SNOHOMISH COUNTY Residents in south Snohomish County are petitioning municipal councils to adopt formal statements opposing two state ballot measures prior to the November 3 election.
Since July, at least a dozen government bodies statewide, including Mountlake Terrace and Bothell, have approved resolutions condemning IL26-001 and IL26-638.
Concerns about whether municipalities should weigh in on state-level policy have previously stalled action in Edmonds and Lynnwood. Following requests from constituents, both councils have scheduled discussions on the matter for later this month.
The first proposal, IL26-001, seeks to roll back portions of the 2025 parental rights statute, which had been revised to limit parental access to specific school documents, including those pertaining to social work and counseling. Proponents argue guardians possess the right to review their children's files. Critics counter that eliminating such access could harm LGBTQ+ students or minors facing abuse at home.
IL26-638 would prohibit transgender girls from participating in K-12 girls' sports statewide. The proposed language mandates that healthcare providers verify a student's sex assigned at birth by examining reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or testosterone levels. Medical professionals note this verification would exceed the requirements of a standard sports physical.
Signature drives to place these measures on the ballot were organized by Lets Go Washington, a conservative political action committee established by hedge fund manager Brian Heywood.
Fortify! Washington, a Seattle-area advocacy group, is partially driving efforts urging local governments to adopt opposing resolutions.
State law permits local governments to pass resolutions endorsing or opposing ballot measures provided the public is given an equal opportunity to present opposing views, such as during public comment periods or public hearings.
On Oct. 6, over a dozen community members spoke during public comment at an Edmonds City Council meeting, urging the council to address a resolution.
One speaker, identified as a parent and grandparent of Edmonds students, stated they were representing their transgender child and school-aged grandchild who reside in Edmonds.
"When members of an underrepresented community look to their local government and hear silence while their rights and identities are being publicly debated, that silence has an effect right here in Edmonds," the speaker said. "In fact, my child and grandchild are afraid that simply standing here and saying who they are could make them targets."
During the meeting, President Pro Tem Jenna Nand and council members Susan Paine and Chris Eck voted to place the discussion on the agenda. Council President Michelle Dotsch and council members Vivian Olson, Erika Barnett, and Will Chen voted against.
"Tonight's decision is not about supporting or not supporting an issue, but about the much more narrow question about whether we weigh in as a body on initiatives that the people can vote on for themselves," Olson said.
Other council members who voted against discussing the resolution cited procedural reasons, noting the council had already approved the agenda earlier in the session.
On Monday, some council members informed Edmonds organizers that the council will be discussing a resolution Oct. 27, Fortify! Washington organizer Scott Menzies said in an email to the regional outlet.
Lynnwood City Council members are set to debate a proposed resolution regarding statewide ballot measures, following a renewed push by local officials. The discussion is scheduled to commence on Monday, with a final vote planned for Oct. 26.
The effort was initially stalled during a Sept. 8 session when Council Member Isabel Mata sought to place the item on the agenda. At that time, she secured the backing of only one colleague, Council Member Chelsea Wright, falling short of the required two supporters needed to advance the topic.
Council President Nick Coelho expressed reservations about the body taking official positions on external legislation. He noted that while he supports sharing personal views on the matter, he believes the council’s primary duty is to manage municipal operations rather than campaign for or against initiatives that voters will ultimately decide.
Mata revisited the request on Monday, citing comments from residents who urged the city to act. She received support from Wright and Vice President Derica Escamilla for opening the discussion.
Mata argued that although the measures are statewide in scope, their impact is felt locally by students, families, and schools in Lynnwood. She stated that the policies raise concerns regarding student privacy, equitable treatment, and access to support, asserting that the council has a duty to address issues affecting the community’s well-being and dignity.
Other nearby municipalities have already moved on similar measures. Mountlake Terrace approved a resolution unanimously on Sept. 17 with minimal debate. In Bothell, the resolution passed 5-1 on Oct. 6, despite one council member voicing concerns about utilizing city resources to weigh in on state-level voting matters.
During the Mountlake Terrace vote, Council Member Sam Doyle highlighted that dozens of new laws affecting transgender healthcare, education, athletics, and identification documents took effect in 2026 alone. He described the local resolution as a small but significant component of a broader landscape.