Joe Nguyen Missed a Majority of Votes in the Last Decade, Says Life Intervened

The Stranger endorsed Nguyen for State Senator in the 34th Legislative District. LB

A review of Joe Nguyen's voting record in King County shows he skipped every vote from the August Primary in 2016 back to the August Primary in 2013. Before that his record picks back up but gets spotty. He tended to only vote in General elections from 2008 to 2013. He also hasn't voted on any school levies.

Nguyen's running for State Senate in the 34th District, which includes West Seattle, White Center, and Burien. He led Shannon Braddock in the primaries by over 6 points. Braddock's voting record is spotless going back several years, except for the August Primary in 2013, when King County received her ballot too late.

Nguyen says he has explanations but doesn't want to make any excuses.

"Unfortunately, like a lot of people, life happened," Nguyen said in an e-mail. In 2013 he and his wife had their first child. Shortly thereafter, he says, a developer bought the house they were renting, which started a chain reaction that led them to move five times. On top of all that, Nguyen was taking care of his mom and putting his siblings through school. He lost track of voting in all the scuffle.

He's not sure why he missed so many primaries and special elections between 2008 and 2013, and he disputes the county's record on a few votes.

"I was fairly engaged during that time," he said over the phone. "Most years my mom and I would sit down at the table and vote together, so I don't know what happened there."

Ultimately, he takes responsibility. "I think it's important to make sure your vote counts. I didn't. That's on me," he said.

Nguyen suggested that his voting record might reflect the records of a number of the people he hopes to represent, which is why he's now knocking on so many doors in an attempt to rustle up votes.

"We know that Burien and White Center have had the lowest turnout, and we've worked hard to make sure we get more engagement in those places there. We go to community events most others don't go to, so it's in the front of our minds," Nguyen said.

He said his campaigning efforts have spurred 300 people to register to vote. Those ain't T Swift numbers, but they're not nothing.