Historic Election Year: Candidates, Initiatives, and Control of Legislative Chambers.

District 20 Representative Peter Abbarno

By Peter Abbarno
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce

This year is a historic election where candidates, control of legislative chambers, and policy issues are all on the ballot. For the first time in Washington state’s history, voters will have the opportunity to vote on four initiatives that will help guide the direction of our state.

The idiom “Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades” is a common saying that means in most situations, merely being close to success isn’t good enough, and you must achieve your goal for it to count. This also applies to elections.

As we saw in the recent Washington State Lands Commissioner primary election, only 51 votes separated two candidates. If 52 Republicans had turned in their ballots for Sue Kuehl Pederson, Republicans would have secured a statewide office since Republican Jaime Herrera Beutler had already secured her place on the general election ballot. Only 44% of Lewis County residents voted, and that was about 4% higher than the state average.

The question is whether the other 56% of Lewis County voters will realize their vote really does count. The start of the 18-day voting period begins on October 18th, so there is still time to remind voters to turn in their ballot on or before November 5th.

Washingtonians will soon have the chance to vote for their favorite, or least unfavorable, candidate on the ballot. But, before they get to the presidential race, they will have the unique opportunity to vote on some very important fiscal issues that could set Washington on a new course.

There are four initiatives on the ballot and the language may get complicated, so here is a quick review.

I-2066
Earlier this year, the State Legislature passed a bill that would lay the groundwork for a natural gas phase out and ban. Voting “no” would continue the policy of phasing out natural gas and requiring homes and businesses to switch to electricity. Voting “yes” would repeal the phase out of natural gas and allow customers the choice of converting to electricity or staying with their current heating and energy options.

I-2109
In 2021, the State Legislature enacted an additional 7% tax on many small business owners in the form of a sales tax on capital gains over $250,000 from the sale or exchange of long-term capital assets such as stocks, bonds, business interests, or other investments and tangible assets. Voting “no” would keep the current Capital Gains tax of 7% and allow it to be adjusted in the future. Voting “yes” would repeal the 7% capital gains tax.

I-2117
In 2021, the State Legislature passed the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) and in 2024 linked that program to the State of California and Canadian Province of Quebec. In part, it created a carbon credit market with proceeds being used for projects and programs that reduce carbon emissions. The regulations around the program have increased, according to some studies, the cost of fuel by $0.50 per gallon. Voting “no” would keep the cap-and-trade credit program. Voting “yes” would repeal the cap-and-trade credit program.

I-2124
In 2019, the State Legislature created a new mandatory payroll tax that would fund a long-term care program called WA Cares. The tax would provide up to $36,500 of long-term care benefits to eligible workers. Voting “no” would maintain the mandatory payroll tax and WA Cares program. Voting “yes” would make the payroll tax and WA Cares program voluntary and create a permanent opt-out for workers.

Remember to Vote!
It is not always easy to know what is on the ballot and the language can be confusing. Remember, your vote counts. This is an important election, and your vote can change the direction of Washington. For more information visit the Washington state Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.wa.gov.

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Rep. Peter Abbarno represents the 20th Legislative District and is the Ranking Member on the House Capital Budget Committee.