Initiative checks done, I-1107 qualifies

Initiative checks done, I-1107 qualifies

The state Elections Division announced Wednesday afternoon that sponsors for Initiative 1107 submitted enough voter signatures to make the November ballot. Secretary of State Sam Reed is expected to officially certify I-1107 Thursday.

This measure would repeal new taxes on candy, pop, bottled water and certain other products.

I-1107 is the last of six initiatives cleared for the ballot by the Office of Secretary of State this month. Each needed at least 241,153 valid voter signatures to qualify, and all six easily met that test.

Sponsors for I-1107 turned in more than 408,000 signatures after a late start in collecting them, possibly setting a speed record for qualifying. As was the case with the other five initiatives, 1107 submitted a sufficient number of signatures to qualify for the 3 percent sample check.

Of the 12,428 signatures that were examined, 10,805 were accepted.  State Elections staff is calculating the final invalid rate.

The other five initiatives that Washington voters will decide on this fall are:
— I-1053, restoring the two-thirds voting requirement for the Legislature to raise taxes.
–I-1098, authorizing a state income tax on high-wage earners and lowering some taxes.
–I-1082, the plan to allow private insurers to offer coverage for workplace injuries.
–I-1100, which would end the state liquor monopoly and allow current retailers to sell hard liquor along with their beer and wine.
–I-1105, the second liquor privatization proposal. Whereas Initiative 1100 would let retailers buy liquor stock directly from manufacturers, I-1105 would require use of wholesalers.

The Legislature has sent three other measures to the statewide ballot this fall:

* Referendum 52 would authorize bonds to finance construction and repair projects increasing energy efficiency in public schools and higher education buildings, and continue the sales tax on bottled water otherwise expiring in 2013.

* House Joint Resolution 4220, known as the “Lakewood Police Officers Memorial Act,” would amend the state constitution on bail requirements for judges.

* Senate Joint Resolution 8225 would amend the state constitution relating to debt limits for the state.

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