Washington Initiative 645 Faces November Vote
High-income households face a potential new tax as voters decide the future of state revenue policy.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Do you support increasing taxes on annual incomes exceeding $1 million in your state?
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson is urging voters to reject Initiative 645, a proposal that would impose a tax on individual earned income exceeding $1,000,000. The outcome of the November 3 vote will determine the fiscal landscape for the state's highest earners.
Why it matters
The initiative creates a direct conflict between state leadership and proponents over the future of Washington's tax structure. Operators must track this outcome as it sets a clear precedent for state-level income taxation and the potential funding models for public programs.
Initiative 645 targets 21,000 Washington households with a proposed tax on annual earned income surpassing $1,000,000. It remains unclear how the defeat or passage of the measure will affect future state program funding.
The players
Bob Ferguson
The current Governor of Washington and lead opponent of Initiative 645.
Brian Haywood
The primary sponsor of Initiative 645 who advocates for the repeal of the proposed tax.
Ken Jennings
A prominent public figure who has recorded television advertisements in support of the initiative.
United Food and Commercial Workers International Union
A labor organization representing workers that is campaigning against the initiative.
The details
The proposal introduces an income tax floor for high-earning individuals, a shift in state policy that Governor Ferguson has pledged to counter with a veto on any broader income tax legislation. Sponsors like Brian Haywood argue for the repeal of such levies, while organized labor groups such as the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union have aligned with the administration in opposing the initiative. Television advertising and AI-generated counter-messaging have surfaced in the closing days of the campaign.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: Governor Ferguson spoke at a campaign rally in Yakima.
November 3, 2026: General Election voting deadline at 8 p.m.
Market Landscape
Initiative 645 challenges the established fiscal policy of Washington state by proposing a direct tax on high-earner income. This measure acts as a test case for how voters view revenue diversification versus the current tax structure.
High-net-worth individuals and business owners with significant personal income should monitor the November 3 election results to gauge potential changes in personal tax liability. If the initiative passes, taxpayers meeting the $1,000,000 threshold will need to consult with tax counsel to assess immediate compliance adjustments.
The takeaway
The competition over Initiative 645 underscores the volatility of state tax policy and the influence of public advocacy campaigns on legislative outcomes. Operators should monitor the final vote count on November 3 to determine if current personal financial planning strategies require revision.
Further reading
For broader context on how tax policies intersect with civic giving, explore our Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 1280 NewsTalk KIT.
Live Poll
Do you support increasing taxes on annual incomes exceeding $1 million in your state?
