Washington Voters Will Decide on Initiative 638 in November
The upcoming ballot initiative would require medical verification of biological sex for students in girls sports.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Secondary Education
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In the November 2026 general election, Washington voters will decide on Initiative 638, which proposes barring transgender girls from competing in girls sports at K-12 schools. The measure would require students to provide medical documentation confirming their biological sex to participate in competitive girls athletics.
Why it matters
The proposal introduces new requirements for student eligibility that could impact family logistics and school sports participation for many households. Proponents argue the change protects athletic opportunities for girls, while opponents raise concerns regarding the necessity of medical documentation.
A recent poll of 400 voters shows 43% support for Initiative 638, which would allow verification of biological sex via reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or testosterone levels. This initiative is one of several measures currently moving through the state political process.
The players
Bob Ferguson
The current Governor of Washington who has urged voters to reject the proposed initiative.
Let's Go Washington
A political committee currently backing Initiative 638 and an initiative to repeal a high-earners tax.
The details
If approved, the initiative would mandate that students seeking to play in competitive girls sports verify their biological sex through clinical evidence. This process could involve submitting records related to reproductive anatomy, genetic testing, or endogenously produced testosterone levels. Notably, the proposed rules do not apply to transgender boys competing on boys school sports teams.
Timeline
November 2026: Washington voters will decide on Initiative 638.
2028: A high-earners income tax will begin applying to qualifying households.
2029: Collections from the high-earners income tax are scheduled to begin.
The Home Front
This initiative arrives as part of a broader cycle of major policy shifts appearing on the state ballot. It shares the ballot with separate fiscal measures, such as the 9.9% high-earners income tax on household incomes over $1 million that is set to take effect for households in 2028.
Families with students in K-12 competitive sports should review the potential verification requirements outlined in the initiative to understand how they might apply. Households should also track the general election ballot timeline as they consider the implications of these proposed school policy changes.
The takeaway
The upcoming vote presents a significant change for student athletes and school athletic departments across the state. Voters and families should monitor the official ballot language to fully understand how these documentation requirements would impact school participation.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest state policy shifts in Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Seattle Times.
Live Poll
Should states require students to verify their biological sex to participate in school sports?
