Washington voters could decide initiatives on gun safety, soda taxes, pollution fees, and open public employee negotiations on the November ballot.
The secretary of state’s office says it had been notified by sponsors of four ballot measures currently circulating petitions that they plan to turn in signatures next week before the July 6th deadline. Initiative 1608 would require contract negotiations between state and local governments and their employee unions to be open to the public. I-1631 mandates that fees be placed on companies that produce greenhouse gases, with the money raised being spent to reduce pollution.
Supporters of I-1634 want to keep local governments from placing new taxes, or raising existing taxes on food or beverages, including soda. And I-1639 requires background checks, firearm training, waiting periods for the purchase of a semiautomatic assault rifle, a minimum age of 21 for purchasing certain guns, and secure storage of firearms in the home.
An initiative needs at least 259,600 valid signatures from registered Washington voters to be placed on the November ballot. The state Elections Division recommends sponsors submit at least 325,000 to allow for disqualified signatures. (Spokesman-Review)
