Washington voters will weigh in on three ballot initiatives this Nov. 3 concerning school governance, athletic eligibility standards, and state tax policy. The measures are IL26-001 regarding parental rights, IL26-638 regarding girls' sports, and IP26-645 regarding income taxes. The case for supporting all three rests on the principle that government must respect its boundaries while serving the people.
Parental Access
IL26-001 seeks to reinstate the parental-rights framework approved by voters in 2024. This law would grant parents access to instructional materials and school records, require notification regarding specified medical services, and mandate that requested records be delivered within 10 business days.
Parents cannot fulfill their responsibilities without insight into their children's education. Schools function best when they answer questions openly. Regarding sensitive situations, the initiative allows institutions to withhold specific health and counseling records during an abuse or neglect investigation involving a parent, unless a court orders disclosure. While no statute can address every difficult circumstance, the default should favor keeping parents informed and involved. Trust between families and schools relies on transparency rather than secrecy.
Athletic Standards
IL26-638 addresses eligibility requirements for interschool competitions. The measure would bar students defined as biologically male from competing in female categories, requiring verification from a student's own health care provider. This provision would generally exclude transgender girls from girls' teams, a reality supporters acknowledge directly.
A category cannot exist without an eligibility standard. Maintaining competitive opportunities specifically for girls requires clear rules regarding who may participate. Enforcement must prioritize minimal intrusion, medical privacy, and fair dispute procedures. Every student deserves respectful treatment, including those who do not qualify for a specific event, and fairness can be defended without targeting children.
Tax Policy
IP26-645 would eliminate the 9.9 percent tax on individual income exceeding $1 million while prohibiting state and local income taxes. While few residents reach that income level, the authority this tax creates remains a valid concern. Voters must consider whether future lawmakers might attempt to expand the tax base.
Eliminating the tax will reduce projected revenue. A vote in favor of the initiative signals an expectation that lawmakers will prioritize spending and make difficult budget choices. Public expenditure must be justified through results, oversight, and a clear accounting for taxpayers.
Washington requires strong schools, dependable services, and opportunities for the next generation, which necessitates discipline alongside funding. The state has capable teachers, devoted parents, and hardworking employers. Institutions must facilitate their success and remain accountable to them.
Vote yes on 001, 638, and 645.
Todd Welch is a Herald columnist covering local and state issues.