In 2004, widespread falsification of the results of the Ukrainian presidential election in favor of pro-Russian candidate Victor Yanukovych led to a political crisis and a series of civil disobedience actions that were dubbed the Orange Revolution. These events led to a repeat vote that secured the victory for Yanukovich's rival, Viktor Yushchenko. UAWS took part in protests supporting the Orange Revolution and promoted fair and transparent election procedures. The association solicited the Ukrainian administration to allow Washington State Ukrainians who retained Ukrainian citizenship—an estimated 15,000 people—to vote. For the initial vote, the Ukrainian embassy declined the association's petition to open a polling place in Seattle, and the Ukrainian consulate in San Francisco, located over 800 miles from Seattle, remained the closest polling place. UAWS organized a bus convoy from Seattle to San Francisco so at least some of the enfranchised Ukrainians could cast their votes. During the repeat vote, the association successfully compelled the Ukrainian Embassy to open a polling station in Kent, Washington—the only such concession made by the Ukrainian government during the presidential elections of 2004.