Ralph Davies Munro (June 25, 1943 – March 20, 2025) was an American Republican politician who served as the 13th secretary of state of Washington. First elected in 1980, he served five terms.
Life and career Munro was born on June 25, 1943, in Seattle, Washington, and grew up on Bainbridge Island. He was a graduate of Western Washington University and held a B.A. in Education and Political Science. Munro's first job with the state was as a supply clerk working in the basement of the Legislative Building. Governor Daniel J. Evans appointed Munro as the state's first volunteer coordinator in 1969.
Munro was a member of the bipartisan Commission on Federal Election Reform, and strongly advocated for expanding vote-by-mail.Member listing, Commission on Federal Election Reform
In 2022, Munro was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon in recognition of "his contributions in promoting regional exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States."
He died in Lacey, Washington, on March 20, 2025, at the age of 81.Remembering Ralph Munro, five-term Washington secretary of state and statesman
References
Sources The Legacy Project, Office of the Secretary of State: "History Makers Details on Ralph Munro" The Seattle Times, December 29, 2000: "Ralph Munro leaving a career carved in stone"; Governor's news release, September 25, 2009: "Gov. Gregoire appoints Ralph Munro to WWU board of trustees"; Puget Sound Business Journal, May 9, 2008: "Mud Bay archeological site has profound lessons for Ralph and Karen Munro" Puget Sound Energy, press release June 3, 2008: "PSE recognizes Karen and Ralph Munro with 2008 Pioneer Award"
External links
Oral History with Ralph Munro The Seattle Times, December 29, 2000:"Ralph Munro leaving a career carved in stone" Washington's Secretaries of State - Past and Present: Ralph Munro Ralph Munro: Disability Rights Pioneer Clan Munro biography