More Than 92,000 Signatures Gathered to Repeal Washington Income Tax in One Week

The campaign seeking to repeal Washington’s newly enacted income tax says it has already reached a major milestone, collecting more than 92,000 signatures during its first week of petition gathering. According to Let’s Go Washington, the early numbers significantly exceed what the organization typically sees during the opening phase of an initiative campaign. TOP STORY: REPEAL EFFORT REPORTS RECORD-BREAKING START According to Let’s Go Washington: More than 92,000 Washington voters signed petitions during the campaign’s first week The effort seeks to repeal the state’s newly passed 9.9% tax on income above $1 million Organizers describe the pace as unprecedented compared to previous initiative drives Communications Director Hallie Herzberg told McClatchy the campaign had counted roughly 92,000 signatures after only one week, significantly higher than normal early totals. Supporters argue: ➡️ Public concern over the tax remains high ➡️ Voters want a direct say on the issue ➡️ The signature drive is gaining momentum across the state WHAT THE INITIATIVE WOULD DO The repeal measure, known as IP26-645, would: ➡️ Repeal the newly enacted 9.9% income tax on annual income above $1 million ➡️ Prohibit state and local governments from imposing taxes on individual income ➡️ Define income in state law for future tax-related challenges and legislation According to Let’s Go Washington, the initiative is designed to stop what supporters view as the first step toward a broader statewide income tax. SIGNATURE DEADLINE APPROACHES To qualify for the November ballot: Roughly 308,911 valid signatures are required Organizers say they are targeting approximately 400,000 signatures to account for invalid entries and duplicates Petitions must be submitted by early July under Washington election deadlines The campaign officially launched signature gathering in mid-May following the passage of Senate Bill 6346 earlier this year. GOVERNOR AND SUPPORTERS DEFEND THE TAX Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has defended the measure and recently stated he would veto any future effort to lower the $1 million threshold or increase the rate. Supporters of the tax argue: ➡️ It only affects top earners ➡️ It helps fund tax relief and public services ➡️ Washington’s tax code remains heavily reliant on sales taxes Opponents argue: ➡️ The tax could eventually expand ➡️ It may hurt business investment and economic growth ➡️ Voters have historically opposed statewide income taxes WHY THIS MATTERS This impacts: Washington tax policy Ballot initiatives Business and investment decisions State revenue debates Voter participation and election politics Long-term constitutional challenges over income taxation The fight over Washington’s new income tax is quickly becoming one of the biggest political battles currently unfolding in the state. #WashingtonState #IncomeTax #LetsGoWashington #Politics #Taxes #BreakingNews #WashingtonPolitics #Economy #BallotInitiative #USNews