2018 Washington Initiative 1634

Initiative Measure No. 1634 was a ballot initiative in the State of Washington to prohibit local governments from enacting taxes on groceries, including taxes on soda.

2018 Washington Initiative 1634

November 6, 2018 (2018-11-06)
Results
Choice Votes % Yes 1,721,487 55.88% No 1,359,240 44.12%

Background

Content

The ballot title appeared as follows:^[1]

Initiative Measure No. 1634 concerns taxation of certain items intended for human consumption.

This measure would prohibit new or increased local taxes, fees, or assessments on raw or processed foods or beverages (with exceptions), or ingredients thereof, unless effective by January 15, 2018, or generally applicable.

Should this measure be enacted into law?

Campaigns

Support

The initiative was supported by the Yes! To Affordable Groceries coalition.^[2] It was endorsed by the lobbying arm of Citizens Against Government Waste.^[3]

Opposition

The initiative was opposed by the editorial boards of The Columbian, The Olympian, and The News Tribune.^[4][5][6]

Results