What we're watching in Tuesday's election in Washington
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Washington voters will decide Tuesday whether to repeal the state's new income tax, along with whether to ban trans girls from girls' sports and expand parents' access to student records.
Why it matters: Voters are being asked to reshape state policy, while also determining who holds seats in Congress, the state Legislature, the state Supreme Court and local offices.
Early results from the vote-by-mail election are expected to be posted on the Secretary of State and King County Elections websites around 8pm.
- The initial results may shift in the coming days as more votes are counted.
Here are some of the key issues and races we're watching Tuesday evening.
Income tax test
Initiative 645 would roll back the new income tax on high earners that Washington's Legislature approved earlier this year.
- The 9.9% tax on annual incomes over $1 million is set to take effect in 2028, with the first tax bills due in 2029.
- A "yes" vote on I-645 would repeal the tax; a "no" vote would leave the tax in place. Read more.
Trans girls in sports
Initiative 638 would ban trans girls from competing in K-12 school sports.
- If passed, it would require all girls who want to participate in sports to submit medical verification of their biological sex.
- Supporters say the verification process wouldn't require additional testing or medical appointments.
- Opponents argue it would subject girls to invasive and cumbersome medical checks that wouldn't be required of boys. Read more.
Parental rights initiative
Initiative 001 would put Washington's rules on parental access to student records back before voters, after lawmakers changed those rules last year.
- The measure aims to restore parents' access to certain information about mental health counseling and medical care their children receive through school. Read more.
Local races and measures
The sole Seattle City Council race on the ballot is in North Seattle's District 5, with Julie Kang and Nilu Jenks vying for the open seat.
- A competitive King County Council race is underway in District 2, where Democratic state Sen. Rebecca Saldaña faces Seattle Port Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa.
- A Seattle ballot measure, Proposition 1, will also decide whether to double the city's voter-approved sales tax for transit service from 0.15% to 0.3%.
What's next: You can return your ballot to an official ballot drop box through 8pm Tuesday.
- Same-day voter registrations can also be processed through 8pm on Election Day at a voting center or county elections office.
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