The editorial boards of daily newspapers across the state have warned voters of the real intentions behind Initiative 1501.  The Seattle Times called the measure a “Trojan horse,” and even the most left leaning alternative newspapers in the state have called the measure for what it really is.  Seattle Weekly declared it a “smokescreen” whose goal is to trick voters into gutting the state’s Public Records Act, while the Stranger dubbed it “a bad idea masquerading as concern for your grandma.” Learn more about the measure in WPC’s recently published Citizens Guide to Initiative 1501.

Now the measure that seeks to change the state’s strong Public Records Act so only unions have access to certain public information is garnering national attention.  The Wall Street Journal today featured a story explaining the real motive behind the union-sponsored measure.  As the article cheekily concludes, “No grandmothers will be harmed if the SEIU’s initiative loses, but thousands of workers will pay more if it passes.”

While the mainstream (and not so mainstream) media sees through the self-serving attempt by labor unions to game the initiative system in order to keep their members in the dark about their constitutional right to opt-out of their union, per the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Harris v. Quinn, polls show many voters may not.  A recent poll shows 72% of voters supporting Initiative 1501.  Not surprising given the misleading ballot title and the nearly $1.5 million organized labor has dumped into the “yes” campaign, with no money supporting the opposition. 

While the initiative system in our state gives voters an important tool to keep government in check, Initiative 1501 is the perfect example of how the initiative process can be abused by a determined (and well-funded) special interest.