WA New Home

Category

Civic Engagement & Elections

4 articles

Signed, Sealed, and Funded: The Corporate Money Reshaping Washington's Ballot Initiative System

Washington's initiative and referendum process was designed as a direct expression of the public will—a mechanism for ordinary citizens to bypass the legislature and write their own laws. But as campaign finance records reveal, the modern initiative campaign is increasingly an instrument of well-capitalized interests, with millions of dollars flowing from corporations and out-of-state donors to shape what appears on Washington's ballot.

Running Dry: Washington's Water Future Hangs in the Balance as Snowpack Disappears

Washington State has long counted on its mountains to store winter precipitation and release it gradually through the warmer months — a natural system that agriculture, cities, and ecosystems have depended on for generations. That system is now under severe and accelerating stress, and the state's policy response has not kept pace. As drought cycles intensify and water demand grows, decisions about who gets water — and who doesn't — are becoming one of the defining civic questions of the decade.

Carbon Pricing at a Crossroads: Assessing Washington's Climate Commitment Act After Its First Full Year

Washington's Climate Commitment Act—one of the most ambitious carbon pricing programs in North American history—has completed its first full year of operation, generating billions in auction revenue while sparking vigorous debate about its real-world effectiveness. Early emissions data offer cautious optimism, but implementation hurdles, legal challenges, and a contentious public vote have complicated the program's trajectory. WA New examines what the evidence actually shows.

Ballot Box Breakdown: Washington's 2024 Local Measures and What They Mean for You

From school levies in Spokane to housing bonds in King County, Washington voters face a wide array of consequential local measures in 2024. This voter guide breaks down the most significant initiatives across the state's major counties and cities, explaining the real-world stakes for your taxes, schools, and public services — so you can cast an informed ballot.