Voters rejecting R-88, affirmative action referendum

Referendum 88  — the affirmative action referendum — is being rejected in Washington state at 51%. The second round of vote tallying on Wednesday showed no real change in the close race (542,736 vs 513,015 votes).

While technically a vote on whether or not to repeal I-1000 — a measure approved by the state Legislature in April — the affirmative action measure appeared on ballots as Referendum 88.

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It was written to allow the previously-approved I-1000 to go into effect, expressly allowing Washington state to implement affirmative action policies in public employment, education, and contracting. It also specifically does not allow the use of “preferential treatment” or quotas. In this case, “preferential treatment” is defined as using race, gender, ethnicity, age, etc. as the sole factor in hiring or admission standards.

Supporters have stated that it’s a necessity for promoting racial equity in Washington, overturning a two-decade-long state ban on affirmative action. Opponents, though, claimed that it will actually create divides among racial groups and make Washington less equitable.

Former Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin voices support for affirmative action

In either case, it now goes to ground, ending what’s been a heated debate over affirmative action.

I-1000: Does affirmative action have a place in Washington state?

Over the course of election season, Referendum 88 was endorsed by three former Washington governors in Dan Evans, Gary Locke, and Christine Gregoire.

“I-1000 opens the door. That’s all it does,” said former Washington Governor Christine Gregoire in March. “It opens the door to qualified candidates who want to go to college, who want public employment, and want public contracting.”

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