Washington: Judge approves petitions against Thurston County Sheriff over failure to enforce masking requirements

A Superior Court Judge has approved the petitions against Thurston County Sheriff John Snaza over his refusal to enforce the state's masking requirements to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Washington is a malfeasance standard/judicial recall state and requires a judge to find that the official violated one of the for cause requirements to let a recall go forward. 

Snaza may still appeal the decision. A Snohmish County Sheriff is also facing petitions for failing to enforce masking rules. 

Petitioners need 23,027 signatures in 180 days. 

Update: Snaza has appealed to the Supreme Court, who are set to consider the appeal in December.