Voters to elect 5 of 9 Washington Supreme Court justices in large turnover Nov. 3

WASHINGTON STATE — Washington voters will decide the direction of the state’s highest court for years to come, with five of nine seats on the Washington Supreme Court up for election Nov. 3 — an unusually large turnover that could shape rulings on tax policy and other constitutional issues.

The election includes two open seats, two appointed incumbents and one sitting elected justice. Typically, turnover is slower, with three races every two years. This year, however, voters will elect five justices.


The outcome could prove pivotal for major legal questions expected to reach the court, including Washington’s so-called millionaire’s tax, a controversial measure passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor.

Critics, including former Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna, have pledged to challenge the tax in court. McKenna is leading a lawsuit backed by business groups and individuals who argue the tax is unconstitutional under Washington law, contending that income is considered “property” and must be uniformly taxed.




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