WA Ballot Initiatives Panned By Editorial Boards

Washington Policy Center

October 15, 2013

Are the state's editorial boards reflective of the general voting public? We'll know after the votes are counted on Initiative 517 and Initiative 522. Based on the near consensus of the editorials to date, supporters of the proposals may be feeling a bit nervous.

Here's a roundup:

Seattle Times

• Vote no on Initiative 517
• Vote no on Initiative 522, the GMO labeling initiative

Tacoma News Tribune

• I-517’s protections aren’t needed, go too far
• I-522: Deceptive ‘truth’ about food and science

Vancouver Columbian

• Initiative 517 Goes Too Far
  
• Vote No on Initiative 522

Olympian

• I-517 creates new problems; initiative process working
• I-522 hides real agenda about GMO foods

Everett Herald

• Vote no on Eyman's I-517
• A reluctant no to I-522

Tri-City Herald

• Initiative 517 -- Vote no
• Reject Initiative 522

Wenatchee World

• No pedestal due; no on I-517
• No need for Initiative 522

Yakima Herald Republic

• I-517 (no endorsement issued)
• Initiative 522 creates more problems than it solves

Walla Walla Union Bulletin

• Initiative 517 undermines property rights
• I-522 is aimed at problem that doesn’t exist

Spokesman Review

• I-517 (pending)
• I-522 no help to consumers or producers

Here are additional details on Initiative 517 and Initiative 522:

• Initiative 517: to Change Washington's Initiative and Referendum process
  
  
• Citizens’ Guide to Initiative 522: To require GMO labeling on certain food products