(The Center Square) – A new poll shows Washington voters are opposed to the state’s new income tax by a three-to-one margin, with 57% saying they believe that they will have to pay the tax eventually, even if it only starts with a tax on millionaires.
The survey, conducted by Cygnal for the Concerned Taxpayers Accountability Center, surveyed 800 likely general election voters between May 13-15.
The results have a margin of error of 3.5 points.
In addition to questions about the new income tax, respondents were asked how they feel about the direction of the state, and Governor Bob Ferguson’s favorability.
Income tax opinions
Voters oppose a state income tax by a three-to-one margin with 67% opposed and 21% in favor, the survey shows. Of those opposed, 60% said they are “strongly opposed”.
Roughly 6% were undecided and another 6% neither supported nor opposed the tax.
Respondents were then asked about messaging on both sides of the debate over the so-called millionaire’s tax, which for now is a 9.9% tax on income above $1 million, or combined household income above that amount.
Messaging from supporters of the tax suggests it will only affect people making a million dollars or more a year, and that the money generated will fund education programs, transportation, and healthcare.
Messaging from opponents of the tax argue it is unconstitutional and will eventually reach all Washingtonians, regardless of how much money they make.
Respondents sided with the opposition statement 57% to 30%, finding broader agreement with the argument that the tax is unconstitutional and will eventually reach every Washingtonian.
Is Washington on the right track?
Poll participants were asked about the direction of the state and if they believe things are headed down the right track.
A majority 54% said Washington is on the wrong track compared to only 37% who said they think we’re headed in the right direction, while 39% said “definitely wrong track” versus just 3% “definitely right track.”
Gov. Ferguson’s favorability
49% held an unfavorable view of the governor while 39% viewed him favorably.
Among those who hold an unfavorable view of the governor, 37.4% held a “very unfavorable” view. Among those who hold a favorable view, 11.6% said “very favorable.”
The poll results come as Washington voters are very likely to consider the income tax on the November ballot. Let’s Go Washington turned in more than 511,000 voter signatures earlier this month to the Secretary of State’s office hoping to get IP26-645 qualified for the ballot. About 309,000 valid signatures are required, so certification is highly likely, and expected within days.
A legal challenge is also underway led by Citizen Action Defense Fund. The lawsuit contends that the tax treats income as property, which violates the state constitution’s requirement that property taxes be uniform and capped at 1%.
Meantime, supporters of the income tax this week launched their campaign urging voters to reject the repeal initiative.
That effort is led by Invest in Washington Now, a group of union backed educators and labor groups who argue taxing the state’s highest earners will balance Washington’s regressive tax code.
The Center Square reached out to Invest in WA Now seeking comment about the poll results but received no response.
Ferguson’s office emailed a statement to The Center Square.
“Washington state was Number 1 nationwide for economic growth the first quarter of this year, we moved up three spots in the nationwide ranking of the best states to do business, and we’re Number 2 in the country for best state economy. The governor is not focused on polls, he’s focused on moving the state forward,” wrote Brionna Aho from Ferguson’s office.
LGW provided a statement to The Center Square about the poll results.
“Bob Ferguson has ignored Washingtonians’ opposition to the income tax since the day he signed it into law. Today’s poll confirms nothing has changed: voters still don’t want it. Yesterday, Ferguson and his allies spent 45 minutes spreading lies about the repeal. The truth is that voting yes preserves funding for the Working Families Tax Credit, paid family leave, sales tax reductions, and small-business relief,” read LGW’s text statement.
Washington GOP Chair Jim Walsh of Aberdeen also texted a statement in response to the poll.
“The Ferguson-Pedersen state income tax scheme is wildly unpopular. If anything, this poll may understate how unpopular the scheme really is. The important takeaway from this latest poll is that the people of Washington don’t like and don’t want a state income tax,” wrote Walsh.