Washington state has a long history of ballot initiatives, dating back to 1912. But, this year is a bit different.
Hedge fund millionaire Bryan Heywood has bankrolled a campaign that’s put four initiatives on the ballot. They would roll back policies enacted by the Democratic majority in the Legislature, including major parts of the state’s climate law and the capital gains tax.
KNKX Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick talked about this with Western Washington University Political Science Professor Todd Donovan, who also serves on the Whatcom County Council.
A drought no more
Donovan said there was a bit of a drought in the COVID era because it was difficult to circulate petitions. Another reason is the number of signatures needed to get an initiative on the ballot has increased as the population increases. And that makes costs go up.
“Why we have four this year is because somebody, one individual in particular, had the resources to fund the petition effort and get these on the ballot or get them before the Legislature,” he said.