(AP)
A handful of controversial measures are on the ballot for Washington voters to decide on, making for what’s sure to be a contentious election cycle.
RELATED: Is I-1634 about groceries, soda taxes, or union jobs?[1]
Highlights on the ballot include another attempt at a carbon fee, a potential ban on the much-maligned soda tax, comprehensive gun control measures, and changes to the standards for deadly force in relation to law enforcement.
But do any of these have a chance to pass?
I-1634
I-1634 stands as the legislation that would prohibit specific taxes on groceries, and more specifically, soda. The measure already has upwards of $13 million in contributions[2], a large majority of which has come straight from the soda industry, compared to just $8,000 in contributions for the “no on I-1634” campaign.
While I-1634 wouldn’t cancel out Seattle’s own controversial soda tax, it would still restrict any similar taxes from being enacted statewide.
Many voters remain undecided on the measure, but a small poll conducted by Crosscut/Elway[3] suggested that it faces a tough uphill battle, citing 51 percent against, 31 percent for, and 18 percent undecided.
I-940
I-940 comes about in a time where use of deadly force by law enforcement is under the national spotlight. If passed, it would require a “good faith” test to determine whether the use of deadly force is justified in specific cases, police would be required to undergo “de-escalation” training, and officers would also have to provide first aid to boot.
The measure has law enforcement groups split. King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht and former King County Sheriff John Urquhart have both endorsed
