Washington 2023 local ballot measures

Washington Local Ballot Measures
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Ballotpedia covered local ballot measures on four election dates in King, Thurston, and Spokane counties in Washington.

In 2023, Ballotpedia covered local ballot measures that appeared on the ballot for voters within the 100 largest cities in the U.S., within state capitals, and throughout California. You can review the coverage scope of the local ballot measures project here. In 2023, the project's scope includes Seattle.

Ballotpedia covered a selection of election-related, such as electoral systems like ranked-choice voting, and policing-related ballot measures outside of the largest cities.

See also: Local ballot measure elections in 2023

November 7

Spokane County

See also: Spokane County, Washington ballot measures

• Spokane, Washington, Proposition 1, Prohibit Encampments Near Childcare Facilities, Schools, and Parks Initiative (November 2023):

A "yes" vote supported prohibiting encampments on any public property or within 1,000 feet from the perimeter of a park, childcare facility, or a public or private school.

A "no" vote opposed prohibiting encampments on any public property or within 1,000 feet from the perimeter of a park, childcare facility, or a public or private school.

• Spokane County, Washington, Measure 1, 0.2% Sales Tax for Criminal Justice, Public Safety, and Behavioral Health Programs (November 2023):  ✖

A "yes" vote supported authorizing the county to levy a 0.2% sales tax from April 2024 through December 2054 and dedicating revenue to criminal justice, public safety, and behavioral health programs, including a new county jail and expansions to an existing county jail.

A "no" vote opposed authorizing the county to levy a 0.2% sales tax from April 2024 through December 2054 and dedicating revenue to criminal justice, public safety, and behavioral health programs, including a new county jail and expansions to an existing county jail.

King County

See also: King County, Washington ballot measures

• Seattle, Washington, Proposition 1, Housing Levy Property Tax Renewal Measure (November 2023):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported renewing the Seattle Housing Levy property tax for seven years, from 2024 to 2031, at a rate of $45 per $100,000 of assessed value with a maximum of $360 per $100,000 of assessed value, and dedicating revenue to fund housing projects and services for low-income households, seniors, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness.

A "no" vote opposed renewing the Seattle Housing Levy property tax for seven years, from 2024 to 2031, at a rate of $45 per $100,000 of assessed value with a maximum of $360 per $100,000 of assessed value, and dedicating revenue to fund housing projects and services for low-income households, seniors, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness.

Thurston County

See also: Thurston County, Washington ballot measures

• Thurston County, Washington, Proposition 1, 0.2% Sales Tax for Law Enforcement, Prosecution and Public Defense Services, and Elections Security Funding Measure (November 2023):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported allowing the county to levy an additional 0.2% sales and use tax and dedicate revenue to law enforcement, prosecution and public defense services, and elections security infrastructure.

A "no" vote opposed allowing the county to levy an additional 0.2% sales and use tax and dedicate revenue to law enforcement, prosecution and public defense services, and elections security infrastructure.

Pierce County

See also: Pierce County, Washington ballot measures

• Tacoma, Washington, Initiative 1, Rent Increase Regulations Measure (November 2023):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported enacting certain requirements for landlords and rights for renters, including: requiring landlords to be in compliance with health and safety laws prior to evicting a tenant or increasing rent;  prohibiting unfair or excessive fees (as defined);  requiring landlords to provide two notices before increasing rent (first between 210 and 180 days prior and second between 120 and 90 days prior); requiring landlords to pay relocation assistance if the rent increase is above 5% equal to two months of rent (or higher if the increase is above 7.5%);  prohibiting evictions between November 1 and April 1; and  prohibiting the eviction of members of the military, first responders, seniors, family members, health care providers, or educators.

A "no" vote opposed enacting certain requirements for landlords and rights for renters.

August 1

King County

See also: King County, Washington ballot measures

• King County, Washington, Proposition 1, Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Property Tax Measure (August 2023):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported enacting an annual property tax of $10 per $100,000 in assessed value for six years to provide funding for facilities and services for veterans, servicemembers, and their families, as well as seniors and their caregivers.

A "no" vote opposed enacting an annual property tax of $10 per $100,000 in assessed value for six years to provide funding for facilities and services for veterans, servicemembers, and their families, as well as seniors and their caregivers.

April 25

King County

See also: King County, Washington ballot measures

• King County, Washington, Proposition 1, Behavioral Crisis Care Centers Tax Measure (April 2023):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported this measure to fund behavioral health services by requiring an estimated property tax levy of $14.50 per $100,000 in assessed property value and using the collected amount in 2024 as the basis for an annual increase in the tax levy until 2032.

A "no" vote opposed this measure to fund behavioral health services by requiring an estimated property tax levy of $14.50 per $100,000 in assessed property value.

Thurston County

See also: Thurston County, Washington ballot measures

• Olympia, Washington, Proposition 1, Formation of a Regional Fire Authority Measure (April 2023):  ✖

A "yes" vote supported forming the Olympia Tumwater Fire Authority and providing a plan for fire protection and emergency medical services, which would be funded by a property tax of $100 per $100,000 of assessed value and a six-year benefit charge not exceeding 60% of the Fire Authority's operating budget.

A "no" vote opposed forming the Olympia Tumwater Fire Authority.

February 14

King County

See also: King County, Washington ballot measures

• Seattle, Washington, Initiative 135, Social Housing Developer Authority Measure (February 2023):  ✔

A "yes" vote supported creating the Seattle Social Housing Developer, which would develop, own, and maintain housing developments and lease units.

A "no" vote opposed creating the Seattle Social Housing Developer, which would develop, own, and maintain housing developments and lease units.

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 ballot measure elections in 2023