Washington's 1973 Public Records Act promises its inhabitants the right to search for, observe, and obtain records held by municipalities around the state, including documents, car offenses, marriage and divorce permits, property and lien records, and much more. All crucial facts about the multitude of happenings of law enforcement, city courts, and local government are within these records, and generally are believed public unless legally redacted. Residents of Port Hadlock-Irondale have the ability to better understand their rights because of these laws, and the transparency offered by the release of these records maintains both criminals and authorities liable with regard to their actions, in turn leading to a more open and free society for all.