{"id":2358856,"date":"2024-10-24T09:25:01","date_gmt":"2024-10-24T13:25:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wa-initiative-backers-say-ags-one-sided-language-deceiving-voters-polling-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2024-10-24T09:27:10","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T13:27:10","slug":"wa-initiative-backers-say-ags-one-sided-language-deceiving-voters-polling-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wa-initiative-backers-say-ags-one-sided-language-deceiving-voters-polling-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"WA initiative backers say AG\u2019s \u2018one-sided\u2019 language deceiving voters, polling &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">26<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fwa-initiative-backers-say-ags-one-sided-language-deceiving-voters-polling-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2358856&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The article discusses recent polling related \u200dto various ballot\u2062 initiatives in Washington state, revealing a lack of support for three out \u2062of four measures among voters.\u2063 Supporters of the initiatives criticize the language \u2062used by Attorney General\u2063 Bob Ferguson, claiming it may \u2062mislead voters and reflect a biased\u2063 perspective. Notably, \u200cInitiative 2109, \u200dwhich seeks to\u200b eliminate\u2064 the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-political-activism-and-influence-of-bill-gates\/\" title=\"The Political Activism And Influence of Bill Gates\">capital gains tax<\/a>, shows a significant 55% opposition among\u200b voters, while Initiative 2124, aimed at\u200b allowing workers to opt out of <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">mandatory long-term care payroll tax<\/a>, also appears likely to fail. The article highlights a specific concern from initiative\u200c advocates regarding how the ballot language presents \u2062the financial impacts of these initiatives, arguing for a more neutral presentation\u200c to avoid swaying voter opinion unfairly. Conversely, Initiative 2066, which allows <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/new-video-links-biden-to-ukrainian-corruption-burisma-indictment-reveals-ex-president-yanukovich-illegally-obtained-7-4-billion-laundered-thru-fund-close-to-us-democratic-party\/\" title=\"New Video Links Biden to Ukrainian Corruption \u2013 Burisma Indictment Reveals Ex-President Yanukovich Illegally Obtained .4 Billion Laundered Thru Fund \u201cClose to US Democratic Party\u201d\">natural gas<\/a> as an energy choice, is faring better, \u2063hinting that the outcome may\u2064 depend on the opinions of undecided voters.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">WA initiative backers say AG&rsquo;s &lsquo;one-sided&rsquo; language deceiving voters, polling<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_1843869\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>(The Center Square)&nbsp;&ndash; Recently released polling on the Washington initiatives to the ballot indicates voters may not be in the mood to support three of the four measures. Backers of the initiatives aren&rsquo;t swayed by the results, adding that language included by Attorney General Bob Ferguson paints a partisan pall over the measures.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.surveyusa.com\/client\/PollReport.aspx?g=beac847e-5892-43c6-a204-44e258b0ac75\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>SurveyUSA poll<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;was conducted online Oct. 9-14 and was sponsored by The Seattle Times, KING 5 and the University of Washington&rsquo;s Center for an Informed Public.<\/p>\n<p>Initiative 2109 to eliminate the capital gains tax is polling to fail. The measure to allow workers to opt out of the mandatory long-term care payroll tax, Initiative 2124, may also come up short based on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-continuous-media-covid-fear-mongering-may-backfire-and-diminish-democrat-voter-turnout\/\" title=\"The Continuous Media COVID Fear Mongering May BACKFIRE and Diminish Democrat Voter Turnout\">recent poll<\/a>. It shows 55% of voters would reject I-2109, while 27% said they would vote for it. Eighteen percent were undecided. Forty-nine percent of voters in the poll said they would vote against I-2124, with 28% saying they would vote yes and 23% were undecided.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;That is a little disconcerting, but it&rsquo;s because of Attorney General Ferguson&rsquo;s ballot language, which we knew would be a problem,&rdquo; said Hallie Balch with Let&rsquo;s Go Washington, the group behind the initiative efforts.<\/p>\n<p>Under a 2022 law,&nbsp;the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/breaking-ag-barr-authorizes-federal-prosecutors-to-pursue-substantial-allegations-of-voting-irregularities-before-2020-election-is-certified\/\" title=\"BREAKING: AG Barr Authorizes Federal Prosecutors to Pursue &quot;Substantial Allegations&quot; of Voting Irregularities Before 2020 Election is Certified\">attorney general<\/a> is required to draft the &ldquo;public investment impact disclosures&rdquo; for initiatives that could have fiscal impact. In May, prominent Republicans filed a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecentersquare.com\/washington\/article_e8506496-21eb-11ef-ac8e-3f217f0d8fbd.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>lawsuit<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;in Thurston County Superior Court over the so-called legislative warning labels. In June,&nbsp;a judge ruled that state officials can place information about the financial impact of voter initiatives.<\/p>\n<p>Balch pointed to the example of what voters see on the ballot for Initiative 2117 to repeal the Climate Commitment Act and end Washington&rsquo;s carbon auctions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The ballot language includes this: &ldquo;This measure would decrease funding in investments for transportation, clean air, renewable energy, conservation and emissions reduction.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Balch said, &ldquo;It would be helpful if there was an unbiased, non-political message next to the ballot statement, because it feels like it is so one-sided.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>She said the message should include language to say supporting I-2117 will bring down gas prices and grocery and utility bills.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>A&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.surveyusa.com\/client\/PollReport.aspx?g=268b4fae-7026-40ea-b9ba-0cffd9401383\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>separate poll<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;on I-2117 to repeal the CCA found 48% of likely voters saying they will vote no, 30% voting yes and 22% as undecided. It also included Ferguson&rsquo;s ballot language.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Initiative 2066, which didn&rsquo;t include one of Ferguson&rsquo;s impact notes, remains popular.<\/p>\n<p>The proposition would ensure natural gas remains an energy choice for residents and business owners. The poll found the outcome will rest on &ldquo;undecided&rdquo; voters.<\/p>\n<p>Forty-four percent of respondents said they support I-2066, 31% said they would vote no and 25% were undecided.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We are still not worried because it feels like a push poll more than anything else, and this is what they like to do just before an election to scare voters and give support to their donor base,&rdquo; Balch reasoned.<\/p>\n<p>A push poll is an&nbsp;opinion poll where the true objective is to sway voters&nbsp;using loaded or manipulative&nbsp;questions.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve done internal polling that we&rsquo;re not going to release, because it&rsquo;s just to make sure we&rsquo;re on track to be successful, and all of those remain the same,&rdquo; said Balch, who suggested Let&rsquo;s Go Washington is confident that all four measures will succeed.<\/p>\n<p>Let&rsquo;s Go Washington has tried to press its simplified message of &ldquo;Vote Yes Pay Less&rdquo; for all four measures, but Balch told The Center Square the organization has seen social media posts suggesting some supporters may still be confused.<\/p>\n<p>The election is less than two weeks away, and Washington voters have by now received their mail-in ballots, with many already mailed back.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;It comes down to those undecided voters at this point and making sure they know what is at stake and what a &lsquo;yes&rsquo; vote means for their future,&rdquo; Balch said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_1843869\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"1843869\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>WA initiative supporters claim AG&#8217;s biased wording misleads voters<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2358857,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/AP24014160536170-1024x683.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[43621,43622,43620],"class_list":["post-2358856","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-ag-language","tag-voter-deception","tag-wa-initiative"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/AP24014160536170-1024x683.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2358856","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2358856"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2358856\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2358857"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2358856"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2358856"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2358856"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}