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2012 Washington Referendum 74

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2012 Washington Referendum 74

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FieldValue
nameReferendum Measure No. 74
countryWashington
titleSame-Sex Marriage
yes1659915
no1431285
total3172930
electorate3905140
map{{switcher[[File:2012 Washington Referendum 74 results map by county.svg275px]]County results
map_caption
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notesSource: General Election Results - Wash. Secretary of State
dateNovember 6, 2012

|[[File:2012 Washington Referendum 74 results map by congressional district.svg|275px]]|Congressional district results|[[File:WA Referendum 74 2012.svg|275px]]|Precinct results}} Approve Reject Other

Results by county. Size shows total votes cast, Approved is green, Rejected is orange

Referendum 74 (R-74 or Ref 74) was a Washington state referendum to approve or reject the February 2012 bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in the state. On June 12, 2012, state officials announced that enough signatures in favor of the referendum had been submitted and scheduled the referendum to appear on the ballot in the November 6 general election. The law was upheld by voters in the November 6, 2012 election by a final margin of 7.4% (53.7% approve, 46.3% reject) and the result was certified on December 5.

Ballot measure

The ballot title read as follows:

This bill would allow same-sex couples to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony.

Should this bill be:

Approved [ ]

Rejected [ ]}}

The following summary accompanied the ballot measure:

History

Main article: Same-sex marriage in Washington state

Title 26 of the Revised Code of Washington, entitled "domestic relations", governs marriage in Washington state.{{cite web | access-date = August 26, 2012}} A 2012 bill, Senate Bill 6239, would legalize same-sex marriage and convert into a marriage on June 30, 2014, any undissolved state registered domestic partnership that does not involve at least one party aged 62 years or older.{{cite web | access-date = August 26, 2012}} It also would add language in Section 26.04.010 exempting religious organizations from any requirement to "provide accommodations, facilities, advantages, privileges, services, or goods related to the solemnization or celebration of a marriage".{{cite web | access-date = August 26, 2012}} Governor Christine Gregoire signed the engrossed bill on February 13. The bill was scheduled to take effect June 7 – 90 days after the legislative session — but opponents submitted on June 6 the necessary signatures to suspend the bill and require a statewide voter referendum. On June 12, the Washington secretary of state announced that they had submitted enough signatures to place the referendum on the ballot for the November general election.

Support and opposition

Statements for and against the bill were available online as part of the official online voter's guide for the referendum. Per Section 42.17A on "campaign disclosure and contribution", the Washington state Public Disclosure Commission posted campaign information online, including information for referendums and initiatives, showing seven groups registered for approval of the bill and one against. Of these, Washington United for Marriage (WUM) and Preserve Marriage Washington were the most active, for and against the bill, respectively.

WUM lists "a coalition of more than 500 organizations and businesses" on its website. Amazon's Jeff Bezos and his then-wife Mackenzie Scott pledged $2.5 million to support the same-sex marriage law. Steve Ballmer of Microsoft and co-founder Bill Gates each donated $100,000 to the campaign in support as well. Starbucks, Nike, Inc., REI, Alcoa, Expedia, Inc., T-Mobile, Nordstrom, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and dozens of other businesses also supported the bill. United States President Barack Obama encouraged support as well.{{cite web | access-date = October 25, 2012}}

Opposition to the bill was coordinated largely by the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, which encouraged support for rejecting the bill among all parishes. Parishes planned "in-pew donations as part of what it is calling Preserve Marriage month" and NOM was expected to bring in additional money from outside the state.{{cite news|last=Turnbull|first=Lornett|title=Gay-marriage campaigns on verge of unleashing their ads|newspaper =The Seattle Times|date =August 20, 2012|url =http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018958497_ref74money21m.html |access-date = August 22, 2012}}

Several newspapers in Washington state supported the bill, with the Seattle Times also launching an interactive social media campaign to encourage readers to support the bill publicly. Other endorsements included the Tacoma News-Tribune, Spokane's The Spokesman-Review, Vancouver's The Columbian, Yakima Herald-Republic,{{cite web |author=Yakima Herald-Republic Editorial Board | access-date = October 23, 2012}} Tri-City Herald, Everett's The Herald,{{cite web|author=Editorial Board|title=Vote for marriage equality|work=Herald Endorsement|publisher=The Herald (Everett)|date=October 3, 2012|url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20121003/OPINION01/710039972 |access-date = October 3, 2012}} The Olympian, The Wenatchee World, and the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.

Campaign fundraising

Referendum 74 generated a large number of individual donations which may have surpassed the 2008 record of 13,500 for the Washington Death with Dignity Act. As of July 3, 2012, Referendum 74 sponsor Preserve Marriage Washington (seeking "rejection" votes) had reportedly raised $132,000, while Washington United for Marriage (seeking "approval" votes) raised $1.9 million. As of August, campaign-financing proponents showed a 13-to-1 fundraising advantage for same-sex marriage, but a National Organization for Marriage campaign director was confident that $4 million would appear as needed.{{cite news | access-date = August 22, 2012}} A Public Disclosure Commission complaint has been filed, accusing both Preserve Marriage Washington and the National Organization for Marriage of having failed to report donations as required by law.{{cite web | access-date = August 22, 2012}} As of October 5, 2012, proponents of Referendum 74 Washington United for Marriage have raised $9.4 million in donations and opponents Preserve Marriage Washington have raised about $1 million.{{cite web | access-date =October 5, 2012 | archive-date =September 27, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120927095521/http://www.pdc.wa.gov/public/ballotmap/ballotinitmap.aspx | url-status =dead

Opinion polls

Various public opinion surveys of Washington residents asked questions regarding same-sex marriage. The questions vary, with some surveys referring directly to Referendum 74 and others asking more general questions. A post-election poll indicated much stronger support for such marriage among women than men across several categories.{{cite news | access-date = December 17, 2012}}

Date of opinion pollConducted bySample sizeForAgainstUndecidedMargin of errorQuestion
October 10–30, 2011University of Washington Center for Survey Research93855%38%7%±3.2%"Next year, the legislature could pass a law allowing gay and lesbian couples to get married. If that happens, there could be a referendum in which voters would beasked to approve or reject the law. If such a referendum were held today: Would you vote YES – that is, to keep a law in place allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry OR would you vote NO, against the law – to make it so that gay and lesbian couples could not marry?"
url=http://www.king5.com/news/up-front/polls/KING-5-poll-State-divided-over-gay-marriage-137689348.htmltitle=KING 5 poll: State divided over gay marriagepublisher=KING5 Newsdate=January 19, 2012access-date=June 26, 2012}}SurveyUSA61747%46%7%±4.0%"If the legislature were to approve marriage for same-sex couples, and you were asked to approve or reject the law, how would you vote?"
1=Recent Elway Poll: 60% Want Marriage to Remain As It Is}}Elway Research40551%45%4%±5.0%"Should gay and lesbian couples have the same legal right to marry as straight couples?"
February 13–15, 2012SurveyUSA57250%45%5%±4.2%"A new law will allow same-sex couples to marry in Washington state. If you were asked to approve or reject the law, how would you vote?"
nowrapFebruary 16–19, 2012Public Policy Polling1,26450%46%4%±2.76%"If there was a referendum on the new law legalizing same-sex marriage, would you vote to uphold the law, or would you vote to repeal it?"
May 22–24, 2012Strategies 36050054%33%12%±4.4%"Do you think it should be legal or illegal for gay and lesbian couples to get married?"
nowrapMay 29–30, 2012SurveyUSA66140%37%23%±3.9%"The state legislature has passed a bill to allow same-sex couples to marry, while allowing clergy and religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize or accommodate any marriage ceremony. The issue may appear on the ballot in November as Measure 74, asking voters to approve or reject the bill. If Measure 74 is on the ballot, will you vote to approve the bill? Vote to reject the bill? Or are you not yet sure how you will vote?"
nowrapJune 14–17, 2012{{cite weburl=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_WA_619.pdfpublisher=Public Policy Pollingdate=June 19, 2012access-date=June 20, 2012}}Public Policy Polling1,07351%42%7%±3.0%
nowrapJuly 16–17, 2012SurveyUSA63050%43%7%±4.0%"A new law passed by the legislature would allow same-sex couples to marry in Washington state. Should this law be approved? Or rejected?"
nowrapSeptember 7–9, 2012SurveyUSA52456%38%6%±4.3%"A new law passed by the legislature would allow same-sex couples to marry in Washington state. Should this law be approved? Or rejected?"
nowrapSeptember 9–12, 2012Elway Poll40551%37%12%±5%"The legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6239 concerning marriage for same-sex couples, modified domestic-partnership law, and religious freedom, and voters have filed a sufficient referendum petition on this bill. This bill would allow same-sex couples to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony. Should this bill be: Approved...Rejected."
nowrapSeptember 28–30, 2012Survey USA54055%40%6%±4.3%"A new law passed by the legislature would allow same-sex couples to marry in Washington state. Should this law be approved? Or rejected?"
October 1–16, 2012University of Washington Center for Survey Research64454.1%38.4%5.7%±3.9%"Statewide ballot referendum seventy-four (74) concerns marriage for same-sex couples. This referendum would allow same-sex couples to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony."
nowrapOctober 12–14, 2012Survey USA54354%41%5%±4.3%"A new law passed by the legislature would allow same-sex couples to marry in Washington state. Should this law be approved? Or rejected?"
nowrapOctober 17–20, 2012Strategies36050055%38%8%±4.4%"Here is the next one. This initiative is called Referendum 74. The legislature passed a bill concerning marriage for same-sex couples, modified domestic-partnership law, and religious freedom, and voters have filed a referendum on this bill. This bill would allow same-sex couples to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony. Should this bill be approved or rejected?"
nowrapOctober 18–21, 2012Elway Poll45149%45%6%±4.5%"The legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6239 concerning marriage for same-sex couples, modified domestic-partnership law, and religious freedom, and voters have filed a sufficient referendum petition on this bill. This bill would allow same-sex couples to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony. Should this bill be: Approved...Rejected."
October 18–31, 2012University of Washington Center for Survey Research63257.9%36.9%5.7%±3.9%"Statewide ballot referendum seventy-four (74) concerns marriage for same-sex couples. This referendum would allow same-sex couples to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony."
nowrapOctober 28–31, 2012Survey USA55552%43%5%±4.2%"A new law passed by the legislature would allow same-sex couples to marry in Washington state. Should this law be approved? Or rejected?"
nowrapNovember 1–3, 2012Public Policy Polling93252%42%6%±3.2%"Referendum Measure No. 74 deals with Senate Bill 6239, which would allow same-sex couples to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony. Do you think this bill should be approved or rejected?"

Results

Upon certification, Secretary of State Sam Reed partially credited the referendum for encouraging voter turnout of 81%, the highest in the nation.{{cite web | access-date = December 7, 2012}} County offices in King and Thurston counties opened at 12:01 a.m. after the measure was certified, with celebrations in support outside of several government offices,{{cite web | access-date = December 7, 2012}} with various same-sex weddings scheduled, free of charge, beginning just after midnight on December 9, just after the mandatory three-day waiting period applying to all Washington weddings.{{cite news | access-date = December 7, 2012}}

By county

CountyYesNoMarginTotal votes#%#%#%Totals1,659,91553.70%1,431,28546.30%228,6307.40%3,091,200
Adams1,32928.14%3,39471.86%-2,065-43.72%4,723
Asotin3,64136.98%6,20563.02%-2,564-26.04%9,846
Benton29,10936.79%50,00763.21%-20,898-26.41%79,116
Chelan13,62442.63%18,33757.37%-4,713-14.75%31,961
Clallam17,93347.51%19,81452.49%-1,881-4.98%37,747
Clark88,87047.40%98,63752.60%-9,767-5.21%187,507
Columbia72632.15%1,53267.85%-806-35.70%2,258
Cowlitz18,57641.98%25,67258.02%-7,096-16.04%44,248
Douglas5,33635.82%9,55964.18%-4,223-28.35%14,895
Ferry1,21035.30%2,21864.70%-1,008-29.40%3,428
Franklin7,06931.34%15,49068.66%-8,421-37.33%22,559
Garfield36128.61%90171.39%-540-42.79%1,262
Grant8,51831.16%18,82068.84%-10,302-37.68%27,338
Grays Harbor13,21446.16%15,41253.84%-2,198-7.68%28,626
Island21,68752.24%19,82447.76%1,8634.49%41,511
Jefferson12,45863.74%7,08736.26%5,37127.48%19,545
King638,93967.00%314,63933.00%324,30034.01%953,578
Kitsap66,27153.99%56,47046.01%9,8017.99%122,741
Kittitas8,21545.70%9,76054.30%-1,545-8.60%17,975
Klickitat4,27842.38%5,81657.62%-1,538-15.24%10,094
Lewis11,93235.17%21,99264.83%-10,060-29.65%33,924
Lincoln1,65428.47%4,15571.53%-2,501-43.05%5,809
Mason13,49847.98%14,63252.02%-1,134-4.03%28,130
Okanogan6,66240.04%9,97759.96%-3,315-19.92%16,639
Pacific4,93447.31%5,49452.69%-560-5.37%10,428
Pend Oreille2,24233.72%4,40766.28%-2,165-32.56%6,649
Pierce168,65649.59%171,45350.41%-2,797-0.82%340,109
San Juan7,39571.16%2,99728.84%4,39842.32%10,392
Skagit27,48250.23%27,23349.77%2490.46%54,715
Skamania2,43045.18%2,94954.82%-519-9.65%5,379
Snohomish172,74452.97%153,35847.03%19,3865.94%326,102
Spokane98,65944.34%123,83855.66%-25,179-11.32%222,497
Stevens6,97731.36%15,27268.64%-8,295-37.28%22,249
Thurston70,28556.07%55,07043.93%15,21512.14%125,355
Wahkiakum94642.44%1,28357.56%-337-15.12%2,229
Walla Walla9,89439.66%15,05660.34%-5,162-20.69%24,950
Whatcom55,78855.08%45,50044.92%10,28810.16%101,288
Whitman8,55450.66%8,33049.34%2241.33%16,884
Yakima27,81936.36%48,69563.64%-20,876-27.28%76,514

By congressional district

"Yes" won six of ten congressional districts.

DistrictYesNoRepresentative
54%46%Suzan DelBene
56%44%Rick Larsen
45%55%Jaime Herrera Beutler
35%65%Doc Hastings
43%57%Cathy McMorris Rodgers
53%47%Norm Dicks
Derek Kilmer
79%21%Jim McDermott
49%51%Dave Reichert
60%40%Adam Smith
51%49%Denny Heck

References

References

  1. (February 13, 2012). "Proposed Referendum Measures—2012". Washington State Secretary of State.
  2. (June 12, 2012). "Anti-gay-marriage measure qualifies for Wash. state ballot". USA Today.
  3. Official Press Release. (December 5, 2012). "Gov. Gregoire and Secretary Reed certify Referendum 74". [[Governor of Washington]].
  4. (March 13, 2012). "Proposed Referendum Measures 2012". Washington State Secretary of State.
  5. [http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Passed%20Legislature/6239-S.PL.pdf Section 10 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6239, Washington State Legislature]
  6. (February 13, 2012). "Gregoire signs gay marriage into law".
  7. (February 8, 2012). "Washington state House approves same-sex marriage". Seattle Post Intelligencer.
  8. (February 1, 2012). "Washington State Senate approves same-sex marriage". MSNBC.
  9. [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/06/washington-gay-marriage-referendum_n_1574608.html "Washington Gay Marriage Law Blocked As Opponents Submit Signatures For Referendum", ''Huffington Post'', reported by Mike Baker, Associated Press, June 6, 2012]
  10. [http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2012/06/washington_gay_marriage_refere.html "Gay marriage referendum 74 makes Washington ballot", Oregon''Live'', reported by the Associated Press, June 12, 2012]
  11. (2012). "Online Voter's Guide". Washington State Secretary of State.
  12. (2012). "Continuing Political Committees". Public Disclosure Commission.
  13. (2012). "Coalition Partners". Washington United for Marriage.
  14. Michael D. Shear. (July 27, 2012). "Amazon's Founder Pledges $2.5 Million in Support of Same-Sex Marriage". New York Times.
  15. Rachel La Corte. (July 2, 2012). "APNewsBreak: Ballmer, Gates support gay marriage". The Seattle Times.
  16. Lornet Turnbull. (August 13, 2012). "REI endorses same-sex marriage in Washington state". The Seattle Times.
  17. "Businesses for Washington United for Marriage".
  18. (August 4, 2012). "Low-profile Seattle archbishop not afraid of controversies". The Seattle Times.
  19. Westneat, Danny. (August 21, 2012). "Out-of-state money chooses what we vote on". The Seattle Times.
  20. Editorial board. (September 14, 2012). "Ref. 74: Join our 'I do' social media campaign to support same-sex marriage". [[Seattle Times]].
  21. Editorial Board. (September 17, 2012). "R-74: Yes vote on marriage equality is right for Washington". [[The News-Tribune]].
  22. Editorial Board. (September 16, 2012). "Affirm R-74 because state has no role in personal choice". [[The Spokesman-Review]].
  23. Editorial Board. (September 16, 2012). "Referendum 74 Endorsed". [[The Columbian]].
  24. Editorial Board. (October 14, 2012). "Same-sex marriage: Yes". [[Tri-City Herald]].
  25. Editorial Board. (September 21, 2012). "A vote for R-74 is a vote for marriage equality and basic rights". [[The Olympian]].
  26. Wenatchee World Editorial Board. (October 6, 2012). "R-74 affirms our changing norms". [[The Wenatchee World]].
  27. Editorial Board. (September 13, 2012). "Voters should affirm gay marriage law". [[Walla Walla Union-Bulletin]].
  28. (July 3, 2012). "Washington state anti-gay marriage initiative fails". Reuters.
  29. This margin of error is based on a 95 percent [[confidence interval]].
  30. [http://www.washingtonpoll.org/results/2011_ssm.pdf 2011 Washington Poll A Closer Look at Attitudes Towards Same-Sex Marriage]
  31. [http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=3e569851-5364-447f-84cf-4bc6ac6bf688 Washington State Political Landscape 01/16/12]
  32. (January 19, 2012). "KING 5 poll: State divided over gay marriage". KING5 News.
  33. [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/feb/16/washington-ballot-best-chance-for-foes-of-same-sex/?page=all Washington ballot best chance for foes of same-sex marriage]
  34. {{usurped
  35. [http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=91da2dee-d600-4612-80c8-9a2a44668738 9 Mos to Election Day in WA State: Obama Net Approval Minus 5; Voters Split on Same-Sex Marriage]
  36. [http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_WA_222.pdf Washington Governor’s Race a Dead Heat; Voters Support Gay Marriage, Relaxing Marijuana Laws]
  37. (May 30, 2012). "A Survey of Likely Voters in Washington State". Strategies 360.
  38. [http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=a9366964-0b4e-4f15-9877-6712f41e69fb In Newly Drawn WA01, Koster & Burner Likely to Advance from Primary to General, Where Republican May Have Slight Early Advantage]
  39. [http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=2786ebbd-3348-4795-b0a8-0ee124a9707d WA State Governor: McKenna (R) 42%, Inslee (D) 41%. WA State Attorney General: Dunn (R) 37%, Ferguson (D) 37%]
  40. [http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=07b89034-43b1-4d60-8d0f-2982bd314434 Washington State, 8 weeks till votes are counted, Democrat Inslee Tip-Toes 5 Points In Front of Republican McKenna in Tight Governor Fight]
  41. [http://publicola.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Elway-Poll-0912-Ballot-Measures-copy.pdf 3 of 4 Ballot Measures at 50–51%]
  42. "KING 5 poll: Majorities in Washington favor gay marriage, marijuana initiatives".
  43. "KCTS 9 Washington Poll".
  44. "KING 5 poll: Initiatives still ahead; AG race now a toss-up".
  45. "Strategies360".
  46. [http://pl.scribd.com/doc/111037735/Elway-Poll-102412 McKenna Takes Lead Among Likely Voters]
  47. "KCTS 9 Washington Poll".
  48. "KING 5 Poll: Governor's race a dead heat with 5 days to go".
  49. [http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_WA_1103.pdf WA-Gov close, Obama, gay marriage, and marijuana lead]
  50. Ho, Vanessa. (November 7, 2012). "Dec. 6: Gay marriage's history-making day". Seattlepi.com.
  51. Reed, Sam. (November 6, 2012). "Referendum Measure No. 74 Concerns marriage for same-sex couples - County Results". [[Secretary of State of Washington]].
  52. "2012 General Data".
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