By Communications staff, Washington State University, WSU Insider
The Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service at Washington State University is cosponsoring a nonpartisan panel debate on the three statewide initiatives on Washington’s November 2026 ballot in partnership with Braver Angels of Washington State.
The virtual event takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, less than three weeks before the Nov. 3 general election. The debate will address each of the three measures before Washington voters this fall:
• Initiative Measure No. IL26-001, which concerns parental rights relating to their children in public school.
• Initiative Measure No. IP26-645, which concerns state and local taxes and would repeal the 9.9% tax on annual individual income over $1 million.
• Initiative Measure No. IL26-638, which concerns participation in athletics at K-12 schools.
Panelists have been selected by the authors of the arguments for and against each measure in the official state Voters’ Pamphlet to present their case. Braver Angels debates do not declare a winner. The organization’s structured format is designed to improve understanding of the issues and to give voters information on the yes-or-no choice each initiative presents.
“Ballot initiatives ask voters to make consequential policy decisions directly, often with limited time and information,” said Lia Merivaki, Thomas S. Foley Distinguished Professor and director of the Foley Institute. “This debate gives Washington voters the opportunity to hear the arguments for and against each measure from the people chosen to make them, in a structured format that prioritizes clarity about what each measure would do. The Foley Institute is pleased to cosponsor a forum that supports informed participation ahead of the Nov. 3 election.”
The event will be conducted as a Zoom webinar. Attendees may submit questions for the panelists when they register and during the event.
Registration is available online. Questions about the event may be directed to Braver Angels at smadsen@braverangels.org.