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State Supreme Court rejects challenge to I-645 ballot disclosure

State Supreme Court rejects challenge to I-645 ballot disclosure

Washington state's Temple of Justice in Olympia. Photo: Saga Communications/Emma Toscani


OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Washington Supreme Court has declined to block a voter disclosure statement tied to Initiative 26-645, a measure that would repeal the so-called millionaire’s tax.

In a 4-to-4 decision, the court denied an emergency request from activist Arthur West to stop state officials from printing and distributing the Public Investment Impact Disclosure required for the initiative.

Because the court was evenly divided, a previous ruling denying the injunction remains in effect.

West argued a required statement telling voters the tax repeal would reduce funding for education and human services is not neutral and could influence voters.

West had previously challenged the disclosure requirement itself, while initiative sponsor Let’s Go Washington separately challenged the wording of the disclosure. Both efforts were rejected.

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