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Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Washington Legislature. Austin Jenkins is the Olympia correspondent for the Northwest News Network. You can also see Austin on television as host of TVW's (the C–SPAN of Washington State) weekly public affairs program "Inside Olympia."

Elway Poll: Undecideds Key To Latest Eyman Initiative

Austin Jenkins
/
Northwest News Network
File photo of anti-tax activist Tim Eyman. The latest Elway Poll shows Eyman's tax-limiting measure on Washington's November ballot is tied.

The latest Elway Poll released Monday showed Initiative 1366, a tax-limiting measure on Washington’s November ballot, is tied. Sixteen percent of Washington voters said they’re still not sure how they’ll vote.

The latest offering from anti-tax activist Tim Eyman, I-1366 would cut the state sales tax from 6.5 percent to 5.5 percent unless lawmakers send voters a constitutional amendment to require a two-thirds vote for tax hikes.

Pollster Stuart Elway said support for the measure dropped seven points over the summer to 42 percent.

“The trend line is notable,” Elway said. “But the caveat is there’s still 16 percent out there who are either undecided or won’t tell us.”

Elway added that historically, undecided voters have favored Eyman tax initiatives.

Support for the other measure on Washington’s fall ballot has also slipped, but not by much. Initiative 1401would make it a state crime to traffic in endangered species. The Paul Allen-funded measure enjoys a three-to-one approval rating going into the election.

Since January 2004, Austin Jenkins has been the Olympia-based political reporter for the Northwest News Network. In that position, Austin covers Northwest politics and public policy, as well as the Washington State Legislature. You can also see Austin on television as host of TVW's (the C–SPAN of Washington State) Emmy-nominated public affairs program "Inside Olympia."