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Understanding local citizen initiatives in Washington State
The local initiative (or local ballot measure) process empowers Washington citizens to create laws directly, bypassing local government officials. In cities with initiative power, residents can petition to place proposed laws on the ballot for a community vote. This gives people a direct say in shaping legislation.
Washington was one of the first states to adopt the initiative and referendum process in 1912, allowing citizens to propose, enact, or overturn laws. Through these tools, voters have successfully introduced significant legislation, such as public disclosure laws.
Key points about the process
- Initiatives allow citizens to propose new laws directly.
- Referendums let voters overturn laws enacted by their local government.
- Sponsors must gather substantial petition signatures to qualify a measure for the ballot or legislative review.
Not all local governments in Washington have initiative and referendum authority. These powers are optional and must be adopted by the jurisdiction’s legislative body. Additionally, certain types of legislation may be exempt from this process.
While most cities and some home-rule charter counties offer these options, commission counties, second-class cities, and towns do not. This process ensures that Washingtonians can advocate for their community’s needs and provide a vital check on government decisions.
Cities and counties with initiative power
First class cities
The state constitution specifically grants the authority to adopt a charter to first class cities, and RCW 35.22.200 specifically provides that a first class city charter may provide for direct legislation by the people through the initiative and referendum process. All of the ten first class cities in Washington have adopted the powers of initiative and referendum, and the procedures for exercising these powers are set out in the city charter of each city. (Links to City Charters)
Aberdeen
Bellingham
Bremerton
Everett
Richland
Seattle
Spokane
Tacoma
Vancouver
Yakima
Code cities
Initiative and referendum powers are available to code cities, but they are not automatic powers either at the time of incorporation or reclassification as a code city. Code cities must formally adopt these powers (RCW 35A.11.010). The following code cities have adopted the powers of initiative and referendum.
Battle Ground (1987)
Bellevue (1975)
Black Diamond (2012)
Blaine (1989)
Bonney Lake (2003)
Bothell (1974)
Brier (1991)
Burien (1993)
Camas (1988)
Chelan (1983)
Cheney (1993)
Clarkston (1994)
Des Moines (1990)
Edgewood
Edmonds (1985)
Ellensburg (1991)
Federal Way (1992)
Ferndale (1999)
Gig Harbor (2020)
Goldendale
Issaquah (1986)
Kahlotus (1981)
Kalama (2022)
Kelso (Charter city)
Kenmore (2022)
Kent
La Center (2010)
Lakewood (2006)
Lake Forest Park (1994)
Longview (1983)
Lynnwood (1997)
Mercer Island (1978)
Mill Creek
Monroe (1997)
Mountlake Terrace (1990)
Mukilteo (1993)
North Bend (2002)
Ocean Shores (1992)
Olympia (1978)
Port Angeles (2006)
Puyallup (2012)
Rainier (2002)
Redmond (1982)
Renton (1973)
Ridgefield (1991)
Sammamish (2015)
SeaTac (1989/1990)
Sequim (1996)
Shoreline (1998)
Spokane Valley (2005)
Tukwila (1991)
Tumwater (1997)
Walla Walla (1995)
Washougal (2007)
Wenatchee (2002)
Woodinville (1995)
Charter counties
The state constitution grants counties the option of adopting a charter for their own form of government, and that charter may provide for direct legislation by the people through the initiative and referendum process. Seven counties have adopted a charter, and all provide for initiatives and referendums. (Links to County Home Rule Charters)
Clallam County
Clark County
King County
Pierce County
San Juan County
Snohomish County
Whatcom County
Other cities and counties
Second class cities and towns, and non-charter counties with the commission form of government do not have the authority to establish initiative and referendum powers.
Cities that have the commission form of government automatically have the powers of initiative and referendum. These powers are set out in the enabling authority for commission cities in RCW 35.17.220 through RCW 35.17.360. However, no cities in Washington state currently operate under the commission form.
More resources
City and Town Forms of Government
Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington (MRSC)
Initiative & Referenda Handbook – 2024
Washington Secretary of State