Initiatives in Washington State are created by constituents. This will most likely be challenged and the courts will determine if the initiative can stand.

In 1912, Washington became one of the first states to adopt the initiative and referenda process, thus securing the rights of citizens to make and remake their laws, and to provide a check over the decisions of their Legislature.

Today, if Washingtonians are dissatisfied with certain laws or feel new laws are needed, they can petition to place proposed legislation on the ballot. The process is termed “Initiative” because the electorate can initiate legislation. The electorate can either place a proposition directly on the ballot or it can submit the proposed law to the Legislature at the regular legislative session allowing the elected representatives an opportunity to enact the proposed legislation themselves instead of placing the measure on the ballot.

A Referenda allows citizens, through the petition process, to refer acts of the Legislature to the ballot before they become law. The Referenda also permits the Legislature itself to refer proposed legislation to the electorate for approval or rejection.

The Initiative and Referenda processes guarantee Washington’s electorate the right to legislate. Sponsors of Initiative or Referenda measures must obtain a substantial number of petition signatures from registered voters in order to certify their measures to the ballot or to the Legislature.

Washington’s history has shown the Initiative and Referenda processes to be effective in protecting the people’s interests. In fact, many of our most significant laws, such as our public disclosure laws, were enacted by this process.