Washington State Constitution

The Washington State Constitution is the document that defines the configuration and role of government in our state. Adopted as the keystone of Washington Territory’s journey to statehood, our constitution was authored by 75 elected delegates tasked with responsibility of defining the basis for all laws within our state boundaries.

HISTORY

The convention met between July 4, 1889 and August 23, 1889 at the territorial capitol in Olympia. An election October 1,1889 ratified the constitution as well as electing the officers of a new state government.

In early October, a certified copy of the manuscript was sent by courier to President Harrison for the authorization necessary to achieve statehood. Because Governor Moore neglected to sign the document, a new copy had to be hastily prepared and transported to the nation’s capitol. On November 11, 1889 President Harrison issued a a proclamation declaring Washington’s Constitution approved and we were admitted to the Union.

WHERE TO SEE IT

The original Washington State Constitution is kept “in the dark” in a fire-proof safe inside a fire-proof environmentally-controlled vault room at the State Archives. According to the Secretary of State: Archives division, the original Washington State Constitution is not on public display to preserve it from exposure to light and wear and tear from handling. The old ink is particularly prone to fading with age and the leather binding is becoming worn.

A copy of the original Washington State Constitution is on display in the lobby of the Secretary of State’s office at the capitol in Olympia. 

On rare occasions, the original State Constitution is put on display on one of three dates:

 The day the State Constitution was ratified by the people at an election held on October 1, 1889.

 November 11, 1889 when, in accordance with section 8 of the Enabling Act, the president of the United States proclaimed the admission of the State of Washington into the Union.

Federal Constitution Day is September 17 of each year.

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  It is important to note that laws created by our legislature under the parameters of the Washington State Constitution are the directive for all County and Municipal ordinances and regulations. Our Commissioners, as well as all other elected officials, must operate within the boundaries these laws dictate when making all decisions concerning the management and direction of our county. All public schools  experience the same legislative limits when defining and performing every aspect of their curriculum, teacher requirements, diversity policies, support staff, and physical facilities.

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