We call on Washingtonians and Americans to condemn these actions at both our state's and nation's capitals. We call on city and county leaders, and all elected officials, to be models of civility and support a peaceful transition of power.

Please join Washington's local elected officials and call for unity, not division. It is time to protect our democracy.