LWVWA Ballot Measure Positions

The LWVWA Board of Directors approves positions on statewide Ballot Issues based on Issue Chair recommendations using policy statements in LWVWA Program in Action and LWVUS Impact on Issues. LWVWA may do the following with regard to the Ballot Measures:

  • Endorse/support
  • Oppose
  • Not take a position

ENDORSE

Initiative 940


Initiative Measure No. 940 concerns law enforcement. This measure would require law enforcement to receive violence de-escalation, mental-health, and first-aid training, and provide first-aid; and change standards for use of deadly force, adding a "good faith" standard and independent investigation.

Read more about the LWVWA's position on this ballot measure.

ENDORSE

Initiative 1631


Initiative 1631 concerns pollution. This measure would charge pollution fees on sources of greenhouse gas pollutants and use the revenue to reduce pollution, promote clean energy, and address climate impacts, under oversight of a public board.

Read more about the LWVWA's position on this ballot measure.

ENDORSE

Initiative 1639


Initiative 1639 Initiative Measure No. 1639 concerns firearms. This measure would require increased background checks, training, age limitations, and waiting periods for sales or delivery of semiautomatic assault rifles; criminalize noncompliant storage upon unauthorized use; allow fees; and enact other provisions.

Read more about the LWVWA's position on this ballot measure.

DID NOT TAKE POSITION

Initiative 1634


Initiative Measure No. 1634 concerns taxation of certain items intended for human consumption. This measure would prohibit new or increased local taxes, fees, or assessments on raw or processed foods or beverages (with exceptions), or ingredients thereof, unless effective by January 15, 2018, or generally applicable.

Read more about the LWVWA's position on this ballot measure.

LWVWA Has Taken Position in Support of Three Ballot Measures:

Initiative 940

Official Ballot Title: Initiative Measure No. 940 concerns law enforcement. This measure would require law enforcement to receive violence de-escalation, mental-health, and first-aid training, and provide first-aid; and change standards for use of deadly force, adding a "good faith" standard and independent investigation.

LWVWA Board

  • Approved support of the De-Escalate Washington initiative to the legislature and signature gathering at board meeting August 1, 2017.
  • Advocated for the measure in the 2018 Legislative Session.
  • Supported measure as it moved to the Nov. 6, 2018, ballot.

League Positions that support De-Escalate Washington:

Violence Prevention: It is the Position of The League of Women Voters of the United States to support violence prevention programs in all communities, as well as to back actions to support: Public and private development and coordination of programs that emphasize the primary prevention of violence; The active role of governmental and social institutions in preventing violent behavior; The allocation of public monies in government programs to prevent violence. (LWVUS - Impact on Issues, 2016-2018, page 95)

See our press release announcing this position.

Initiative 1631

Official Ballot Title: Initiative 1631 concerns pollution. This measure would charge pollution fees on sources of greenhouse gas pollutants and use the revenue to reduce pollution, promote clean energy, and address climate impacts, under oversight of a public board.

League of Women Voters of Washington Board endorsed and supported Initiative 1631 (a carbon pollution fee measure with revenue to be invested in clean energy, water quality, healthy forests and impacted communities and workers) and the signature gathering effort at its April 20, 2018, meeting.

LWVWA and/or LWVUS Related Positions:

In 2012 the LWVUS launched an initiative to urge the President to use executive authority under the Clean Air Act to control carbon pollution in the face of the greatest environmental challenge of our generation: climate change. (p. 60, 2016 LWVUS Impact on Issues). The LWVUS believes that climate change is a serious problem that requires immediate action and urges initiatives to reduce emissions of heat-trapping gases to reduce the threat of global climate change, combat air pollution, increase energy security and create new jobs. (LWVUS p. 59-60 and LWVWA Program in Action, p. 26). LWVWA took steps consistent with LWVUS positions in 2000 for the purpose of bringing Global Climate Change issues to members, other citizens and legislators’ attention for action. League members recognized that this topic is inextricably linked with energy, water, transportation, forests, clean air and other issues on which the League has positions and takes action.

LWVWA has joined local and regional groups with similar goals. (p.26, Wa PIA).

Initiative 1639

Official Ballot Title: Initiative Measure No. 1639 concerns firearms. This measure would require increased background checks, training, age limitations, and waiting periods for sales or delivery of semiautomatic assault rifles; criminalize noncompliant storage upon unauthorized use; allow fees; and enact other provisions.

League of Women Voters of Washington endorsed and supported Initiative 1639, Reduce Assault Weapon Violence (title subject to change) and the signature gathering phase at its Mary 18, 2018 board meeting.

LWV POSITIONS ON GUN CONTROL/GUN SAFETYWASHINGTON STATE POSITION IN BRIEF: should regulate ownership and possession of firearms and limit their accessibility

THE LEAGUE’S POSITION ON GUN CONTROL (1994):
The League of Women Voters of Washington believes that:

GC-1: Government should regulate ownership and possession of firearms and limit their accessibility.

GC-2: Firearms should be regulated by government through measures which may include the following.

  • Federal: applications to purchase; registration; manufacturers’ and dealers’ license fees; restrictions on owning, transporting and distributing; prohibition on types and places allowed, extended waiting periods (as consistent with LWVUS Gun Control position).

GC-3: Taxes and license fees should be increased to help pay for:

  • education about firearm safety
  • background and verification checks for gun purchasers
  • violence prevention programs and measures
  • investigation and prosecution of illegal trafficking in firearms.

GC-4: Measures should be taken to limit young people’s access to firearms. These should include the following:

  • gun-free zones in school areas
  • an age limit of 18 for the use and possession of guns
  • requirements for safe gun storage

GC-5: Civil and criminal parental liability under certain circumstances

  • State: licensing to purchase; issuance of state and local ID cards; registration; manufacturers’

Additionally, in previous efforts, LWVWA was a key endorser of I-594 for Universal Background Checks and I-1491 Extreme Risk Protection Orders, both of which passed by wide margins.

LWVWA has not taken a position on

Initiative 1634

Official Ballot Title: Initiative Measure No. 1634 concerns taxation of certain items intended for human consumption. This measure would prohibit new or increased local taxes, fees, or assessments on raw or processed foods or beverages (with exceptions), or ingredients thereof, unless effective by January 15, 2018, or generally applicable.

Posted 10/11/18.

The League of Women Voters of Washington is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization.
The League of Women Voters of Washington Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. LWVWA Education Fund contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. The League of Women Voters Education Fund does not endorse the contents of any web pages to which it links.

League of Women Voters of the United States

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software