Backers of two initiatives in Washington have submitted signatures far in excess of the 241,000 minimum, and appear to be in good position to make the November statewide ballot.
That would bring to six the number of state propositions facing the voters on Nov. 6.
Backers of Initiative 1240, the proposal to authorize charter schools in Washington, brought in an estimated 350,000-plus signatures to the Secretary of State’s office Friday. Then 90 minutes later, Tim Eyman and other sponsors submitted an estimated 318-thousand signatures for I-1185, to restate the two-thirds vote requirement for taxes and fees passed in Olympia.
Neither charter schools nor two-thirds-for-taxes is a new issue for voters.It’s the fourth attempt by charter school backers to gain voter approval, falling short in 1996, 2000, and 2004. Meanwhile, I-1185 is Eyman’s third initiative dealing with the tax vote requirement and the fifth time overall that voters have dealt with the issue. All four previous measures passed.
The other measures heading to the ballot are: Referendum 74, a vote on whether to approve or reject the state’s new law authorizing civil marriage for same-sex couples; Initiative 502, decriminalizing marijuana sales and use by adults; and two constitutional amendments by the Legislature. One would implement changes in use of state bond debt, and the other deals with investments by the University of Washington and Washington State University. (WA Secretary of State’s Office)
