New poll: Washingtonians advise governor, lawmakers on budget shortfall

New polling from Napolitan News Service released today provides an update on where Washington voters stand on potential tax increases, as lawmakers begin a legislative session and must decide how to address a $12 billion budget shortfall over the next several years.

Some highlights from the poll include:

• Seventy-eight percent (78%) of voters believe that taxes in Washington State are too high, and 76% believe the taxes they personally pay are too high

• The same percentage (76%) believe that failure of ballot initiatives to lower taxes should not be interpreted as voter approval to raise taxes.

• Nearly 80% of voters oppose a per-mile vehicle tax added on top of existing gas taxes.

• 61% of believe it’s possible to balance the state budget by eliminating wasteful spending.

FULL POLL RESULTS ARE AVAILABLE HERE

The poll included 800 Registered Voters in Washington and was conducted January 3-7, 2025.