Samuel Michael Hunt, the visionary 'Legislator of the Century' who revolutionized Washington's election systems through vote-by-mail advocacy, passed away in Olympia on April 26, 2026, at the age of 83. A dedicated educator and long-serving State Senator, Hunt was as well known for his commitment to political civility as he was for his legendary collection of historical political buttons.

To understand Hunt is to look at his extensive political button collection. Each pin served as a physical archive of the history he witnessed and shaped. He began his journey far from the legislative floor, growing up on a family farm in Yakima after being born in Billings, Montana. He graduated from Washington State University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts in education. He earned a permanent teaching certificate in 1970 and started his professional career as a public school teacher in Pasco and Montesano. He spent his early years collecting the stories of his students and community members, serving on the Pasco City Council from 1969 to 1974 and acting as Mayor Pro Tempore for three of those years.

The teacher soon became a curator of democracy. From 1975 to 1981, he worked in Washington, D.C., as a staff member for the United States Senate Appropriations Committee under Senator Warren G. Magnuson. Returning to the Pacific Northwest, he served as the staff director for the Washington State Senate Majority Leader and as the Special Assistant for K-12 Education to Governor Booth Gardner. Through it all, his button collection grew. Governor Bob Ferguson recalled the private collector behind the public official, noting, "I'll always remember visiting Sam's home as he showed me his impressive political button collection. He had a story for each one. It was a blast, and a fascinating window into Washington political history which Sam lived."

Hunt eventually became the most significant story in Washington state politics. Elected to the Washington House of Representatives in 2000 for the 22nd Legislative District, he spent 16 years in the chamber before moving to the State Senate in 2017. He chaired the State Government and Elections Committee, where he championed legislation establishing the state's online voter registration and vote-by-mail systems. Despite the turbulent nature of his legislative career, he maintained a quiet, steadfast commitment to civility. He volunteered with the National Institute for Civil Discourse to improve relations among state legislators and served as the National Chair of the Council of State Governments. When announcing his retirement, which took effect in January 2025, Hunt reflected on his tenure by stating, "I have been riding that bucking bronco as a Washington state legislator and have managed to stay on that bronco through 10 elections and nearly 24 years. However, the time has come to let somebody else face the challenge and reward of being a state senator."

His public achievements were anchored by a rich personal life. He was married to his wife, Charlene, for 47 years until her passing in 2017. He also served two terms on the North Thurston Public Schools Board of Directors from 1995 to 2003. In December 2024, he was appointed to the Washington State University Board of Regents. His daughter, Hillary Hunt, bridged the gap between the statesman and the family man, describing him as an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and partner. She confirmed his death followed a short battle with leukemia, as reported by KIRO 7 News. In 2024, the Washington Association of County Auditors honored him with the 'Legislator of the Century' award for his work on election security, according to the Washington Senate Democrats.

Samuel Hunt leaves behind a legacy as a master bridge-builder who fundamentally trusted the people he served. By championing a secure and accessible vote-by-mail system, he ensured that every Washingtonian had a voice in their government. His life's work transformed the machinery of democracy, proving that true political power lies not in partisan battles, but in the quiet dignity of making sure every ballot is counted and every citizen is heard.