Broad changes to gun policy and what could be the first carbon tax in the nation are among the ballot measures being decided by Washington voters, who also will decide dozens of races that span congressional seats to state legislative representation.
The crowded ballot for Tuesday’s election includes four initiatives, 10 congressional races, a U.S. Senate seat, and more than 100 legislative contests. While voters began receiving their ballots in the mail weeks ago, Tuesday is the last day to get them in or postmarked.
In some of the more competitive races, results may not be known for days as counties update vote counts throughout the week.
Money has poured into the state against Initiative 1631, which would charge large carbon emitters’ fees on fossil fuels used or sold in the state or electricity generated within the state starting in 2020. Opponents have raised more than $31 million, mostly from oil companies, a state record for statewide initiatives.
Voters will also decide the fate of I-1639, which toughens background checks for people buying semi-automatic rifles, increases the age limit to 21 for buyers of those guns, and adds firearm storage provisions.
Initiative 1634, backed by the soda industry, would prohibit local governments from imposing new taxes on soda or grocery items.
Initiative 940 is a measure designed to improve police training in de-escalation tactics, and eliminate a requirement that prosecutors prove officers acted with malice to get a conviction in negligent shootings.
Among the congressional races, in the 5th Congressional District, Republican incumbent Cathy McMorris Rodgers faces Democrat Lisa Brown, a former chancellor of Washington State University-Spokane who previously served as majority leader in the state Senate. (AP)
