The number of certified statewide ballot measures for both 2025 and 2026 is trending above average compared to previous election cycles as of April 15. 2025 ballot measures For 2025, seven statewide ballot measures have been certified in four states—Louisiana, Ohio, Washington, and Wisconsin. This is one more than the average of six certified measures…
Washington voters will decide on a constitutional amendment in November that would allow the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Trust Fund, also known as the WA Cares Fund, to be invested in stocks and equities. The WA Cares Fund was established in 2019 to provide a lifetime benefit of $36,500 to eligible beneficiaries. WA Cares…
Washington Initiative 2066, approved on Nov. 5, 2024, was struck down on March 21 as violating the state constitution’s single-subject rule. A single-subject rule is a state law that requires ballot initiatives to address a single subject, topic, or issue. Judge Sandra Widlan wrote, “… the body of the initiative is so broad and free…
Since Washington became the 42nd state in 1889, voters have decided on 510 ballot measures. The state adopted a process for citizen initiatives and referendums in 1912. Of the 510 measures, 268 measures were approved (52.5%), and 242 measures were defeated (47.5%). Washington provides initiated state statutes, including indirect initiated state statutes, and veto referendums.…
King County Superior Court Judge Michael Scott in Washington allowed the state Parents’ Bill of Rights to take full effect on Jan. 27, dismissing a lawsuit against the 2024 Initiative 2081 that enacted the Bill of Rights. Judge Scott had temporarily blocked portions of the statute on Jun. 21, 2024, that required school districts to…
Heading into the 2025-2026 election cycle, signature requirements for citizen-initiated measures changed in nine states. Turnout on Nov.5, 2024, caused signature requirements for citizen-initiated ballot measures to change in seven states. Two other states changed their requirements based on the number of registered voters. The average change was a 12.47% increase. Changes ranged from a…
Seattle voters will be deciding on two competing propositions as well as two school district levy renewals on Feb. 11. The competing measures are Propositions 1A and 1B. Proposition 1A (previously Initiative 137) is a citizen-initiated measure, and Proposition 1B is an alternative measure referred to the ballot by the Seattle City Council. Voters will…
Of 384 regular elections in Washington—165 (43%) are uncontested. An uncontested election is one where the number of candidates on the ballot is less than or equal to the number of seats up for election. Of the 26 states where Ballotpedia is covering every election on Nov. 5, Washington has the 21st highest rate of…
Washington House Bill 2124, which modifies child care subsidy work requirements, went into effect November 1, 2024. The bill requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to recognize participation in the Birth to Three Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) or the Early Head Start program as approved activities to meet work…
Washington’s Nov. 5, 2024, general election ballot will feature 10 presidential candidates and their running mates. They are: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running as an independent, withdrew from the presidential election in August, but will still appear on Washington’s ballot as the We the People party’s presidential nominee. This is the most candidates on Washington’s…