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ELECTIONS center
2024 Spokane Regional Elections
Welcome to the 2024 GSI Elections Center – your go-to resource for all things related to the legislative session and upcoming elections in the greater Spokane region. Explore key initiatives on the ballot, learn about candidates running for office, and stay informed on crucial election timelines. Our goal is to empower you with the information you need to make informed decisions and actively participate in shaping our future. We encourage you to connect with us and get involved.
ELECTIONS TIMELINE
Don’t miss these important dates. Ballots drop on October 18. If you aren’t registered to vote already, you can do so by October 28.
GET REGISTERED TO VOTE BY OCTOBER 28
Deadline to register for the November 5 General Election is October 28. Have you moved? Click below to update your registration information.
NOVEMBER BALLOT INITIATIVES
After considering the impact on businesses and our community, our Executive Board has taken positions on the following November ballot initiatives. We believe policy should build employers, the economy, and the community and support efforts to improve and protect the business climate of Washington State and oppose the growing regulatory burden on jobmakers and the broad expansion of liability and litigation. View our positions below.
I-2117: Repeals the Climate Commitment Act
Position Taken: Neutral
This measure prohibits state agencies from imposing any type of carbon tax credit trading, and repeal legislation establishing a cap and invest program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It would decrease funding for investments in transportation, clean air, renewable energy, conservation, and emissions-reduction. More about this measure.
I-2019: Repeals a capital gains tax
Position Taken: Neutral
This measure would repeal an excise tax imposed on the sale or exchange of certain long-term capital assets by individuals who have annual capital gains of over $250,000. It would decrease funding for K-12 education, higher education, school construction, early learning, and childcare. More about this measure.
I-2066: Protects the use of natural gas
Position Taken: Support
This measure would repeal or prohibit certain laws and regulations that discourage natural gas use and/or promote electrification, and require certain utilities and local governments to provide natural gas to eligible customers. More about this measure.
Learn more about GSI’s position.
I-2124: Opt-out of the WA Cares long term care benefit
Position Taken: Support
This measure would provide that employees and self-employed people must elect to keep coverage under RCW 50B.04 and could opt-out any time. It would also repeal a law governing an exemption for employees. This measure would decrease funding for Washington’s public insurance program providing long-term care benefits and services. More about this measure.
Learn more about GSI’s position.
Proposition 1: City of Spokane – levies a 1/10% sales tax for public safety
Position Taken: Neutral
The revenue from the tax will be used for enhanced community safety purposes, including, but not limited to, operation enhancements for the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane Police Department, Municipal Court, and the Office of the Police Ombudsman. More about this measure.
CANDIDATE DEBATES
Check out the debates and candidates running for office here. New debates and candidate information will be posted here when they become available. GSI hosts debates, but does not endorse candidates.
Playlist
2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION AGENDA
We’re excited to gather input for our 2025 State Legislative Agenda, which guides our advocacy efforts for the upcoming legislative session. Every year, we work with local leaders to create a community-focused agenda that helps drive business growth and investment in our region. If you have a project or idea that could benefit the Spokane area, we’d love to hear from you! Please click here to submit your request to our Regional Advocacy Committee by October 17. If you have questions please contact Jake Mayson, Public Policy Director.
ABOUT OUR WORK IN PUBLIC POLICY
We work year-round with the business community and partners to advance policies that support the health of our community. With our combined role as a regional chamber and economic development council, we have the most impact when we find consensus around policy that is good for area employers, the economy, and our community. Our Regional Advocacy Committee takes positions on initiatives and makes recommendations to the Executive Board. The Executive Board then takes a formal vote on each issue and weighs the pros and cons based on how that issue will impact our employers, the economy, and our community. For more information, contact us at info@greaterspokane.org and view our public policy principles.