A Statewide Ban on Transgender Athletes
Washington voters drew stark geographical lines across the map during the 2026 midterm elections, approving a statewide measure banning transgender girls from competing in girls sports. With nearly 70% of the statewide vote tallied, the Associated Press projected the passage of Initiative 638.
The measure secured nearly 57% support from ballots cast across Washington.
Regional Rifts in the Counting Room
That statewide margin masks a sharp regional divide. King County voted against the ban, while voters in Snohomish and Pierce counties supported it. Across all three statewide ballot measures, King, Snohomish and Pierce counties never reached complete agreement.
The Tax Initiative’s Uncertain Future
While the sports ban passed, the remaining two statewide initiatives on the 2026 ballot remained undecided Thursday. Initiative 645, which would repeal the state’s tax on high earners, is trailing.
Nearly 58% of voters favor retention of the tax and 42% voting to repeal it. Within Snohomish, Pierce, and King counties, a majority of residents are in favor of maintaining the tax, although the degree of that support differs from one county to the next.
Parental Rights Proposal Faces Rejection
Meanwhile, the parental notification measure known as the parents’ bill of rights is failing. More than 52% of votes opposed the initiative, which would expand parental access to school records and notifications, while about 47% in favor.
The initiative was rejected by a majority of voters in Snohomish and King counties, whereas it received backing from most voters in Pierce County.
High Engagement Across Washington
These divided returns played out against a backdrop of high engagement, with 1.7 million voters casting ballots in WA ahead of Election Day. As the Associated Press continues processing the remaining numbers, updated election results will determine the ultimate fate of the undecided measures.
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