Washington voters have decided on 510 ballot measures since statehood
Ballotpedia completed an inventory of all Washington ballot measures since 1889, the year the state's constitution was adopted. Washington voters approved a constitutional amendment in 1912 that provided for an initiative and referendum process. Washington voters decided on 510 ballot measures between 1889 and 2024. Voters approved 268 measures (52.54%) and rejected 242 measures (47.45%).
The Washington State Legislature referred 279 ballot measures to the state ballot between 1889 and 2024, making up 57.35% of all measures appearing on the statewide ballot. A total of 231 initiatives appeared on the ballot between 1889 and 2024, accounting for 45.29% of all statewide measures. Legislatively referred measures were approved 57.35% of the time, compared to the approval rate of 46.75% for ballot initiatives.
The inventory of Washington statewide ballot measures is part of Ballotpedia's Historical Ballot Measure Factbook, which will document nearly 200 years of direct democracy in the United States. This ongoing research effort will provide an unparalleled resource for researchers, reporters, and the voting public on how ballot measures have evolved, the issues they've covered, and the role they have played in our civic life.
Explore the topics below for detailed information:
This section provides a table to search Washington historical ballot measures by decade and keyword.
This section summarizes notable topics Washington voters have decided on.
This section highlights measures with the closest and widest margins, as well as the breakdown by topic, decade, and type.
This section describes the process of placing a statewide measure on the ballot.
Historic Ballot Measure Lookup Tool
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | CISS | Initiative 2066 | Prohibit state and local governments from restricting access to natural gas | Approved |
| 2024 | IndISS | Initiative 2109 | Repeal the capital gains excise tax imposed on long-term capital assets by individuals with capital gains over $250,000 | Defeated |
| 2024 | IndISS | Initiative 2117 | Prohibit carbon tax credit trading and repeal provisions of the 2021 Washington Climate Commitment Act (CCA), a state law that provided for a cap and invest program designed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 95% by 2050 | Defeated |
| 2024 | IndISS | Initiative 2124 | Allow all employees and self-employed individuals to opt out of paying the tax and receiving benefits under WA Cares, the state's long-term services and supports trust health care program | Defeated |
| 2022 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 39 | Advise the Legislature to either maintain or repeal a tax increase on aircraft fuel from 11 cents to 18 cents per gallon | Defeated |
| 2022 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 40 | Advise the Legislature to either maintain or repeal a tax on transportation network companies | Defeated |
| 2021 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 36 | Advises the legislature to either maintain or repeal a tax on phone lines to fund behavioral health and suicide prevention services passed in HB 1477 | Defeated |
| 2021 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 37 | Advises the legislature to either maintain or repeal a capital gains tax increase to fund education and child services passed in SB 5096 | Defeated |
| 2021 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 38 | Advises the legislature to either maintain or repeal a tax on captive insurers passed in SB 5315 | Defeated |
| 2020 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 32 | Advises legislature to either repeal or maintain Senate Bill 5323, which was designed to levy a retail sales tax on certain carryout bags | Defeated |
| 2020 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 33 | Advises legislature to either repeal or maintain Senate Bill 5628, which was designed to levy a tax on heavy equipment rentals | Defeated |
| 2020 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 34 | Advises legislature to either repeal or maintain Senate Bill 6492, which was designed to increase the business and occupation tax rate and reduce certain surcharges | Defeated |
| 2020 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 35 | Advises legislature to either repeal or maintain Senate Bill 6690, which was designed to increase the business and occupation tax on commercial airplane manufacturers | Defeated |
| 2020 | VR | Referendum 90 | Repeals Senate Bill 5395 (2020) regarding sexual health education in public schools | Approved |
| 2020 | LRCA | Senate Joint Resolution 8212 | Allows funds in the Long-Term Care Services and Supports Trust Account to be invested | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 20 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal House Bill 1087, which was designed to levy 0.58% tax on wages to fund a program for long-term healthcare services | Defeated |
| 2019 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 21 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal House Bill 1324, which was designed to extend a surcharge on timber products through July 2045 that was otherwise set to expire in June 2024 | Defeated |
| 2019 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 22 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal House Bill 1652, which was designed to require producers of interior or exterior architectural paint sold in containers of 5 gallons or less to fund and take part in programs related to paint waste management | Defeated |
| 2019 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 23 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal House Bill 1873, which was designed to levy a tax on e-cigarettes and vapor products | Approved |
| 2019 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 24 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal House Bill 2158, which was designed to create the Workforce Education Investment Account to fund higher education programs through a tax on certain business activities | Defeated |
| 2019 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 25 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal House Bill 2167, which was designed to impose an additional tax on certain financial institutions | Defeated |
| 2019 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 26 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal Senate Bill 5581, which was designed to apply retail sales taxes on online retailers | Defeated |
| 2019 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 27 | Advising the legislature to maintain or repeal Senate Bill 5993, which was designed to increase taxes on petroleum products | Defeated |
| 2019 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 28 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal Senate Bill 5997, which was designed to limit the tax exemptions that residents from other U.S. states and Canada can receive while in Washington | Approved |
| 2019 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 29 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal Senate Bill 5998, which was designed to increase the excise tax on real property | Defeated |
| 2019 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 30 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal Senate Bill 6004, which was designed to increase the business and occupation tax on specified tour operators and travel agents | Defeated |
| 2019 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 31 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal Senate Bill 6016, which was designed to increase the business and occupation tax on specified international investment management services | Approved |
| 2019 | IndISS | Initiative 976 | Limit annual license fees for vehicles weighing under 10,000 pounds at $30 except voter-approved charges; base vehicle taxes on the Kelley Blue Book value rather than 85% of the manufacturer's base suggested retail price; and repeal authorization for certain regional transit authorities, such as Sound Transit, to impose motor vehicle excise taxes | Overturned |
| 2019 | VR | Referendum 88 | Allow Initiative 1000 to go into effect, thereby expressly allowing the state to implement affirmative action policies without the use of preferential treatment (as defined) or quotas (as defined) in public employment, education, and contracting | Defeated |
| 2019 | LRCA | Senate Joint Resolution 8200 | Authorize the Washington State Legislature to pass bills addressing the succession of powers and duties of public offices during periods of catastrophic incidents that are considered emergencies | Approved |
| 2018 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 19 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal Senate Bill 6269, which applied a tax on crude oil and petroleum products when received through a pipeline | Defeated |
| 2018 | CISS | Initiative 1631 | Washington Initiative 1631, the Carbon Emissions Fee Measure is on the ballot in Washington as an Initiative to the People, a type of initiated state statute, on November 6, 2018. | Defeated |
| 2018 | CISS | Initiative 1634 | The Washington Taxes on Groceries Initiative (2018) may appear on the ballot in Washington as an Initiative to the People, a type of initiated state statute, on November 6, 2018. | Approved |
| 2018 | CISS | Initiative 1639 | Washington Initiative 1639, the Changes to Gun Ownership and Purchase Requirements Measure is on the ballot in Washington as an Initiative to the People, a type of initiated state statute, on November 6, 2018. | Approved |
| 2018 | CISS | Initiative 940 | Washington Initiative 940, the Police Training and Criminal Liability in Cases of Deadly Force Measure, will not appear on the ballot in Washington as an Initiative to the Legislature, a type of indirect initiated state statute, on November 6, 2018, because the legislature approved the measure. In a non-standard move, the legislature also passed a bill to amend the initiative. | Approved |
| 2017 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 16 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal House Bill 1597, which made changes to commercial fishing licenses, fees, and taxes to increase state revenue | Defeated |
| 2017 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 17 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal House Bill 2163, which made changes to increase revenue from the sales and use tax and the business and occupation tax | Defeated |
| 2017 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 18 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal House Bill 2242, which increased the state property tax to provide funding for state common schools | Defeated |
| 2016 | LRCA | SJR 8210 | Require the state redistricting commission to complete redistricting for state legislative and congressional districts by November 15 of each year ending in a one, which is 46 days earlier than was required | Approved |
| 2016 | CISS | Initiative 735 | Urge the Washington state congressional delegation to propose a federal constitutional amendment that reserves constitutional rights for people and not corporations | Approved |
| 2016 | CISS | Initiative 732 | Enact a carbon emission tax on the sale or use of certain fossil fuels and fossil-fuel-generated electricity | Defeated |
| 2016 | CISS | Initiative 1501 | Increase criminal identity-theft penalties, expanding civil liability for consumer fraud targeting seniors and vulnerable individuals, and exempting certain information of vulnerable individuals and in-home caregivers from public disclosure | Approved |
| 2016 | CISS | Initiative 1491 | Authorize courts to issue extreme risk protection orders to remove an individual's access to firearms | Approved |
| 2016 | CISS | Initiative 1433 | Incrementally increase the state's minimum wage from $9.47 to $13.50 by 2020 and mandating employers to offer paid sick leave | Approved |
| 2016 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 15 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal House Bill 2778, thereby advising against this limitation of the tax exemption offered for certain alternative fuel vehicles | Approved |
| 2016 | CISS | Initiative 1464 | Create a campaign finance system allowing residents to direct state funds, known as "democracy credits," to qualifying candidates, repeal the non-resident sales tax exemption, restrict employment of former public employees and lobbying, and revise campaign finance laws | Defeated |
| 2016 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 14 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal House Bill 2768, advising against allowing Washington Healthplanfinder to levy an assessment to fund operations | Approved |
| 2015 | CISS | Initiative 1401 | Prohibit the sale, purchase, distribution, or trade of certain animals and products from animals classified as threatened with extinction | Approved |
| 2015 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 13 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal a bill concerning manufacturer tax preferences | Approved |
| 2015 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote No. 12 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal a bill removing a gas tax increase of 11.9 cents | Approved |
| 2015 | CISS | Initiative 1366 | Decrease state sales taxes from 6.5 to 5.5 percent unless the legislature a constitutional amendment to the ballot requiring two-thirds legislative approval or voter approval to raise taxes, and legislative approval for fee increases | Approved |
| 2015 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote No. 11 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal a bill that removed the one-dollar fee charged for each initial and renewal marijuana recognition card | Approved |
| 2015 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote No. 10 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal a bill withdrawing the oil response and oil spill administration taxe. | Defeated |
| 2014 | CISS | Initiative 1351 | Require fewer students per classroom in grades K-12 | Approved |
| 2014 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote No. 8 | Advise the legislature to repeal or maintain a bill concerning the elimination of agricultural tax preferences for aspects of the marijuana industry | Approved |
| 2014 | IndISS | Initiative 591 | Prevent confiscation of firearms without due process and implementation of more extensive background checks than those at the federal level | Defeated |
| 2014 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote No. 9 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal a bill concerning leasehold excise tax on certain leasehold interests in tribal property | Defeated |
| 2014 | IndISS | Initiative 594 | Require background checks be performed on all gun purchasers | Approved |
| 2013 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 4 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal a bill imposing an aircraft excise tax on commuter air carriers | Approved |
| 2013 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 7 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal a bill relating to an estate tax on certain property transfers and increased rates for estates over $4,000,000 | Approved |
| 2013 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 5 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal a bill related to the insurance premium tax to some insurance for pediatric oral services | Defeated |
| 2013 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 3 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal a bill eliminating a leasehold excise tax credit for taxpayers who lease publicly-owned property | Approved |
| 2013 | IndISS | Initiative 522 | Requires labels on food offered for sale if food is made with genetic material changed | Defeated |
| 2013 | IndISS | Initiative 517 | Enact penalties for interfering with petition organizers, limit pre-election litigation, extend signature gathering time | Defeated |
| 2013 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 6 | Advise the legislature to maintain or repeal a bill providing a retail sales tax exemption for certain telephone and telecommunications services | Approved |
| 2012 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 1 | Eliminate a business and occupation tax deduction for certain financial institutions’ interest on residential loans. | Defeated |
| 2012 | LRAQ | Advisory Vote 2 | Extend the expiration of a tax on possession of petroleum products and reduce the tax rate. | Defeated |
| 2012 | CISS | Initiative 1185 | Require either two-thirds legislative approval or a voter approval to raise taxes. | Overturned |
| 2012 | CISS | Initiative 1240 | Authorize up to 40 public charter schools in Washington | Approved |
| 2012 | IndISS | Initiative 502 | Legalize and regulate the production, possession, delivery, and distribution of marijuana. | Approved |
| 2012 | VR | Referendum 74 | Legalize same-sex marriage. | Approved |
| 2012 | LRCA | SJR 8221 | Phase-down the debt limit percentage and modify the calculation date, period, and the term general state revenues. | Approved |
| 2012 | LRCA | SJR 8223 | Authorize state research universities to invest specified public funds as authorized by the legislature. | Defeated |
| 2012 | LRCA | SJR 8221 | The Washington State Debt Amendment, also known as SJR 8221, was on the November 6, 2012 statewide ballot in Washington as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, where it was approved. The measure included the recommendations of the commission on state debt, according to the text of the measure. According to the Washington Secretary of State's office, the measure was said to implement changes in use of state bond debt. | Approved |
| 2011 | LRCA | SJR 8206 | Require the transfer of additional funds to the budget stabilization account if the state has received "extraordinary revenue growth" | Approved |
| 2011 | CISS | Initiative 1183 | Close state liquor stores; allow state licensing of private parties | Approved |
| 2011 | CISS | Initiative 1163 | Reenact background checks, training for long-term care workers | Approved |
| 2011 | CISS | Initiative 1125 | Prohibit gas tax and toll revenues to be diverted to non-transportation purposes | Defeated |
| 2011 | LRCA | SJR 8205 | Remove a provision about the length of time a voter must reside in Washington to vote for president or vice president | Approved |
| 2010 | LRSS | Referendum 52 | Authorize $500 million bond for construction and repair projects increasing energy efficiency in public schools and higher education buildings | Defeated |
| 2010 | CISS | Initiative 1098 | Establish a tax on adjusted gross income above $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for filing jointly and reduces the limit on statewide property taxes by 20% and increased the business and occupation tax credit to $4,800 | Defeated |
| 2010 | CISS | Initiative 1053 | Require a supermajority vote of the legislature or a statewide vote for tax increases | Overturned |
| 2010 | LRCA | HJR 4220 | Give judges authority to deny bail whenever they deem the public at risk | Approved |
| 2010 | CISS | Initiative 1100 | Close state liquor stores and authorizes sale, distribution and importation by private parties | Defeated |
| 2010 | CISS | Initiative 1107 | Reduce tax rates for certain food processors, ends the sales tax on candy and ends the temporary sales tax on some bottled water and temporary excise taxes on carbonated beverages | Approved |
| 2010 | CISS | Initiative 1105 | Close all state liquor stores and licenses private parties to sell or distribute spirits | Defeated |
| 2010 | LRCA | SJR 8225 | Require the state to reduce the interest accounted for in calculating the constitutional debt limit | Approved |
| 2010 | CISS | Initiative 1082 | Authorize employers to purchase private industrial insurance | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | CISS | Initiative 1033 | Limitsgrowth of certain state, county and city revenue to annual inflation and population growth | Defeated |
| 2009 | VR | Referendum 71 | Expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations accorded to state-registered same-sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses | Approved |
| 2008 | CISS | Initiative 1000 | Permit mentally competent, terminally ill adults to request and self-administer a lethal overdose of prescribed medication. | Approved |
| 2008 | CISS | Initiative 1029 | Require long-term care workers to be trained and certified as home care aides. | Approved |
| 2008 | CISS | Initiative 985 | Open high-occupancy vehicle lanes during specified hours and the allocation of certain revenues to traffic-flow purposes. | Defeated |
| 2007 | LRCA | Engrossed Substitute SJR 8206 | Require the transfer of 1% of the annual general state revenues to a budget stabilization account. | Approved |
| 2007 | LRCA | HJR 4204 | Allow school district excess property tax levies to be approved by a simple majority. | Approved |
| 2007 | CISS | Initiative 960 | Require a two-thirds vote in the legislature and a public ten-year cost projection for tax and fee increases. | Approved |
| 2007 | VR | Referendum 67 | Allow consumers to collect treble damages from insurance companies for unreasonably denying coverage claims. | Approved |
| 2007 | LRCA | SJR 8212 | Permit the legislature to establish state-operated and privately contracted inmate labor programs. | Approved |
| 2007 | LRCA | Substitute HJR 4215 | Permit the legislature to decide the types of investment allowed for higher education permanent funds. | Approved |
| 2006 | LRCA | HJR 4223 | Authorize the legislature to increase the personal property tax exemption from $3,000 to $15,000 for each "head of a family." | Approved |
| 2006 | CISS | Initiative 920 | Provide for the repeal of the estate tax, which were dedicated to the education legacy trust fund. | Defeated |
| 2006 | CISS | Initiative 933 | Require compensation for government regulations damaging private property. | Defeated |
| 2006 | CISS | Initiative 937 | Require electric utilities with at least 25,000 customers to meet energy conservation targets. | Approved |
| 2005 | IndISS | Initiative 330 | Limit non-economic damages and attorney fees in medical malpractice cases to $350,000. | Defeated |
| 2005 | IndISS | Initiative 336 | Establish a supplemental malpractice insurance program and limit expert witnesses in lawsuits. | Defeated |
| 2005 | CISS | Initiative 900 | Require the State Auditor to conduct performance audits of state and local governments. | Approved |
| 2005 | CISS | Initiative 901 | Prohibit smoking in buildings and vehicles open to the public and places of employment. | Approved |
| 2005 | CISS | Initiative 912 | Repeal motor vehicle fuel tax increases of 3 cents in 2005 and 2006, 2 cents in 2007, and 1.5 cents per gallon in 2008. | Defeated |
| 2005 | LRCA | SJR 8207 | Replace the term "district court judges" with "limited jurisdiction court judges." | Approved |
| 2004 | IndISS | Initiative 297 | Require cleanup before additional waste is added and regulate mixed radioactive and nonradioactive hazardous waste. | Approved |
| 2004 | CISS | Initiative 872 | Establish a top-two system for primary elections | Approved |
| 2004 | CISS | Initiative 884 | Increase sales tax by 1% to create an education trust fund. | Defeated |
| 2004 | CISS | Initiative 892 | Authorize additional electronic scratch ticket machines in non-tribal gaming establishments. | Defeated |
| 2004 | VR | Referendum 55 | Allow the establishment of up to 45 public charter schools, operated by nonprofit organizations | Defeated |
| 2003 | LRCA | HJR 4206 | Permit new officers to assume office early when a vacancy occurs after the general election if they are of the same political party as the previous one. | Approved |
| 2003 | CISS | Initiative 841 | Repeal ergonomics regulations and prohibit the department of labor and industries not to adopt new ergonomics regulations unless required. | Approved |
| 2002 | LRCA | HJR 4220 | Submit property tax for fire protection districts for up to four years or six years for fire facility construction. | Approved |
| 2002 | CISS | Initiative 776 | Require an annual $30 license tab fees for motor vehicles. | Approved |
| 2002 | CISS | Initiative 790 | Establish a board of trustees to oversee the police and firemen's retirement system. | Approved |
| 2002 | LRSS | Referendum 51 | Increase fuel taxes, vehicle sales tax, and large vehicle weight fees to fund transportation improvements. | Defeated |
| 2002 | VR | Referendum 53 | Establish new employer rate classes, raise taxable wage bases, and implement surcharges in specific situations. | Defeated |
| 2001 | LRCA | SJR 8208 | Provide authorization for superior courts to bring in judges from other court levels to hear certain cases on a temporary basis. | Approved |
| 2001 | LRCA | HJR 4202 | Permit the state legislature to determine how to invest state funds. | Defeated |
| 2001 | CISS | Initiative 747 | Provide limitations on property tax increases to 1% annually unless otherwise approved by voters. | Overturned |
| 2001 | CISS | Initiative 773 | Impose two new cigarette and tobacco sales taxes, with proceeds going towards low-income health programs and other programs. | Approved |
| 2001 | CISS | Initiative 775 | Establish a new Home Care Quality Authority, governed by a board appointed by the governor. | Approved |
| 2000 | CISS | Initiative 713 | Provide a misdemeanor classification for hunting animals with body-gripping traps or poison. | Approved |
| 2000 | CISS | Initiative 722 | Limit annual property tax increases to 2%, nullify certain 1999 tax increases, and exempt vehicles from property taxes. | Overturned |
| 2000 | CISS | Initiative 728 | Reduce class sizes, extend learning programs, expand teacher training, and construct facilities funded by lottery, taxes, and reserves. | Approved |
| 2000 | CISS | Initiative 729 | Authorize the creation of charter public schools operated by nonprofit organizations | Defeated |
| 2000 | CISS | Initiative 732 | Provide cost-of-living salary adjustments for teachers and other school district employees. | Approved |
| 2000 | CISS | Initiative 745 | Allocate 90% of transportation funds for constructing and maintaining roads and exempt road construction from sales tax. | Defeated |
| 2000 | LRCA | SJR 8214 | Remove limitations on trust fund investments for persons with developmental disabilities. | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | CISS | Initiative 695 | Require voter approval for tax increases, repeal existing fees and excise taxes for motor vehicles, and impose an annual $30 license tab fee. | Overturned |
| 1999 | CISS | Initiative 696 | Prohibit commercial net fishing in fresh or marine waters, except for tribal fishing conducted under valid treaties. | Defeated |
| 1999 | LRCA | SJR 8206 | Allow the state to guarantee payment of voter-approved school district general obligation debt as authorized by law. | Approved |
| 1999 | LRCA | SJR 8208 | Permit the legislature to determine the Emergency Reserve Fund's investment. | Defeated |
| 1998 | IndISS | Initiative 200 | Prohibit public institutions from granting preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or nationality. | Approved |
| 1998 | CISS | Initiative 688 | Provide an increase in minimum wage from $4.90 to $6.50 and an annual adjustment for inflation thereafter. | Approved |
| 1998 | CISS | Initiative 692 | Provide permission for physicians to prescribe marijuana for certain terminal and debilitating conditions. | Approved |
| 1998 | CISS | Initiative 694 | Prohibit partial-birth abortion, also known as intact dilation and extraction | Defeated |
| 1998 | LRSS | Referendum 49 | Provide a reduction in vehicle excise taxes and authorize $1.9 billion in bonds for state and local highways. | Approved |
| 1997 | LRCA | HJR 4208 | Provide an amendment to extend voter-approved school district tax levies from two to four years. | Approved |
| 1997 | LRCA | HJR 4209 | Permit local governments to provide loans for the conservation or the more efficient use of stormwater or sewer services. | Approved |
| 1997 | CISS | Initiative 673 | Provide for additional health plan requirements, including maintaining the same healthcare provider during insurance or employment changes, disclosing the distribution of premium and investment incomes, and prohibiting discrimination against providers. | Defeated |
| 1997 | CISS | Initiative 676 | Prohibit the transfer of handguns not equipped with a trigger-lock and require handgun owners to obtain handgun safety licenses. | Defeated |
| 1997 | CISS | Initiative 677 | Prohibit employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations from discriminating based on sexual orientation. | Defeated |
| 1997 | CISS | Initiative 678 | Provide authorization for dental hygienists with special licensing to perform without the supervision of a licensed dentist. | Defeated |
| 1997 | CISS | Initiative 685 | Provide for decriminalization and medical use of Schedule 1 controlled substances and the establishment of a drug prevention committee. | Defeated |
| 1997 | LRSS | Referendum 47 | Provide modifications to the 106 percent property tax limit, allowing for adjustments in valuation where the value has increased due to the real estate market. | Approved |
| 1997 | LRSS | Referendum 48 | Authorize the creation of a public stadium authority, in collaboration with a professional football team, to construct, maintain, and operate a stadium | Approved |
| 1996 | IndISS | Initiative 173 | Create a school voucher program and allow for charter schools in Washington | Defeated |
| 1996 | IndISS | Initiative 177 | Allow voters in each school district to decide whether to convert the district into a renewed school district, which could include independent public schools | Defeated |
| 1996 | CISS | Initiative 655 | Classify hunting black bears with bait or dogs and hunting cougars, bobcats, and lynxes with dogs as gross misdemeanors. | Approved |
| 1996 | CISS | Initiative 670 | Provide for a ballot notice of candidates who oppose congressional term limits. | Defeated |
| 1996 | CISS | Initiative 671 | Provide authorization for limited electronic gambling on tribal lands in the state. | Defeated |
| 1995 | CISS | Initiative 640 | Provide new fishing gear regulations to ensure certain survival rates for non-targeted species. | Defeated |
| 1995 | CISS | Initiative 651 | Enable unrestricted gambling on tribal lands (excluding sports betting), with a tax on net gaming revenues. | Defeated |
| 1995 | LRSS | Referendum 45 | Expand the fish and wildlife commission's jurisdiction to regulate food fish and negotiate interstate agreements. | Approved |
| 1995 | VR | Referendum 48 | Mandate government compensation for decreased private property values resulting from specific regulations. | Defeated |
| 1995 | LRCA | SJR 8210 | Hold four-year court elections for the Supreme Court chief justice and restrict the governor's vacancy-filling authority. | Approved |
| 1994 | CISS | Initiative 607 | Permit the manufacture and sale of dentures by non-dentists, with oversight by a new state board tasked with regulating denturists. | Approved |
| 1994 | LRSS | Referendum 43 | Extend taxes on the sales of cigarettes, liquor, and carbonated beverages for violence reduction and drug enforcement programs. | Approved |
| 1993 | LRCA | HJR 4200 | Permit counties to employ chaplains for hospitals, health care facilities, and hospices. | Approved |
| 1993 | LRCA | HJR 4201 | Provide district courts jurisdiction over cases in equity. | Approved |
| 1993 | CISS | Initiative 593 | Require "persistent offenders," persons convicted three or more times for serious offenses, to serve a life sentence. | Approved |
| 1993 | CISS | Initiative 601 | Limit expenditures by inflation rates and population growth and require referendums for taxes exceeding the limit. | Overturned |
| 1993 | CISS | Initiative 602 | Limit state revenue collections and expenditures based on personal income. | Defeated |
| 1992 | IndISS | Initiative 134 | Limit campaign contributions and prohibit public funding of state and local campaigns. | Approved |
| 1992 | CISS | Initiative 573 | Establish term limits for certain offices | Overturned |
| 1991 | LRCA | HJR 4218 | Allow counties to establish the number of Superior Court Commissioners and repeal the constitutional limit of three. | Defeated |
| 1991 | IndISS | Initiative 119 | Legalize physician-assisted death in Washington | Defeated |
| 1991 | IndISS | Initiative 120 | Providing, in statute, that "The state may not deny or interfere with a woman's right to choose to have an abortion prior to viability of the fetus, or to protect her life or health" | Approved |
| 1991 | CISS | Initiative 553 | Provide term limits on the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Legislatures, and the state's delegation to the U.S. Congress. | Defeated |
| 1991 | CISS | Initiative 559 | Set property values back to the January 1, 1985 value for tax purposes. | Defeated |
| 1991 | LRSS | Referendum 42 | Provide for a statewide enhanced emergency telephone dialing system funded through a tax on telephone lines. | Approved |
| 1991 | LRCA | SJR 8203 | Provide for an alternative method of drafting county home rule charters. | Defeated |
| 1991 | LRCA | HJR 4221 | Provide for the removal of "cases in equity" from the jurisdiction of the Superior Court, allowing other courts to address such cases. | Defeated |
| 1990 | LRCA | HJR 4203 | Require new counties to have a minimum 10,000 population and prohibit removal of areas that reduces existing counties' population to below 10,000. | Defeated |
| 1990 | LRCA | HJR 4231 | Provide authorization for voters to approve excess tax levies for six or fewer consecutive years. | Defeated |
| 1990 | CISS | Initiative 547 | Require land use planning by all counties and create two regional management councils to develop rules for local land use plans. | Defeated |
| 1990 | LRCA | SJR 8212 | Permit basing the tax value of low-income housing upon the property's current use. | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | IndISS | Initiative 102 | Increase funding for children and family services and K-12 education programs by $360,000,000 through new taxes. | Defeated |
| 1989 | LRCA | SJR 8200 | Provide victims of felony crimes the rights to attend the trial and court proceedings that the defendant can attend. | Approved |
| 1989 | LRCA | SJR 8202 | Increase Judicial Conduct Commission membership by two and provide clearer processes and authority for removing a judge. | Approved |
| 1989 | LRCA | SJR 8210 | Permit local governments to fund private water conservation initiatives by utilizing revenues generated from water sales. | Approved |
| 1988 | LRCA | HJR 4222 | Provide an increase in the value of personal property exempted from taxation. | Approved |
| 1988 | LRCA | HJR 4223 | Provide for the continuation and extension of the abilities of public utilities to assist in residential energy conservation. | Approved |
| 1988 | LRCA | HJR 4231 | Remove references to "idiots, insane, dumb, and defective youth" from the state constitution and replace with new language. | Approved |
| 1988 | CISS | Initiative 518 | Provide an increase in state minimum wage from $2.30 to $4.25. | Approved |
| 1988 | IndISS | Initiative 97 and Alternative Measure 97B | Impose a tax on the wholesale value of hazardous substances for hazardous waste cleanup programs | Approved |
| 1987 | LRCA | HJR 4212 | Provide for an increase of legislative representatives' terms to four years and senators' terms to six years. | Defeated |
| 1987 | LRCA | HJR 4220 | Provide authorization to implement a 15-year state property tax for the construction of schools. | Defeated |
| 1987 | IndISS | Initiative 92 | Prohibit physicians from charging patients on Medicare more than Medicare's reasonable charges | Defeated |
| 1987 | LRSS | Referendum 41 | Require the legislature to seek U.S. Supreme Court review of a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Federal Reserve System’s authority | Defeated |
| 1987 | LRCA | SJR 8207 | Authorize retired superior court judges to continue to oversee pending cases they made discretionary rulings for prior to retirement. | Approved |
| 1987 | LRCA | SJR 8212 | Remove state constitutional restrictions that prevented investment of some permanent public land funds in stocks and private lending. | Defeated |
| 1986 | LRCA | HJR 49 | Authorize an independent commission to set salaries for elected officials and judges. | Approved |
| 1986 | LRCA | HJR 55 | Permit voters to approve tax levies beyond 1% of property value for up to six years to fund school construction and improvements. | Approved |
| 1986 | IndISS | Initiative 90 | Increase sales taxes to fund wildlife conservation and recreation programs. | Defeated |
| 1986 | LRSS | Referendum 40 | Allow state officials to continue to legally challenge nuclear waste repository locations by the federal government. | Approved |
| 1986 | LRCA | SJR 136 | Expand judicial conduct review commission by adding two members and granting the authority to suspend judges for improper conduct. | Approved |
| 1986 | LRCA | SJR 138 | Amend the process of filling vacancies in state legislative and county offices. | Defeated |
| 1985 | LRCA | HJR 12 | Permit investment in State industrial insurance (Worker's Compensation) Funds. | Approved |
| 1985 | LRCA | HJR 22 | Remove voter turnout requirements for voter approval of excess property tax levies for schools, except the 60% yes vote requirement. | Defeated |
| 1985 | LRCA | HJR 23 | Permit local governments to finance development projects through creating districts and tax revenues from increased property values. | Defeated |
| 1985 | LRCA | HJR 22 | Permit agricultural commodity commissions to engage in promotional hosting to develop agricultural trade. | Approved |
| 1984 | CISS | Initiative 456 | Provide that natural resources should be managed by the state alone and petition the United States Congress to decommercialize steelheads. | Approved |
| 1984 | CISS | Initiative 464 | Exclude the value of a trade-in from the selling price for sales and use tax purposes when trading in property of like kind | Approved |
| 1984 | CISS | Initiative 471 | Prohibit the public funding of abortion except to prevent the death of the pregnant woman or her unborn child. | Defeated |
| 1983 | LRCA | SJR 103 | Provide for the establishment of an independent commission to redistrict the legislature based on equal population after each federal census. | Approved |
| 1983 | LRCA | SJR 105 | Provide for an increase of the maximum term for state harbor leases from thirty to fifty-five years. | Defeated |
| 1983 | LRCA | SJR 112 | Permit local governments to fund energy conversation by any individual, association or corporation. | Defeated |
| 1982 | CISS | Initiative 412 | Provide a maximum annual interest rate of 12% for retail installment contracts. | Defeated |
| 1982 | CISS | Initiative 414 | Provide for a minimum five cent recycling refund on soft drinks and alcohol sales. | Defeated |
| 1982 | CISS | Initiative 435 | Replace state sales tax on food, state corporate business tax, and the occupation tax with a 10% franchise tax on corporations. | Defeated |
| 1982 | LRCA | SJR 143 | Authorize the creation of districts to finance development projects through tax revenues from increased property values. | Defeated |
| 1981 | LRCA | HJR 7 | Authorize state and local governments to issue industrial development bond to be repaid by such developments and not by public funds. | Approved |
| 1981 | CISS | Initiative 394 | Require that the state must obtain approval from voters before selling bonds to finance a major public energy project. | Approved |
| 1981 | CISS | Initiative 402 | Provide for the abolition of inheritance and gift taxes and substitute with taxes on net estate transfers. | Approved |
| 1981 | LRCA | SJR 107 | Remove constitutional limitations on the numbers and powers of superior court commissioners. | Defeated |
| 1981 | LRCA | SJR 133 | Make changes to the signature submission and verification timelines for Initiatives to the Legislature | Approved |
| 1980 | LRCA | HJR 37 | Create a judicial qualification commission and authorize the Supreme Court to discipline and remove judges. | Approved |
| 1980 | CISS | Initiative 383 | Prohibit the importation and storage of non-medical radioactive wastes generated outside the state. | Approved |
| 1980 | BI | Referendum 38 | Provide a $125 million bond to fund the planning, construction, and improvement of water supply facilities. | Approved |
| 1980 | BI | Referendum 39 | Provide a $450 million bond for the construction and improvement of public waste disposal facilities. | Approved |
| 1980 | LRCA | SJR 132 | Remove constitutional legal barriers that restrict the state's control over unappropriated federal public lands. | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | IndISS | Initiative 61 | Provide a requirement of a minimum five cent recycling deposit on soft drinks and alcohol containers. | Defeated |
| 1979 | IndISS | Initiative 62 | Provide limitations on the growth of general state tax revenues to the growth rate of state personal income. | Approved |
| 1979 | BI | Referendum 37 | Provide $25 million in state general obligation bonds to fund facilities aiding mentally and physically disabled people. | Approved |
| 1979 | LRCA | SJR 110 | Require a regular legislative session every year and provide for special sessions to be called upon by the governor or the legislature. | Approved |
| 1979 | LRCA | SJR 112 | Permit legislators to assume civil offices without receiving increases in compensation for that office passed during their legislative term. | Approved |
| 1979 | LRCA | SJR 120 | Permit municipal utilities to assist resident owners in financing energy conservation measures. | Approved |
| 1978 | CISS | Initiative 350 | Prohibit school authorities from assigning students to other than the nearest or next-nearest school. | Approved |
| 1977 | LRCA | HJR 55 | Authorize the legislature to establish passenger and freight transportation rates, replacing maximum rates. | Approved |
| 1977 | LRCA | HJR 56 | Repeal the provision that prohibited transportation charges to a given destination from exceeding charges to more distant destinations | Defeated |
| 1977 | LRCA | HJR 57 | Provide permission for railroad companies to share earnings by repealing the previous prohibition. | Approved |
| 1977 | CISS | Initiative 335 | Prohibit the sale and display of obscene material and expand the number of criminal offenses defined as "moral nuisances." | Approved |
| 1977 | CISS | Initiative 345 | Provide exemptions from state and local sales taxes for food products. | Approved |
| 1977 | CISS | Initiative 348 | Repeal the 1977 motor vehicle fuel law of 11 cents per gallon and restore the previous 1967 law of 9 cents per gallon. | Defeated |
| 1977 | IndISS | Initiative 59 | Provide limitations on public water withdrawal permits for non-public agricultural irrigation to farms of 2,000 acres or less. | Approved |
| 1977 | VR | Referendum 39 | Provide for voter registration by mail and absentee voting on one day's registration. | Defeated |
| 1977 | VR | Referendum 40 | Provide for the Washington State Women's Commission | Defeated |
| 1977 | LRCA | SJR 113 | Provide authorization to the legislature to grant district courts jurisdiction over cases involving more than $1,000. | Approved |
| 1976 | LRCA | HJR 64 | Provide the creation of a state agency to draft county home-rule charter models for possible adoption. | Defeated |
| 1976 | CISS | Initiative 322 | Prohibit adding fluoride to public water supply systems | Defeated |
| 1976 | CISS | Initiative 325 | Require a two-thirds vote of the Legislature to approve new nuclear power facilities. | Defeated |
| 1976 | LRSS | Referendum 36 | Require certain appointed state officials to file financial reports with the Public Disclosure Commission. | Approved |
| 1976 | LRCA | SJR 137 | Provide for voter approval of excess school levies for two-year periods. | Approved |
| 1976 | LRCA | SJR 139 | Require any change in salary of the legislature to take effect at the same time for all members. | Defeated |
| 1975 | LRCA | HJR 19 | Allow the legislature to provide financial assistance to students of public and private schools | Defeated |
| 1975 | CISS | Initiative 314 | Provide a 12% excise tax on corporations to reduce or eliminate special school levies. | Defeated |
| 1975 | CISS | Initiative 316 | Require the death penalty for aggravated murder in the first degree. | Approved |
| 1975 | LRSS | Referendum 35 | Require the governor to fill U.S. Senate vacancies with appointees of the same party as the incumbent. | Defeated |
| 1975 | LRCA | SJR 101 | Redefine the authorities of the Chief Justice, the Supreme Court, and District Courts and establish a judicial qualification commission. | Defeated |
| 1975 | LRCA | SJR 127 | Provide a commission to determine legislative salaries and legislators' eligibility for election to other offices. | Defeated |
| 1974 | LRSS | Referendum 34 | Provide for the establishment of a state lottery. | Defeated |
| 1974 | LRCA | SJR 140 | Provide restrictions on the governor's veto power and allow the legislature to reconvene to consider vetoed bills. | Approved |
| 1974 | LRCA | SJR 143 | Provide a thirty-day residency requirement to vote in a state, county, or precinct election. | Approved |
| 1973 | LRCA | HJR 22 | Allow local governments to finance development projects through creating districts generating tax revenues. | Defeated |
| 1973 | LRCA | HJR 37 | Provide for a graduated net income tax, prohibit excess levies for schools, and limit some excise taxes. | Defeated |
| 1973 | LRCA | HJR 40 | Provide for the application of the excess levy validation formula to bonds payable from such levies. | Defeated |
| 1973 | CISS | Initiative 282 | Provide limitations to the salary increases of elected officials and judges. | Approved |
| 1973 | LRSS | Referendum 32 | Require county auditors to appoint precinct committee-people of major political parties to assist in registering voters. | Defeated |
| 1973 | LRSS | Referendum 33 | Provide additional fees for personalized vehicle license plates to be allocated towards wildlife preservation. | Approved |
| 1973 | VR | Referendum 36 | Provide the lowering of the drinking age from 21 to 19. | Defeated |
| 1972 | LRCA | HJR 1 | Require the legislature to review all tax exemptions, deductions, exclusions or credits at least once every ten years. | Defeated |
| 1972 | LRCA | HJR 21 | Provide authorization for residents of any county to establish a combined "city-county" government by majority vote. | Approved |
| 1972 | LRCA | HJR 47 | Redefine the formula for voter approval of specific excess property tax levies | Approved |
| 1972 | LRCA | HJR 52 | Permit the legislature to authorize debts by a three-fifths majority vote in both houses and debts that would not require debt service payment to exceed nine percent. | Approved |
| 1972 | LRCA | HJR 61 | Provide that a person's rights shall not be denied or limited based on the person's sex | Approved |
| 1972 | CISS | Initiative 258 | Provide for the authorization of a greyhound race track in cities with a minimum population of 150,000. | Defeated |
| 1972 | CISS | Initiative 261 | Provide for the privatization of liquor sales and prohibit the state from selling alcohol. | Defeated |
| 1972 | CISS | Initiative 276 | Require disclosure of campaign contributions, expenditures, and financial interests of elected officials and candidates, regulate lobbying activities and expenditure reporting, and limit campaign expenditures. | Approved |
| 1972 | IndISS | Initiative 40 and Alternative Measure 40B | Regulate the disposal of litter, provide litter receptacles, encourage litter control campaigns, and provide penalties and fines for littering | Approved |
| 1972 | IndISS | Initiative 43 and Alternative Measure 43B | Regulate the use and development of shoreline areas | Approved |
| 1972 | IndISS | Initiative 44 | Provide a limitation of 20 mills for property tax without requiring a vote of the people. | Approved |
| 1972 | LRSS | Referendum 24 | Provide an amendment to the 1967 lobbyist regulation act, including defining lobbying as influencing legislation through direct contact with state legislators, requiring lobbyists to file detailed expenditure reports, transferring enforcement responsibility to the Senate and House Boards of Ethics, and replacing criminal penalties with civil remedies. | Approved |
| 1972 | LRSS | Referendum 25 | Provide regulations for campaign contributions and expenditures, such as requiring organizational statements, campaign contribution and expenditure reports, limiting campaign expenditures, and prohibiting anonymous contributions exceeding $10. | Approved |
| 1972 | BI | Referendum 26 | Provide $225 million in state general obligation bonds to fund the planning, acquisition, construction, and improvement of public waste disposal facilities. | Approved |
| 1972 | BI | Referendum 27 | Provide $75 million in state general obligation bonds to fund the planning, acquisition, construction, and improvement of water supply facilities. | Approved |
| 1972 | BI | Referendum 28 | Provide $40 million in state general obligation bonds to fund the planning, acquisition, construction, and improvement of recreation areas and facilities. | Approved |
| 1972 | BI | Referendum 29 | Provide $25 million in state general obligation bonds to fund the planning, acquisition, construction, and improvement of health and social service facilities. | Approved |
| 1972 | BI | Referendum 30 | Provide $50 million in state general obligation bonds to fund the planning, acquisition, construction, and improvement of public transportation systems. | Defeated |
| 1972 | BI | Referendum 31 | Provide $50 million in bonds for planning, acquisition, construction, and improvement of community college facilities. | Approved |
| 1972 | LRCA | SJR 1 | Provide for a maximum tax rate of one percent on all taxable property, changing the previous forty mill property tax limit. | Approved |
| 1972 | LRCA | SJR 38 | Provide authority for county commissioners to determine their own salaries and the salaries of other county officers. | Approved |
| 1972 | LRCA | SJR 5 | Provide the repeal of the lottery prohibition and establish a requirement of a supermajority vote by the legislature or a ballot measure for its implementation. | Approved |
| 1970 | LRCA | HJR 42 | Reduce maximum property tax to 1 percent and allow the legislature to impose income tax without property tax restrictions. | Defeated |
| 1970 | LRCA | HJR 6 | Provide for the lowering of the voting age from 21 to 19. | Defeated |
| 1970 | CISS | Initiative 251 | Prohibit the state of Washington from enacting new taxes or increasing existing taxes. | Defeated |
| 1970 | CISS | Initiative 256 | Prohibit the sale of soft drinks and alcohol in containers without a recycling deposit value of at least five cents. | Defeated |
| 1970 | LRSS | Referendum 20 | Legalize abortion during the first four months of pregnancy. | Approved |
| 1970 | BI | Referendum 21 | Amend the $40 million outdoor recreation bond law to remove the pre-1975 bond sale requirement and fix the maximum interest rate. | Approved |
| 1970 | LRSS | Referendum 22 | Amend the $63 million public building construction bond law, remove the pre-1972 bond sale requirement and fix the maximum interest rate. | Defeated |
| 1970 | LRSS | Referendum 23 | Amend the $25 million water pollution control bond law to remove the pre-1971 bond sale requirement and fix the maximum interest rate. | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | LRCA | HJR 13 | Increase compensation for government officials during their terms of office for those who do not fix their own compensation. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | HJR 1 | Authorize the legislature to assess farms, timberlands, and open space by current use, not potential market value, for taxation. | Approved |
| 1968 | CISS | Initiative 242 | Consider anyone driving on the road to consent to an alcohol test when arrested for driving under the influence. | Approved |
| 1968 | CISS | Initiative 245 | Reduce maximum service charge for retail sales and eliminate two alternative methods of computing service charges. | Approved |
| 1968 | IndISS | Inititative 32 | Establish the Full Employment Commission and require timber from state-owned lands to be processed in facilities employing residents of the state. | Defeated |
| 1968 | LRSS | Referendum 17 | Authorize $25 million in bonds for the construction and improvement of water pollution control facilities. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRSS | Referendum 18 | Authorize $40 million in bonds for the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRSS | Referendum 19 | Authorize $63,059,000 in bonds to finance building projects, general administration, and higher education facilities. | Approved |
| 1968 | VR | Referendum 35 | Add discrimination based on race, creed, color or national origin as a cause suspension or revocation of real estate licenses. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | SJR 17 | Authorize the legislature to create the state building authority agency to construct buildings and improvements for the state. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | SJR 23 | Permit propositions of property tax levies exceeding forty mills to be presented to voters 24 months prior to the levy date. | Defeated |
| 1968 | LRCA | SJR 24 | Define qualifications for appointees to fill vacancies in offices, requiring a person from the same district and political party. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | SJR 5 | Permit the investment of public pension and retirement funds as authorized by law. | Approved |
| 1968 | LRCA | SJR 6 | Create a state appeals court with jurisdiction, appointments, and administration determined by law and supreme court rules. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRCA | HJR 39 | Require state debt measures to be published at least four times within the four weeks prior to the election in all legal newspapers. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRCA | HJR 4 | Allow national citizens to vote in a presidential election if they intend to permanently reside in the state and have resided in the state at least sixty days prior. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRCA | HJR 7 | Authorize the legislature to exempt occupied residential property from property taxes for retired individuals. | Approved |
| 1966 | CISS | Initiative 226 | Require one-tenth of revenues from state sales and use taxes to be distributed to cities on a per capita basis. | Defeated |
| 1966 | CISS | Initiative 229 | Repeal existing restrictions on Sundays prohibiting noisy activities, trade operations, personal property sales, and drinking saloons. | Approved |
| 1966 | CISS | Initiative 233 | Repeal statute limiting the size of freight train crews. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRSS | Referendum 14 | Authorize $16,500,000 in state general obligation bonds for constructing public schools. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRSS | Referendum 15 | Authorize $40,575,000 in state general obligation bonds for improving public institutions and agencies. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRSS | Referendum 16 | Redistrict the boundaries of the Washington's first, second, third, fourth, sixth, and seventh congressional districts. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRCA | SJR 20 | Repeal constitutional language that prohibited noncitizen residents from purchasing and owning land | Approved |
| 1966 | LRCA | SJR 22 Part 1 | Establish a common school construction fund derived from crop proceeds, land, and interests. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRCA | SJR 22 Part 2 | Permit the permanent school fund to be invested in bonds as determined by the legislature. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRCA | SJR 25 | Consider public funds for port districts as public funds for a public interest. | Approved |
| 1966 | LRCA | SJR 6 | Remove elections for Superior Court judges if only one candidate qualifies for the ballot. | Approved |
| 1964 | CISS | Initiative 215 | Tax boat fuel to fund the acquisition and improvement of marine recreation lands and create an outdoor recreation committee. | Approved |
| 1964 | BI | Referendum 11 | Provide $10 million in bonds for the acquisition of land for public outdoor recreational use. | Approved |
| 1964 | BI | Referendum 12 | Provide for up to $59 million in bonds for the construction of schools. | Approved |
| 1964 | BI | Referendum 13 | Provide for $4,600,000 in bonds for the construction of a juvenile correctional institution. | Approved |
| 1964 | VR | Referendum 34 | Require licenses for mechanical gambling games and devices, salesboards and trades, gambling cardrooms, and bingo. | Defeated |
| 1964 | LRCA | SJR 1 | Provide cities with 10,000 or more inhabitants the authorization and guidelines to create their own government charter. | Approved |
| 1962 | LRCA | HJR 19 | Shorten the residency duration required for voting and eliminate restrictions on voting by Native Americans | Defeated |
| 1962 | LRCA | HJR 6 | Authorize the Supreme Court to temporarily appoint judges or retired judges and allow superior court judges to work statewide. | Approved |
| 1962 | LRCA | HJR 9 | Establish temporary succession to elected and appointed legislative offices in the event of an emergency. | Approved |
| 1962 | CISS | Initiative 211 | Provide for reapportioning and redistricting the state legislature based on equal population | Defeated |
| 1962 | VR | Referendum 32 | Provide oversight and regulation of milk product production, distribution, and marketing by the Department of Agriculture. | Defeated |
| 1962 | VR | Referendum 33 | Authorize cities and towns to undergo audits by private accountants instead of the state auditor. | Defeated |
| 1962 | LRCA | SJR 21 | Repeal constitutional language that prohibited noncitizen residents from purchasing and owning land | Defeated |
| 1962 | LRCA | SJR 25 | Require the publication of ballot constitutional amendments notices in legal newspapers at least four times in the four weeks before an election. | Approved |
| 1962 | LRCA | SJR 9 | Require the sending of one voters' pamphlet to each place of residence instead of to each registered voter. | Approved |
| 1962 | LRCA | Substitute HJR 1 | Authorize 40-mill tax levies in cities and towns for up to four years to fund capital outlay with three-fifths voter approval. | Defeated |
| 1962 | LRCA | Substitute SJR 1 | Authorize 40-mill tax levies in school districts for up to four years to fund capital outlay with three-fifths voter approval. | Defeated |
| 1960 | CISS | Initiative 205 | Provide eligibility for taverns to obtain spirituous liquor licenses, along with regulations, fees, and disbursements associated with such sales. | Defeated |
| 1960 | CISS | Initiative 207 | Provide for the establishment of a merit-based civil service system for state government employees and applicants. | Approved |
| 1960 | CISS | Initiative 208 | Provide the authorization for two or more people to become co-owners of any kind of property as joint tenants with rights of survivorship. | Approved |
| 1960 | CISS | Initiative 210 | Provide for the establishment of a state-wide daylight saving time from the last Sunday of April to the last Sunday of September. | Approved |
| 1960 | IndISS | Initiative 25 | Prohibit the construction of obstructions over 25 feet high on tributary streams of the Columbia River downstream from McNary Dam and the diversion of water from these tributaries exceeding limits. | Approved |
| 1960 | LRCA | SJR 4 | Remove land ownership restrictions by non-residential foreigners, repealing Article II Sec. 33 of the Washington Constitution. | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | CISS | Initiative 202 | Provide for the nullification of agreements that require labor organization membership as a condition of employment. | Defeated |
| 1958 | IndISS | Initiative 23 | Provide civil service status for certain county sheriffs' employees and a civil service commission to administer the act and set rules. | Approved |
| 1958 | BI | Referendum 10 | Provide $25 million for buildings for state charitable, educational, and penal institutions. | Approved |
| 1958 | VR | Referendum 30 | Provide for the taxation of insurance policy proceeds payable upon death under the inheritance tax. | Defeated |
| 1958 | LRCA | SJR 10 | Adjust the state's boundaries with Oregon along the Columbia River. | Approved |
| 1958 | LRCA | SJR 14 | Provide the legislature with the authority to employ a chaplain for custodial, correctional, and mental institutions. | Approved |
| 1958 | LRCA | SJR 18 | Prohibit the legislature from increasing compensation, excluding pensions, to public employees after they have provided their services. | Approved |
| 1958 | LRCA | Substitute HJR 4 | Permit school district electors to authorize excess tax levies at a maximum rate of two years for operation and six years for capital outlay. | Defeated |
| 1958 | LRCA | SJR 9 Part 1 | Provide for the legislature to increase or decrease the compensation of all elected state and county officials. | Defeated |
| 1958 | LRCA | SJR 9 Part 2 | Allow legislators to be elected or appointed to an office where the compensation has increased during their legislative term. | Defeated |
| 1956 | LRCA | HJR 22 | Permit the state, in the case of eminent domain, to take immediate possession of property before final settlement. | Defeated |
| 1956 | CISS | Initiative 198 | Prohibit employers from requiring employees to join or refrain from joining a labor organization as a condition of employment | Defeated |
| 1956 | CISS | Initiative 199 | Adjust legislative district boundaries to equalize population | Approved |
| 1956 | LRCA | SJR 14 | Provide that vacancies in the state legislature shall be filled by a county commissioner of the political party of the preceding legislator. | Approved |
| 1956 | LRCA | SJR 3 | Permit an increase in pensions paid to public officials during their term. | Defeated |
| 1956 | LRCA | SJR 4 | Change signature requirements for initiatives and referendums | Approved |
| 1956 | LRCA | SJR 6 | Remove the constitutional limitation prohibiting successive terms for state treasurers. | Approved |
| 1954 | LRCA | HJR 16 | Allow corporations organized under U.S. law, but majority-owned by noncitizens, to own land in Washington | Approved |
| 1954 | CISS | Initiative 188 | Modify chiropractic certification requirements, by testing on chemistry and pathology and establishing a Board of Chiropractic Examiners. | Defeated |
| 1954 | CISS | Initiative 192 | Regulate commercial salmon harvesting, prohibiting fishing during certain times and establishing preserves where harvesting is forbidden. | Defeated |
| 1954 | CISS | Initiative 193 | Establish a state-wide daylight saving time from the last Sunday of April to the last Sunday of September. | Defeated |
| 1954 | CISS | Initiative 194 | Prohibit television advertising of alcoholic beverages between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. | Defeated |
| 1952 | LRCA | HJR 13 | Grant jurisdiction to superior courts for controversies up to $1000 and jurisdiction to justices of peace for controversies up to $300. | Approved |
| 1952 | LRCA | HJR 6 | Set the retirement age for superior and supreme court judges at seventy-five and permit the legislature to set a lesser retirement age. | Approved |
| 1952 | LRCA | HJR 8 | Permit school districts to incur debt, with popular vote approval, for up to an additional five percent of assessed valuation of capital outlays. | Approved |
| 1952 | CISS | Initiative 180 | Legalize the production, transportation, possession, sale, use and serving of yellow oleomargarine. | Approved |
| 1952 | CISS | Initiative 181 | Establish a state-wide observation of standard time, except during wartime emergencies or federal alteration of time zones. | Approved |
| 1952 | CISS | Initiative 184 | Transfer the state's public assistance medical program to the Department of Social Security. | Defeated |
| 1952 | LRCA | Substitute SJR 7 | Prohibit the legislature from amending or repealing voter-approved laws within two years | Approved |
| 1950 | LRCA | HJR 10 | Permit school districts to incur debt, with popular vote approval, for up to an additional five percent of assessed valuation of capital outlays. | Defeated |
| 1950 | CISS | Initiative 176 | Increase the minimum monthly grant for Social Security to $65. | Defeated |
| 1950 | CISS | Initiative 178 | Create a Council of Medical Services and transfer the public assistance medical program to the Department of Health. | Approved |
| 1950 | VR | Referendum 28 | Establish a system of disability compensation for certain employed individuals. | Defeated |
| 1950 | LRSS | Referendum 7 | Authorize $40 million in state general obligation bonds for constructing public school buildings. | Approved |
| 1950 | LRSS | Referendum 8 | Authorize $20 million in state general obligation bonds for constructing charitable, educational, and penal buildings. | Approved |
| 1950 | LRSS | Referendum 9 | Authorize $20 million in state general obligation bonds for constructing public college and university buildings. | Defeated |
| 1950 | LRCA | SJR 9 | Allow Canadians to own land in Washington | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1948 | LRCA | HJR 13 | Permit the formation of combined city and county charters with a minimum population of 300,000. | Approved |
| 1948 | LRCA | HJR 4 | Repeal the constitutional provision that limits county officers from holding office for more than two consecutive terms. | Approved |
| 1948 | IndISS | Initiative 13 | Prohibit alcohol sales by any person other than the State of Washington, repealing all provision on alcohol retail and revoking licenses. | Defeated |
| 1948 | CISS | Initiative 169 | Provide additional compensation for World War II veterans and funding through bond sales. | Approved |
| 1948 | CISS | Initiative 171 | Provide for the regulation and control of alcohol sales by the drink and the restriction on alcohol licenses. | Approved |
| 1948 | CISS | Initiative 172 | Provide a minimum standard of living of $60 per month for low-income senior and blind citizens. | Approved |
| 1948 | LRCA | SJR 4 | Permit the legislature to fix the salaries of elected state officials. | Approved |
| 1948 | LRCA | SJR 5 | Permit counties to adopt Home Rule charters | Approved |
| 1946 | LRCA | HJR 9 | Authorize the state to tax federal property within the state. | Approved |
| 1946 | CISS | Initiative 166 | Require voter approval on public utility district property acquisitions and related bonds or indebtedness. | Defeated |
| 1946 | VR | Referendum 26 | Provide the governor with the authority to appoint and remove members of the State Game Commission. | Defeated |
| 1946 | VR | Referendum 27 | Provide for the creation of a State Timber Resource Board regulating timber harvesting from all state forest lands. | Defeated |
| 1944 | LRCA | HJR 1 | Provide for a constitutional amendment that limits the tax on real and personal property to forty mills. | Approved |
| 1944 | LRCA | HJR 4 | Provide for a constitutional amendment that limits revenue from vehicle-related fees and taxes to be used for highways. | Approved |
| 1944 | CISS | Initiative 157 | Expand social security and unemployment aid to veterans and government employees and grants to blind and senior citizens. | Defeated |
| 1944 | CISS | Initiative 158 | Establish three percent income tax to fund $60 monthly payments to the elderly, blind, disabled and widowed. | Defeated |
| 1944 | VR | Referendum 25 | Allow the formation of joint public utility districts | Defeated |
| 1942 | LRCA | HJR 4 | Define income as distinct from property for taxation, empower legislature to enact graduated net income taxes, and provide deductions and exemptions. | Defeated |
| 1942 | CISS | Initiative 151 | Provide monthly public assistance grants and medical services to eligible senior citizens and their dependents. | Defeated |
| 1942 | VR | Referendum 22 | Expand industrial insurance by increasing workers' benefits, raising age of eligible minor dependents, and extending claim filing period. | Approved |
| 1942 | VR | Referendum 23 | Provide for the appointment of an independent attorney to assist and advise a grand jury, separate from the prosecuting attorney. | Defeated |
| 1942 | VR | Referendum 24 | Forbid prosecuting attorneys to provide advice to grand juries, except when they initiate the grand jury proceedings themselves. | Defeated |
| 1942 | LRSS | Referendum 6 | Limit the property levy to forty mills and two mills limit for public universities unless approved by the majority of electors. | Approved |
| 1940 | LRCA | HJR 13 | Allow voters or legislature to set constitutional officers' salaries, limit legislators' salaries to $50 monthly, and repeal constitutional salary limits. | Defeated |
| 1940 | CISS | Initiative 139 | Require voter approval for the issuance of bonds, securities, or other financial obligations to public utility districts. | Defeated |
| 1940 | CISS | Initiative 141 | Provide a $40 monthly grant to senior citizens over 65 years of age and eligibility guidelines and repeal acts in conflict with this measure. | Approved |
| 1940 | LRSS | Referendum 5 | Limit the aggregate annual rate of property levy to forty mills and a two mills limit on tax levy for public universities. | Approved |
| 1940 | LRCA | SJR 1 | Repeal limits on the number of terms county officers may serve. | Defeated |
| 1940 | LRCA | SJR 8 | Authorize the legislature to grant stockholders of Washington-organized banks the same personal liability relief as stockholders of national banks. | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1938 | CISS | Initiative 126 | Provide for the establishment of nonpartisan nominations and elections for school superintendents. | Approved |
| 1938 | CISS | Initiative 129 | Provide for a limit of 40 mills on the aggregate annual tax levy on real and personal property | Approved |
| 1938 | CISS | Initiative 130 | Require a majority vote by employees to start a strike and the submission of written demands to employers, and provide penalties for violators. | Defeated |
| 1938 | LRCA | SJR 5 | Provide that the constitution does not prevent a graduated net income tax law. | Defeated |
| 1936 | LRCA | HJR 10 | Authorize the state's production and distribution of electric energy and bond issuance for energy and energy districts. | Defeated |
| 1936 | CISS | Initiative 101 | Establish a civil service system for all employees in the state, counties, cities, schools, public libraries, parks and ports. | Defeated |
| 1936 | CISS | Initiative 114 | Limit property tax levy for state, county, city, school district and road districts to forty mills and tax levy for public universities to two mills. | Approved |
| 1936 | CISS | Initiative 115 | Establish a state pension department, eligibility requirements, and pension amounts, and authorize tax revenue to raise funds. | Defeated |
| 1936 | CISS | Initiative 119 | Create Production for Use Districts to employ the unemployed to produce and distribute commodities. | Defeated |
| 1936 | LRSS | Referendum 4 | Establish a State Flood Control Fund through the issuance of bonds and tax levies and authorization of indebtedness. | Defeated |
| 1936 | LRCA | SJR 20 | Amend compensation of legislators to five dollars per day for expenses and five dollars per day for services. | Defeated |
| 1936 | LRCA | SJR 7 | Provide state uniform tax policies, authorize the legislature to provide exemptions and graduated net income tax but not county tax. | Defeated |
| 1934 | LRCA | HJR 12 | Establish uniform taxation policies upon the same class of subjects within the jurisidction levying the tax. | Defeated |
| 1934 | LRCA | HJR 14 | Disempower legislature from taxing counties and municipalities but maintain oversight on property valuation, administer related laws, and distribute state funds to municipalities. | Defeated |
| 1934 | CISS | Initiative 77 | Prohibit the use of fish traps for catching certain fish and drag seines, limit gill net length in Columbia River, create fishing areas, establish salmon fishing seasons, and set fishing regulations and penalties. | Approved |
| 1934 | CISS | Initiative 94 | Limit the property tax levy to 40 mills and the tax levy for public universities to two mills, unless approved by the majority of electors. | Approved |
| 1934 | VR | Referendum 18 | Authorize municipalities to utilize, sell, and manage electric energy and to build necessary infrastructure and condemn private power systems or properties. | Approved |
| 1932 | LRCA | Amendment to Article XV Sec. 1 | Authorize the establishment and relocation of harbor lines and increase the maximum width of harbor areas to 2,000 feet. | Approved |
| 1932 | CISS | Initiative 58 | Provide the permanent registration of voters and define the duties of officers in connection with such registration. | Approved |
| 1932 | CISS | Initiative 61 | Repeal liquor importation, purchase, manufacturing, and possession, but maintain felony status for alcohol sale to minors or in saloons. | Approved |
| 1932 | CISS | Initiative 62 | Establish the Department of Game and defined the roles and duties of the department. | Approved |
| 1932 | CISS | Initiative 64 | Limit the tax levy rate to 40 mills on property for state, county, municipal, and school districts, unless approved by a majority. | Approved |
| 1932 | CISS | Initiative 69 | Establish a graduated income tax to fund state school and other funds and reduce or eliminate property taxes. | Approved |
| 1932 | LRCA | SJR 11 | Authorize legislature to temporarily increase property value in disputes, removing state supreme court appellate jurisdiction over money or property recovery. | Defeated |
| 1932 | LRCA | SJR 16 | Compensate legislative members $500 annually and 10 cents per mile for travel to and from the legislature. | Defeated |
| 1930 | LRCA | Amendment to Article VII Secs. 1-4 | Provide that property may be classified for the purpose of taxation and modify tax laws and exemptions on property. | Approved |
| 1930 | LRCA | HJR 13 | Provide that county commissioners from relevant counties can fill state legislative vacancies until the next general election. | Approved |
| 1930 | IndISS | Initiative 1 | Allow the creation of public utility districts for water and electricity production and distribution, with the ability to tax. | Approved |
| 1930 | CISS | Initiative 57 | Apportions 46 districts, with 46 members in the State Senate and 99 members in the State House of Representatives. | Approved |
| 1930 | LRCA | SJR 10 | Compensate legislators $500 annually and 10 cents for every mile traveled to and from legislature meetings. | Defeated |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1928 | LRCA | Amendment to Article VII Secs. 1-4 | Classify property so it can be taxed at uniform rates and exempt personal property up to $300 from taxes. | Defeated |
| 1926 | LRCA | Amendment to Article II Sec. 23 | Compensate legislators $300 annually and 10 cents for every mile traveled to and from legislature meetings. | Defeated |
| 1926 | LRCA | Amendment to Article XXVIII | Provide for reassessment and change in taxation of reforested land and the timber products of such lands. | Defeated |
| 1924 | LRCA | Amendment to Article XI Sec. 5 | Authorize the legislature to classify counties by population and elect officers in certain counties to perform duties of multiple officers. | Approved |
| 1924 | LRCA | Amendment to Article XV Sec. 1 | Empower the harbor commission to relocate harbor lines and prohibit sale or relinquishing control within 2000 feet of these lines. | Defeated |
| 1924 | CISS | Initiative 49 | Requires all children within Washington between the ages of seven and sixteen years to attend public schools. | Defeated |
| 1924 | CISS | Initiative 50 | Limit the aggregate annual tax levy rate on property to 40 mills unless approved by majority vote within the jurisdiction. | Defeated |
| 1924 | CISS | Initiative 52 | Authorize municipalities to operate electrical facilities tax-free without boundaries and grant eminent domain use for these facilities. | Defeated |
| 1924 | VR | Referendum 16 | Prohibit butter substitutes with mixed milk and vegetable fat and require unadulterated milk for substitutes. | Defeated |
| 1924 | LRSS | Referendum 3 | Allow municipalities to sell surplus electricity outside their boundaries and require a 5% excise tax on gross sales. | Defeated |
| 1922 | LRCA | Amendment to Article II Sec. 23 | Provide a pay increase for legislators from $5 to $10 for each day in attendance during session. | Defeated |
| 1922 | LRCA | Amendment to Article I Sec. 22 | Provide the trial for offenses on public transportation to be held in any district through which the transport passed. | Approved |
| 1922 | LRCA | Amendment to Article VIII Sec. 4 | Require payments from state appropriations to be made within one calendar month after the end of the next fiscal biennium. | Approved |
| 1922 | CISS | Initiative 40 | Repeal the state's poll tax, also known as a head tax | Approved |
| 1922 | CISS | Initiative 46 | Provide state school fund for $30 per schoolchild and fix a maximum tax levy for school districts. | Defeated |
| 1922 | VR | Referendum 12 | Provide certificates of necessity and and convenience to public service companies where similar services are served by other companies. | Defeated |
| 1922 | VR | Referendum 13 | Permit parents to forbid physical examinations of their children and remove school vaccination requirements. | Defeated |
| 1922 | VR | Referendum 14 | Provide enforcement of closed primaries and electors to declare party affiliation during voter registration. | Defeated |
| 1922 | VR | Referendum 15 | Provide changes to precinct chairperson powers, candidates nomination process, and party convention guidelines. | Defeated |
| 1920 | LRCA | Eminent Domain for Land Reclamation and Settlement Amendment | Provide eminent domain as public use and fair compensation for taking private property | Approved |
| 1920 | LRCA | Executive Officer Salaries Amendment | Provide salary amounts for the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, auditor, attorney general, and superintendent of public instruction. | Defeated |
| 1920 | LRSS | Referendum 1 | Provide construction of state system of truck line highways and bond issuance guidelines to raise funds | Defeated |
| 1920 | LRSS | Referendum 2 | Provide compensation for World War I veterans and allowance of bond sales and taxes to pay for such compensation. | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1918 | LRSS | HJR 1 | Call a constitutional convention to revise or amend the state constitution | Defeated |
| 1918 | VR | Referendum 10 | Prohibit alcohol with an exception for religious purposes, in which case it would be regulated. | Approved |
| 1916 | IndISS | Initiative 18 | Remove alcohol purchases restrictions at home and authorize malt liquor production and sale, alcohol sales at hotels, and brewery licenses. | Defeated |
| 1916 | CISS | Initative 24 | Authorize the sale of beer between one and four percent alcohol and provide a system of licensing for breweries. | Defeated |
| 1916 | LRCA | Property Ownership Requirement for Voting on Indebtedness Amendment | Require voters to own property with tax obligations to vote on propositions regarding financial matters. | Defeated |
| 1916 | VR | Referendum 3 | Modify the laws governing the initiative and referendum process. | Defeated |
| 1916 | VR | Referendum 4 | Alter the provisions regarding the recall of elected officials. | Defeated |
| 1916 | VR | Referendum 5 | Provide the formation of state and county party conventions and the election of delegates to such conventions. | Defeated |
| 1916 | VR | Referendum 6 | Define picketing, prohibit it, and provide penalities for violation. | Defeated |
| 1916 | VR | Referendum 7 | Require utility services to obtain public service commission certification based on public necessity and convenience. | Defeated |
| 1916 | VR | Referendum 8 | Create port districts, rank them into classes, and provide for harbor development. | Defeated |
| 1916 | VR | Referendum 9 | Require state and local governments, port, school, and park districts to establish a budget and limit expenditures. | Defeated |
| 1914 | LRCA | Allow Noncitizen Residents to Own Land Amendment | Allow noncitizen residents to purchase and own land | Defeated |
| 1914 | CISS | Initiative 10 | Provide the employment of certain convicts to construct public highways, payment for dependent families of such convicts, and creation of state road funds to implement this measure | Defeated |
| 1914 | CISS | Initiative 13 | Prohibit employers from having employees work more than eight hours a day, except in agricultural labor, cases of emergency, or additional compensation for overtime work | Defeated |
| 1914 | CISS | Initiative 3 | Prohibit the production and sale of alcohol in Washington | Approved |
| 1914 | CISS | Initiative 6 | Transfer power from the secretary of state to the public service commission to regulate businesses to prevent fraud in the dealings of land, stocks, bonds, and other securities | Defeated |
| 1914 | CISS | Initiative 7 | Abolish the bureau of inspection and supervision of public offices, transfer the bureau's power to the state auditor, and require the state auditor to provide a balance sheet of each department's expense | Defeated |
| 1914 | CISS | Initiative 8 | Prohibit fees to secure employment or employment interviews | Approved |
| 1914 | CISS | Initiative 9 | Require employers to cover up to one hundred dollars in expenses for injured workers, with the additional cost paid for by the industry, and prohibit certain wage deductions | Defeated |
| 1914 | VR | Referendum 1 | Provide for the creation of a retirement fund for retired public school teachers, principals, supervisors, supervising principals and superintendents and a board of trustees to oversee the fund | Defeated |
| 1914 | VR | Referendum 2 | Provided for the construction and operation of an irrigation and storage system to irrigate lands in the Quincy Valley and the authorization of $40 million in state bonds sales to raise funds | Defeated |
| 1912 | LRCA | Initiative and Referendum Process Amendment | Establish a statewide initiative and referendum process in Washington | Approved |
| 1912 | LRCA | Recall Elections Process Amendment | Provide for the recall of elected public officials and the election of a successor | Approved |
| 1912 | LRCA | Remove County Official Term Limits Amendment | Remove two term limit for county officers except the county treasurer | Defeated |
| 1912 | LRCA | Repeal Provision on When Laws Take Effect Amendment | Repeal constitutional language requiring new laws to take effect 90 days after the legislative session's adjournment | Approved |
| 1910 | LRCA | Gubernatorial Line of Succession and Special Election Amendment | Revise the line of succession for the office of governor | Approved |
| 1910 | LRCA | Women's Suffrage Amendment | Provide for women's suffrage in state constitution | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1908 | LRCA | Allow Differing Tax Rates by Property Class Amendment | Replace the requirement for uniform taxation of all property with a system allowing taxes to be uniform only within each class of property | Defeated |
| 1908 | LRCA | Eminent Domain for Agricultural, Domestic, Sanitary, and Timber Right-of-Ways Uses Amendment | Allow eminent domain to take private property for agricultural, domestic, sanitary purposes, and timber removal rights-of-way, declaring these uses as public | Defeated |
| 1906 | LRCA | Allow Eminent Domain for Right-of-Ways in Timber, Lumbering, and Mining Operations Amendment | Expand the power of eminent domain for right-of-ways for logging, timber, milling, mining, manufacturing, and other operations | Defeated |
| 1906 | LRCA | Water Deemed Public Use for Irrigation, Mining, Manufacturing, and Timber Removal Amendment | Declare the use of state waters for irrigation, mining, manufacturing, and timber removal as a public use | Defeated |
| 1904 | LRCA | Allow Chaplains for State Prisons and Reformatory Institutions Amendment | Allow the legislature to authorize chaplains for state prisons and reformatory institutions | Approved |
| 1900 | LRCA | Property Tax Exemption Amendment | Allow the legislature to exempt up to $300 of personal property from taxation | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1898 | LRCA | Municipal Property Tax Classification Amendment | Allow municipal governments, with voter approval, to choose which classes of property to tax for local purposes, provided the tax is applied uniformly | Defeated |
| 1898 | LRCA | Women's Suffrage Amendment | Provides for women's suffrage in state constitution | Defeated |
| 1896 | LRCA | English Language Requirement for Voting Amendment | Require individuals to be able to read and speak English in order to vote | Approved |
| 1894 | LRCA | Investment of Permanent School Fund in School District Bonds Amendment | Allow the permanent school fund to be invested in school district bonds | Approved |
| 1892 | LRCA | Increase State Debt Limit Amendment | Increase the state's debt limit from $400,000 to 1% of the state's taxable property value to fund public buildings, plus $500,000 in debt for other purposes | Defeated |
| 1890 | LRSS | State Capital Location Runoff Measure | Select a permanent location for a state capital | Approved |
| Year | Type | Title | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1889 | CCRCA | Alcohol Prohibition Amendment | Prohibit the manufacture, sale, and distribution of alcohol | Defeated |
| 1889 | CCRCA | State Capital Location Measure | Select a permanent location for a state capital | Defeated |
| 1889 | CCRCA | State Constitution Ratification Question | Approve the proposed Washington State Constitution | Approved |
| 1889 | CCRCA | Women's Suffrage Amendment | Provides for women's suffrage in state constitution | Defeated |
Analysis
Ballotpedia completed an inventory of Washington ballot measures from 1889 to 2024. Washington voters have decided on 510 ballot measures placed on the ballot by successful citizen initiatives and the Washington State Legislature. The types of measures decided included advisory questions (40), constitutional convention referrals (4), initiated state statutes, also known as Initiatives to the People in Washington (155), indirect initiated state statutes, also known as Initiatives to the Legislature in Washington (37), veto referendums (39), legislatively referred constitutional amendments (184), and legislatively referred state statutes (51). Two hundred sixty-eight (268) measures were approved (52.55%), and 242 measures were defeated (47.45%).
The inventory of Washington statewide ballot measures is part of Ballotpedia's Historical Ballot Measure Factbook, which will document nearly 200 years of direct democracy in the United States. This ongoing research effort will provide an unparalleled resource for researchers, reporters, and the voting public on how ballot measures have evolved, the issues they've covered, and the role they have played in our civic life.
Notable topics
A constitutional amendment establishing the power of citizens to initiate statutes and veto referendums was approved by voters in 1912.
Notable topics appearing on the Washington ballot include women's suffrage, abortion, taxation, assisted death, marriage, and marijuana.
- Voters decided on the location of the state capital. In 1889, voters were asked where the "permanent location of the seat of government" should be. Voters wrote in their preferences. As selecting a capital required a majority vote, not a plurality vote, a runoff ballot measure election was held between the top three locations in 1890. Olympia won the election with 72.7% of the vote.
- The question of women's suffrage was rejected twice before being approved on the third attempt. in 1889, male voters—since women could not yet vote—rejected the amendment, with 68.3% voting 'no.' In 1898, opposition remained, with 40.4% voting against women's suffrage. In 1910, the measure passed, with 63.8% voting 'yes.'
- In 1896, voters approved a constitutional amendment requiring individuals to be able to read and speak English in order to vote.
- The original Washington State Constitution included a provision prohibiting noncitizens from owning land there. The state legislature asked voters to amend or repeal this provision five times. First, in 1914, 79% of voters rejected amending the provision to allow noncitizens to own land as long as they're residents. In 1950, the legislature proposed a narrower amendment, allowing the state's northern neighbors, Canadians, to own land in Washington. That amendment was approved with 50.2%. In 1954, voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing corporations, based in the U.S. but with noncitizen shareholders, to own land in the state. In 1962, the legislature proposed repealing the entire provision, but voters rejected the measure, with 51.7% voting 'no.' Then, in 1966, voters again decided on a measure to repeal the provision, which passed with 50.9% of the vote.
- In 1922, voters rejected Referendum 13, which would have provided that vaccination is not required to attend school.
- In 1924, voters rejected Initiative 49, which would have required all children between the ages of seven and sixteen years to attend public schools.
- In 1956 and 1958, voters rejected ballot measures to establish right-to-work laws.
- Washington was the first state to legalize abortion via ballot measure. In 1970, voters passed a referendum legalizing abortion for women "not quick with child" and within the "four lunar months after conception." Before Referendum 20, abortion was a crime in Washington. Then, in 1984, voters rejected a ballot initiative to prohibit state funds from being used for abortions. In 1991, voters approved a ballot initiative to provide that "the state may not deny or interfere with a woman's right to choose to have an abortion prior to viability of the fetus, or to protect her life or health."
- In 1972, voters approved a state constitutional amendment, similar to the proposed federal Equal Rights Amendment, providing that a person's rights shall not be denied or limited based on the person's sex.
- In 1975, voters rejected a constitutional amendment to allow for state financial assistance for students attending private schools. From 1996 to 2000, voters decided on three ballot initiatives related to school choice policies—Initiative 173 (1996), Initiative 177 (1996), and Initiative 729 (2000). Voters rejected the ballot measures, which related to vouchers and charter schools.
- In 1987, voters rejected Referendum 41, which would have required the state to petition the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the power of the U.S. Federal Reserve System.
- From 1993 to 2015, voters approved a series of citizen-initiated ballot measures to limit taxes or spending, but the Washington Supreme Court found at least some provisions of each one to be unconstitutional. The ballot measures were Initiative 601 (1993), Initiative 695 (1999), Initiative 722 (2000), Initiative 747 (2001), Initiative 960 (2007), Initiative 1053 (2010), Initiative 1185 (2012), and Initiative 1366 (2015).
- Voters approved a ballot initiative providing for top-two primaries in 2004.
- In 2012, Washington, along with Maine and Maryland, became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage via ballot measure.
- Also in 2012, Washington, along with Colorado, became the first state to approve a ballot initiative legalizing recreational marijuana.
Statistics
Closest and widest margins
Of the 510 ballot measures, nine were decided by less than a percentage point of the vote. The top five closest measures are below:
| Closest vote margins for Washington statewide ballot measures, 1889-2024 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure | Year | Yes votes | No votes | Vote margin | Outcome | ||
| # | % | # | % | ||||
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The following five measures had the widest vote margins by percentage:
| Widest vote margins for Washington statewide ballot measures, 1889-2024 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure | Year | Yes votes | No votes | Vote margin | Outcome | ||
| # | % | # | % | ||||
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Washington ballot measure topics
Washington ballot measures have addressed 79 unique topics with some addressing multiple topics in one measure. The top 10 most common topics addressed are:
- Taxes (140 measures)
- Education (38 measures)
- Property (38 measures)
- Bond issues (31 measures)
- Business regulation (31 measures)
- Elections and campaigns (28 measures)
- State and local government budgets, spending, and finance (28 measures)
- State judiciary (23 measures)
- Transportation (24 measures)
- County and municipal governance (22 measures)
By the decade
The average number of measures per decade was 34, and the average number of measures approved per decade was 46.14%. The decade with the most ballot measures was the 2010s, which featured 73 ballot measures. Thirty-eight measures (52.05%) were approved, and 35 (47.95%) were defeated. The decade that had the highest approval rate was the 1960s, which featured 51 measures—38 (74.51%) were approved, and 13 (25.49%) were defeated. The decade with the lowest approval rating was the 2020s. The decade featured 15 ballot measures—two (13.33%) were approved and 13 (86.67%) were defeated.
By type
- See also: Types of ballot measures in Washington
There are seven different types of ballot measures in Washington. All seven types have appeared on the ballot at least once between 1889 and 2024.
In 2007, voters approved Initiative 960, which required an automatic statewide advisory question on bills to increase tax revenue. In 2023, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed Senate Bill 5082, which repealed the advisory question requirement. A total of 40 advisory questions were on the ballot between 2012 and 2022.[1]
Legislatively referred measures have had slightly better success at the ballot box than citizen-initiated measures. Legislatively referred measures were approved 57.35% of the time, as compared to 46.75% for ballot initiatives.
Background
Citizen-initiated ballot measures
In Washington, citizens have the power to initiate constitutional amendments, state statutes (direct and indirect), and veto referendums. These powers were established with voter approval of a constitutional amendment in 1912.
Initiated state statutes
- See also: Initiated state statute
An initiated state statute is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends state statute. There are 21 states that allow citizens to initiate state statutes, including 14 that provide for direct initiatives and nine (9) that provide for indirect initiatives (two provide for both). An indirect initiated state statute goes to the legislature after a successful signature drive. The legislatures in these states have the option of approving the initiative itself, rather than the initiative appearing on the ballot.
In Washington, the number of signatures required for an directinitiated state statute, called an Initiative to the People (ITP), is equal to 8% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. Signatures for direct initiatives are due at least four months prior to the general election. A simple majority vote is required for approval.
Indirect initiated state statutes
- See also: Indirect initiated state statute
An indirect initiated state statute is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends state statute. There are nine (9) states that allow citizens to initiate indirect state statutes.
While a direct initiative is placed on the ballot once supporters file the required number of valid signatures, an indirect initiative is first presented to the state legislature. Legislators have a certain number of days, depending on the state, to adopt the initiative into law. Should legislators take no action or reject the initiative, the initiative is put on the ballot for voters to decide.
In Washington, the number of signatures required for an indirect initiated state statute, called an Initiative to the Legislature (ITL), is equal to 8% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. Signatures for indirect initiatives are due at least 10 days prior to the beginning of the legislative session in the year of the targeted election.
In Washington, the Legislature has three options regarding Initiatives to the Legislature:
- (1) The Legislature can adopt an Initiative to the Legislature, in which case the initiative is enacted into law without a vote of electors;
- (2) The Legislature can reject or not act on the initiative, in which case the initiative is placed on the ballot at the next state general election; or
- (3) The Legislature can approve an alternative to the proposed initiative, in which case both the original proposal and the legislative alternative are placed on the ballot at the next state general election.
If an indirect initiative goes to the ballot, a simple majority vote is required for approval.
Veto referendums
- See also: Veto referendum
A veto referendum is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that asks voters whether to uphold or repeal an enacted law. This type of ballot measure is also called statute referendum, popular referendum, people's veto, or citizen's veto. There are 23 states that allow citizens to initiate veto referendums.
In Washington, the number of signatures required for a veto referendum is equal to 4% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. Signatures for veto referendums are due 90 days following the final adjournment of the legislative session at which the targeted bill was passed. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval.
Legislative referrals
Legislatively referred constitutional amendments
In Washington, a referred constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds (66.67%) vote in each chamber of the Washington State Legislature during one legislative session. That amounts to a minimum of 66 votes in the Washington House of Representatives and 33 votes in the Washington State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
Legislatively referred state statutes
- See also: Legislatively referred state statute
In Washington, a referred state statute (called a referendum bill in Washington) requires a majority vote in each chamber of the Washington State Legislature during one legislative session. That amounts to a minimum of 50 votes in the Washington House of Representatives and 25 votes in the Washington State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Statutes require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
