OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington General Election is on November 3, and there are three statewide initiatives on the ballot.
Two of the measures are repeals of existing Washington state law while the other would create new rules.
Below is an explanation of each initiative.
Initiative 001: parental rights in public schools
This measure would repeal amendments to a statute listing certain rights of parents and guardians of children in public schools. It would also reverse the law to its original version from 2024 (Initiative to the Legislature 2081).
Supporters of the measure argue that this initiative restores guardian access to their children’s education materials, medical services, and more.
Opponents say it ends the state’s requirement to notify parents quickly when a crime is reported at school, and limits a student’s ability to seek help from teachers and counselors when they are being bullied. The measure could also, according to the ballot statement, force schools to “knowingly put LGBTQ+ kids in increased danger of violence and homelessness by outing them to potentially abusive families.”
To read the full measure, click here.
Initiative 645: repealing the millionaire’s tax
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed the millionaires’ tax (Senate Bill 6346) into law in March.
The bill will impose a 9.9% tax on those earning one million dollars per year or more in Washington.
The millionaire’s tax is set to take effect in 2028 – unless it is repealed. I-645 seeks to do exactly that.
Supporters say the tax is needed to help fund education, tax credits for businesses and families, and other public programs. Opponents argue it could drive entrepreneurs, investors, and employers out of Washington.
A ‘yes’ vote for I-645 means you want to repeal the annual tax. A ‘no’ vote means you want to maintain it.
To read the measure, click here.
Initiative 638: K-12 participation in girls sports
Initiative 638 would require female student-athletes to submit documentation from a health care provider verifying their biological sex before competing in school sports.
Supporters of the initiative argue that allowing people born male to compete in girls’ sports creates an unfair playing field.
Opponents believe the initiative would ban trans athletes from participating in K-12 sports in Washington.
To read the full measure, click here.
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