The campaign for this year's election regarding Grays Harbor County Sheriff has been heating up, but not in the way that you would think, and not in a positive way.  Ed Welter posted yesterday on his campaign page that he has received multiple reports of his supporters and friends who have been sharing his message, or hosting one of his signs being bullied and/or threatened even to take the signs down and support.  

While we are sure that current Sheriff Darrin Wallace, who is running for a second term, isn't condoning or participating in such behavior, it appears to be happening through his supporters.  While we could brush this off as a hearsay thing, its unfortunate that this even happened with us here at GHScanner after we posted the interview with Welter,  to a point even one of our admin family members was contacted.  

In a social media statement, Welter said:

I have recently been contacted by multiple people who have informed me that supporters of my opponent have been using bullying and intimidating tactics both in-person and online against those who support me. My supporters have received negative, untrue statements about me and intimidating threats to withdraw their support of my campaign, including pressure to remove campaign signs from their personal yard and angry, bullying comments online. I am very disappointed to learn that these actions are from a few people I work with, their family members, and one individual who has never even met me. I fully support the right to choose any candidate and would never berate someone for choosing my opponent.

It means the world to me to have your support. I am very sorry if supporting me has forced you into an uncomfortable position. With your help, we can win this election!

This election is about the two people whose names are on the ballot. If anyone has questions for either of us, I encourage you to contact the candidate directly

Comments in the social media post that followed up were filled with examples and things that have occured verifying the bullying and negative attacks, with one local business person saying

" Yea I shared our group photo from the community block party on my business page, and someone sent me a private message saying it was disappointing that I was supporting you and said a few other rude things, I thought it was so distasteful and rude. I just completely ignored the message. I don’t understand why people always think they have to bash somebody else to get ahead in life. "

Political campaigns naturally bring strong opinions, and healthy debate is an important part of the democratic process. Residents should absolutely feel free to support whichever candidate they believe is best qualified, ask difficult questions, challenge ideas, and engage in respectful discussion.

However, there is an important distinction between political debate and personal intimidation. No resident should feel pressured, threatened, or harassed for displaying a campaign sign, sharing a candidate's message, attending an event, or simply expressing an opinion.

As Grays Harbor County moves closer to Election Day, we encourage everyone—regardless of which candidate they support—to keep the conversation respectful. Elections should be decided by informed voters, open dialogue, and the ballot box, not by fear of criticism or harassment.

Supporting one candidate should never make someone a target, and disagreeing with someone politically should never become a personal attack. Our community deserves an election season where every voter feels comfortable participating without intimidation, regardless of who they choose to support.