Initiatives, Referenda, and Election Law

Initiatives and Referenda

Pacifica’s experience with ballot measures and elections is deep and varied. Our unique blend of constitutional expertise, policy insight, and litigation success combine to offer clients high-quality representation on their most important political matters.

For decades, our attorneys have developed, drafted, shepherded through the political process, and litigated dozens of initiatives and referenda. In some cases, we develop and draft ballot measures and litigate challenges to ballot titles and summaries that turn client policy goals into proposed laws designed to survive legal scrutiny. In other cases, we litigate initiatives and referenda pre- and post-election, either in defense of or in challenge to a proposed law. And in many cases, we do both.

As a result, we have been involved in many of the major Washington State ballot measures in recent history. From defending initiatives that prevent gun violence to challenging unconstitutional restrictions on state and local legislative power, Pacifica attorneys are trusted counsel and leaders in the field.

Election Law

Pacifica attorneys also regularly advise clients on, and appear in court or administrative proceedings arising from, general election law issues.  This includes voter pamphlet challenges, campaign finance (PDC) requirements, sufficiency of initiative or referendum signatures and qualification procedures, elected official recall petitions, and constitutional voting rights.

Pacifica is proud to have helped several candidates, elected officials, policy groups, and businesses navigate these complex issues.