Referendum on new affirmative action law gains support

Joe Teehan

KGMIProtesters opposed to Initiative 1000 chant and march at the Capitol in Olympia, April 18, 2019. Several members of the group spoke in opposition to Initiative 1000, which would allow the state government to use affirmative action policies that do not constitute preferential treatment to remedy discrimination in public employment, education and contracting. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Opponents of an effort to restore affirmative action in Washington said today they have gathered enough signatures to force a popular vote on a measure.

The opponents of Initiative 1000, which passed the Legislature on the final day of the session in April, had just 90 days to gather 129,811 valid signatures to force a vote onto the ballot in November.

The Referendum 88 campaign turned in nearly 177,000 signatures and say they will file roughly 20,000 more before a Saturday deadline.

Deputy Secretary of State Sheri Nelson said it will take up to two weeks to scan the petition sheets and determine if there are enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Affirmative action has been illegal in Washington since Initiative 200 was approved by voters in 1998.