Seattle, Washington, Proposition 2, Changes to Business and Occupation Tax Measure (November 2025)

Seattle Proposition 2
Election date November 4, 2025
Topic Local business tax
Status On the ballot
Type Referral

Seattle Proposition 2 is on the ballot as a referral in Seattle on November 4, 2025.

A "yes" vote supports changing the threshold from $100,000 to $2 million in gross receipts for the business and occupation tax; creating a $2 million standard deduction; and increasing tax rates for seven years

A "no" vote opposes changing the threshold from $100,000 to $2 million in gross receipts for the business and occupation tax; creating a $2 million standard deduction; and increasing tax rates for seven years

A simple majority vote is required to approve the measure.

Election results

Seattle Proposition 2
Result		Votes	Percentage
Yes		0	0.00%
No		0	0.00%

Text of measure

Ballot title

The ballot title for Proposition 2 is as follows:

“

Changes to the Business and Occupation Tax The Seattle City Council adopted Ordinance No. XXXXXX concerning changes to the business and occupation tax. The City of Seattle’s Proposition 2 would increase the threshold for payment of the business and occupation tax from $100,000 to $2 million in gross receipts; create a $2 million standard deduction; and increase, for seven years, tax rates currently at .00222 and .00427 to .00342 and .00658, respectively. Beginning in 2033 tax rates would decrease to .00273 and .00526, respectively. Proceeds would support the general fund and critical city services threatened by federal cuts. Should this Proposition be approved? Yes No

”

Full Text

The full text of this measure is available here.

Path to the ballot

This measure was put on the ballot through a vote of the governing board of Seattle.

How to cast a vote

See also: Voting in Washington

See below to learn more about current voter registration rules, identification requirements, and poll times in Washington.

How to vote in Washington

Poll times

Washington is an all-mail voting state. Individuals who prefer to vote in person rather than by mail may do so at local voting centers, which are open for 18 days prior to the election. The voting period ends at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Contact your county elections department for more information on voting center locations and times.

Registration

Check your voter registration status here.

To vote in Washington, one must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of the state, and at least 18 years of age.

One may register to vote online, by mail, or in-person at a county elections department. Registration must be completed eight days in advance if done by mail or online. In-person registration is available through Election Day.

In 2018, Washington lawmakers enacted legislation providing for same-day voter registration and automatic voter registration.

Automatic registration

Washington automatically registers eligible individuals to vote through the Department of Motor Vehicles, health benefit exchange, and other state agencies approved by the governor.

Online registration

See also: Online voter registration

Washington has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting this website.

Same-day registration

Washington allows same-day voter registration.

Residency requirements

Washington law requires 30 days of residency in the state before a person may vote.

Verification of citizenship

See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States

Washington does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration. An individual must attest that they are a U.S. citizen when registering to vote. According to the state's voter registration application, a voter who knowingly provides false information or knowingly make a false declaration about their qualifications "will have committed a class C felony that is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to ten thousand dollars, or both."

All 49 states with voter registration systems require applicants to declare that they are U.S. citizens in order to register to vote in state and federal elections, under penalty of perjury or other punishment. Seven states — Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Wyoming — have laws requiring verification of citizenship at the time of voter registration, whether in effect or not. One state, Ohio, requires proof of citizenship only when registering to vote at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles facility. In three states — California, Maryland, and Vermont — at least one local jurisdiction allows noncitizens to vote in some local elections. Noncitizens registering to vote in those elections must complete a voter registration application provided by the local jurisdiction and are not eligible to register as state or federal voters.

Verifying your registration

The site Vote WA, run by the Washington Secretary of State office, allows residents to check their voter registration status online.

Voter ID requirements

Washington is an all-mail voting state and does not require voters to present photo identification (ID). Voters may choose to vote in person at a local voting center. According to state law RCW 29A.40.160, “The county auditor shall require any person desiring to vote at a voting center to either sign a ballot declaration or provide identification.”

The following list of accepted ID was current as of October 2025. Click here for the Washington State Legislature's voter ID regulations to ensure you have the most current information.

• Driver's license
• State identification card
• Student identification card
• Tribal identification card
• Employer identification card

See also

Local measures

• Local measures in 2025
• Local business tax on the ballot

• King County measures

Washington

• Washington 2025 local measures
• Local ballot measures, Washington
• Seattle, Washington

News and analysis

• State and local preemption conflicts
• Measures advancing national agendas