Washington Voters Will Decide Three Ballot Initiatives

Residents will head to the polls on November 3 to vote on measures targeting school sports, student privacy, and taxes.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a monolithic capitol building pillar, evoking the institutional gravity of the Washington state ballot initiatives. — Washington voters will cast ballots on November 3 to decide three initiatives concerning school privacy, sports participation, and the repeal of a state income tax. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Washington voters will decide on three ballot initiatives in the November 3 midterm election. The measures cover sports participation for trans girls, school privacy policies, and the repeal of a state income tax.

Why it matters

The initiatives seek to drive conservative voter turnout during the midterm cycle. The campaign's primary objective is the repeal of the tax on income exceeding $1 million.

Initiative 645 seeks to repeal the state's 9.9% tax on income over $1 million. The broader campaign has secured over 5,000 volunteer signups and maintains 500-plus campaign endorsers.

The players

Brian Heywood

He is a political donor who funded signature-gathering efforts for the measures over the last 12 months.

Let's Go Washington

This is a political action committee that has sponsored multiple initiatives, though three of their previous four efforts failed.

The details

Initiative 638 would ban trans girls from school sports and require genital exams, while Initiative 001 would mandate that schools out LGBTQ+ students and allow inspection of confidential counselor meetings. The campaign, which has faced a five-to-one fundraising disadvantage, is targeting progressive voters in metropolitan areas with phone banking and door knocking.

Brian Heywood funded signature gathering over the last 12 months.
Election Day for the ballot initiatives is November 3.

Political Context

Critics and opposition groups argue that Initiative 001 would strip essential record protections for child abuse victims. Opponents contend that the ballot measures represent a broader attempt to erode student rights and civil liberties across the state.

If passed, Initiative 001 could change the reporting requirements for school counselors regarding student privacy. Residents earning over $1 million could see their tax obligations change if Initiative 645 is successful.

The takeaway

These measures represent a significant push to reshape state policy through direct voter action this November. Voters should review the specific language of each initiative to understand how they might affect local school policies and tax laws.