If there is an issue that you think should become a law, you don’t have to wait until your state legislature agrees with you. You can let the voters decide by filing a ballot initiative. Your direct action can qualify your measure to be on the ballot in the next statewide election.
Last updated on: September 15, 2020
The following is a brief overview of the ballot initiative process in Washington. Individuals registered to vote in the state of Washington can enact and propose laws through two initiatives; to the people and the legislature.
Filing an Initiative
Washington has an online process for filing your ballot initiative. Any registered voter can start this process by creating a sponsor account on the Secretary of State’s website.
Sponsors need to upload the proposed initiative and pay a $5 filing fee. Sponsors must also provide an affidavit stating they are registered to vote in the state of Washington.
The Code Reviser while have seven business days to review the proposed bill and suggest any necessary corrections.
Getting on the Ballot in Washington
Reference the Handbook for detailed petition guidelines, requirements, rules, and deadlines.
You will then need to submit the final draft to the Secretary of State with the Code Reviser’s Certificate of Review within 15 days. He or she will give the initiative a serial number and send it to the Attorney General for a ballot title and summary.
Initiative to the People petitions must include the names and signatures of eight percent or more of the total votes for governor during the last state gubernatorial election.
Once certified, the initiative will appear on the ballot during the next state general election.
Contact us today to start the ballot initiative process in Washington.