Washington's ballot measures average a 12th-grade reading level

By the numbers: The titles of Washington's three statewide ballot measures average an 11.7th-grade reading level, according to a new Ballotpedia analysis.

• The titles average nearly 50 words apiece.
• The summaries are even tougher, averaging a 14th-grade reading level and 73 words.

The big picture: Washington voters have it relatively easy compared with those in Colorado, where ballot titles average a staggering 33rd-grade reading level.

• That's theoretically 17 years of schooling beyond a bachelor's degree.
• Colorado voters will decide this November whether future ballot questions should be written at an eighth-grade reading level or lower.

The bottom line: Washington's ballot language may not require a graduate degree, but a little homework couldn't hurt.

Here are our guides to each statewide initiative on the November ballot, to help get you up to speed.

Initiative 001: Parental rights

Initiative 638: Banning trans girls from girls' sports

Initiative 645: Repealing income tax on annual incomes over $1 million

Go deeper: How Washington's new income tax treats public pensions