2023 Democracy in
Action Award Recipient
The Snohomish County League of Women Voters Board selected the Sultan High School
Broadcast Club, under supervision of David Moon, Technology Director, for the 2023
Democracy in Action Award at their November 17, 2022 meeting. Mr. Moon and selected
students from the club (Alec Howe, Brandi Forseth, and Skylar Penner) were honored at the
League’s birthday luncheon on Saturday, February 25, in Mill Creek. This award is presented
annually to an individual or group in Snohomish County that promotes voters’ rights and/or
enhances democracy in some way. Awards in other years have acknowledged recipients’
services as elected officials, promoting citizenship development, or promoting issues consistent
with the League’s positions.
The Snohomish County Candidate Forum Team faced challenges for the 2022 midterm elections
resulting from partisanship, redistricting issues, and a fundamental questioning of our election
process. The Team wanted to offer forums via Zoom, along with a never-before offered live-streaming component. Voters could watch and learn about candidates in real time and/or
choose to link to forum videos and podcasts at viewer-selected times.
The Sultan High Broadcast Club provided the League with professional quality introductory
graphics and music for each live-stream forum and was responsible for integrating Zoom, live
stream, and local TV and radio broadcasting. Because the technical issues were handled
2
expertly by the Sultan High students, the Candidate Forum Team was able to concentrate on
the forum content, moderation, and overall flow.
These young adults are helping to forge what our democracy will look like when we incorporate
powerful technologies, youthful energy, beliefs, and ideas into our ever-evolving democracy.
Together we can make a huge difference in our politics, our communities, and our country.
It is a great honor for The League of Women Voters of Snohomish County to give this award.