Ballot Measure Summary
This measure would reduce certain restrictions on when peace officers may conduct vehicular pursuits. Such pursuits would be allowed when there is reasonable suspicion a person has violated certain laws, pursuit is necessary to identify or apprehend the person, the person poses a public safety risk, the safety risks of failing to apprehend or identify the person are greater than those of the pursuit, and pursuit is authorized by or reported to a supervisor.
The Initiatives
PUBLIC SAFETY
RESTORE POLICE PURSUIT
Don't Let The Bad Guys Get Away
MAKE HARD DRUGS ILLEGAL
There Is Nothing Compassionate About Overdose Deaths
Ballot Measure Summary
This measure would change the classification of the crime of knowing possession of a controlled substance from a misdemeanor to a class C felony, punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW by up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. It would also remove the legislative encouragement for prosecutors to divert such cases for assessment, treatment, or other services.
KEEP GUNS FROM CRIMINALS
Prosecute Criminals Not Law Abiding Citizens
Ballot Measure Summary
This measure would make certain existing state restrictions on possession, use, manufacture, distribution, sale, or purchase of firearms apply only to “felony firearm offenders” and those convicted of a “serious offense,” as defined in RCW 9.41.010. The affected restrictions or prohibitions are related to carrying a concealed pistol without a license, underage possession of pistols or semiautomatic assault rifles, other dangerous weapons such as certain knives, unsafe firearms storage, firearm security, and large capacity magazines.
COST OF LIVING
TRIM THE SALES TAX 1%
Keep More Of Your Own Money
Ballot Measure Summary
This measure would reduce the state retail sales and use tax rates from 6.5 percent to 5.5 percent. It would state that the 10-year expiration and performance statement requirements for new tax preferences do not apply to this rate reduction.
CUT STATE GAS TAX BY 24.7 CENTS
Save Money When You Fill Up
Ballot Measure Summary
This measure would reduce the fuel licensee tax rate by 24.7 cents per gallon. State law imposes the fuel licensee tax in circumstances including when, under certain conditions, fuel enters the state or is removed from in-state terminals and refineries. The measure also directs the Department of Revenue to consult with the State Treasurer and Office of Financial Management and provide draft legislation to address any unintended consequences from the measure by October 15, 2023.
PROPERTY TAX $250K EXEMPTION
Make Home Ownership More Affordable For Everyone
Ballot Measure Summary
This measure would exempt $250,000 of valuation for each real property parcel from state property taxes levied for support of common schools in 2024. Beginning in 2025, the exemption would increase by the percentage growth in the prior year’s state tax levy. The exemption could not result in a tax reduction exceeding the tax otherwise levied. The levy would be reduced as necessary to prevent a state tax rate exceeding the rate without the exemption.
REPEAL THE CAPITAL GAINS TAX
There Is No Greed Worse Than Government Greed
Ballot Measure Summary
This measure would prohibit the state, counties, cities, and port districts from imposing or collecting taxes it describes as “based on an individual’s personal income,” construed broadly. The prohibition applies to taxes imposed on taxpayers or on taxpayers’ employers and whether called income, payroll, or excise taxes. It would repeal a tax imposed on the sale or exchange of certain long-term capital assets by individuals who have annual capital gains of over $250,000, with exemptions.
GOOD GOVERNANCE
EMERGENCY POWERS REVIEW
Emergency Powers Shouldn't Last Forever
Ballot Measure Summary
This measure would modify limitations on governor emergency proclamations, allowing them to cover only one county and only facts/circumstances not in existing law; limit such proclamations, related orders, and agency emergency rules to 30 days unless legislatively-extended; allow for legislative modification after 30 days; require judicial review to occur in the county subject to the proclamation and receive first priority; and reclassify the crime of violating emergency orders from a gross misdemeanor to a misdemeanor.
CURRICULUM TRANSPARENCY
Our Kids Education Should Not Be Secret
Ballot Measure Summary
This measure would require public education providers to make available online, within one week of first use, publicly-available materials and activities used for student instruction or staff training, descriptions of nonpublic materials, and certain information regarding staff training requirements, funding sources, and expenditures. If a copyright holder objects, education providers must request permission to post the materials, display the request and response online, and permit public inspection and, if legally allowed, copying of materials.
ELECTORAL COLLEGE ALLOCATION
Make Washington State's Vote For President Matter
Ballot Measure Summary
This measure would change the State’s method for selecting presidential electors. There would be one elector for each congressional district and two electors for the state, selected by the political party for the presidential and vice presidential candidates who received the most number of votes in the district or state, respectively. Washington would withdraw from an interstate compact in which joining states agree to select electors based on the national popular vote, upon certain conditions.
VOTER PROTECTION ACT
Bipartisan Review Of Election Results
Ballot Measure Summary
This measure would require that, prior to a general election’s certification, a company oversee a hand-count audit conducted by county officials of ballots in at least three races in twelve precincts per county. The company, races, and precincts would be selected through processes involving the major political parties. Public and party observers of the audit would be permitted to examine certain ballots. The company would report findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 31st.