State affirmative action measure R-88 narrowly defeated

Referendum 88 (R-88), the statewide affirmative action measure, was recently narrowly defeated in the general election. R-88 sought to restore affirmative action in Washington state.

If approved, R-88 would have implemented the affirmative action measure known as Initiative 1000. This measure would have given state and local governments the ability to institute affirmative action laws, regulations, policies, or procedures in public employment, higher education, and contracting.

The measure fell short of the number needed to trigger a mandatory recount.