Conservatives succeeded in getting multiple initiatives passed in Washington state earlier this year while voters will decide on another four when they go to the polls in November.

While left-wing groups attempted to get Washington's highest judicial body to invalidate all of them, the state Supreme Court recently rejected that request. 

Initiatives deal with a number of issues

A handbook published by the Washington secretary of state's office explains that "if Washingtonians are dissatisfied with certain laws or feel new laws are needed, they can petition to place proposed legislation on the ballot."

Known as an initiative, that can involve either putting legislation up for a referendum or proposing it to lawmakers who can vote on it in a regular legislative session.

As the Lynwood Times noted, the initiatives are being supported by a conservative organization known as Let's Go Washington.

Today, three of six initiatives were passed into law with bipartisan support. It's a momentous day for Washingtonians! The work to pass the remaining three continues. #LetsGoWA! pic.twitter.com/suTw2ImEO4

— Let's Go Washington (@letsgowa) March 5, 2024

One of them is I-2081, which concerns parental rights in education and was passed in the state Senate unanimously and in the state House by a margin of 82 to 15.

Two left-wing groups file court challenge

Another is I-2111, a measure aimed at preventing the state from enforcing an income tax. It was passed by wide margins in both the state House and Senate.

A third initiative is I-2113, which restores the authority of police to pursue suspects. None of them required a signature from Washington Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee.

Meanwhile, voters will have their say in a referendum in the fall on other initiatives regarding capital gains taxes, carbon taxes, and long-term care coverage.

The Times reported that two left-wing groups called Defend Washington and Washington Conservation Action Education Fund filed a lawsuit which sought to have all of the initiatives invalidated.

Justices rule that initiatives comply with state constitution

However, the state Supreme Court turned down that request on Friday, with Chief Justice Steven C. González writing, "At issue in the appeal is whether the secretary permissibly certified the signatures on the sole basis that the signatures matched those found in the voter rolls."

"Petitioners also move for expedited consideration or for an injunction against certifying the initiatives for placement on the ballot," he added.

However, González and the other justices unanimously concluded that, "In verifying the signatures on the initiative petitions, the secretary of state complied with the requirements of RCW 29A.72.230 and applicable regulations, consistent with article II, section 1(a) of the Washington Constitution."