2012 Washington Referendum 74

none July 2012 Referendum Measure No. 74 Washington Same-Sex Marriage 1659915 1431285 3172930 3905140 275px County results 275px Congressional district results 275px Precinct results Approve #2B2457 90–100% 1px #AAAAAA solid #28497C 80–90% 1px #AAAAAA solid #47729E 70–80% 1px #AAAAAA solid #7D9CBB 60–70% 1px #AAAAAA solid #B6C8D9 50–60% 1px #AAAAAA solid Reject #32320C 90–100% 1px #AAAAAA solid #5D5D2D 80–90% 1px #AAAAAA solid #8B8B54 70–80% 1px #AAAAAA solid #BCBC83 60–70% 1px #AAAAAA solid #DEDEBD 50–60% 1px #AAAAAA solid Other #EBEEED Tie 1px #AAAAAA solid #808080 No data 1px #AAAAAA solid Source: General Election Results - Wash. Secretary of State November 6, 2012 thumb|right|Results by county. Size shows total votes cast, Approved is green, Rejected is orange Referendum 74 (R-74 or Ref 74) was a Washington state referendum to approve or reject the February 2012 bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in the state.Proposed Referendum Measures—2012 Washington State Secretary of State February 13, 2012 http://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/initiatives/referendum.aspx?y=2012 March 10, 2012 On June 12, 2012, state officials announced that enough signatures in favor of the referendum had been submitted and scheduled the referendum to appear on the ballot in the November 6 general election.USA Today http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2012/06/anti-gay-marriage-measure-qualifies-for-wash-state-ballot/1#.T_FHarWe4j8 Anti-gay-marriage measure qualifies for Wash. state ballot June 12, 2012 July 2, 2012 The law was upheld by voters in the November 6, 2012 election by a final margin of 7.4% (53.7% approve, 46.3% reject) and the result was certified on December 5.Gov. Gregoire and Secretary Reed certify Referendum 74 Official Press Release Governor of Washington December 5, 2012 http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=2011&newsType=1 December 10, 2012 January 8, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130108054334/http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=2011&newsType=1 dead Ballot measure The ballot title read as follows:Proposed Referendum Measures 2012 Washington State Secretary of State March 13, 2012 http://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/initiatives/referendum.aspx?y=2012 March 13, 2012 The legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6239 concerning marriage for same-sex couples, modified domestic-partnership law, and religious freedom, and voters have filed a sufficient referendum petition on this bill. This bill would allow same-sex couples to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony. Should this bill be: Approved [ ] Rejected [ ] The following summary accompanied the ballot measure: This bill allows same-sex couples to marry, applies marriage laws without regard to gender, and specifies that laws using gender-specific terms like husband and wife include same-sex spouses. After 2014, existing domestic partnerships are converted to marriages, except for seniors. It preserves the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform or recognize any marriage or accommodate wedding ceremonies. The bill does not affect licensing of religious organizations providing adoption, foster-care, or child-placement. History Same-sex marriage in Washington state Title 26 of the Revised Code of Washington, entitled "domestic relations", governs marriage in Washington state.Title 26 RCW: Domestic relations Revised Code of Washington Washington State Legislature February 13, 2012 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=26 August 26, 2012 A 2012 bill, Senate Bill 6239, would legalize same-sex marriage and convert into a marriage on June 30, 2014, any undissolved state registered domestic partnership that does not involve at least one party aged 62 years or older.Section 10 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6239, Washington State LegislatureSenators Murray, Pflug, Hobbs, Litzow, Kohl-Welles, Ranker, Tom, Harper, Pridemore, Keiser, Kline, Regala, Eide, Rolfes, McAuliffe, Brown, Nelson, Chase, Fraser, Frockt, Conway, Kilmer, and Prentice; by request of Governor Gregoire Senate Bill 6239 State of Washington 62nd Legislature 2012 Regular Session January 16, 2012 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/6239.pdf August 26, 2012 It also would add language in Section 26.04.010 exempting religious organizations from any requirement to "provide accommodations, facilities, advantages, privileges, services, or goods related to the solemnization or celebration of a marriage".Marriage contract — Void marriages — Construction of gender specific terms — Recognition of solemnization of marriage not required. (Effective if Referendum 74 is approved at the November 2012 general election.) RCW 26.04 Marriage Washington State Legislature February 13, 2012 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=26.04&full=true#26.04.010 August 26, 2012 Governor Christine Gregoire signed the engrossed bill on February 13.http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017497028_gaymarriage14m.html Gregoire signs gay marriage into law February 13, 2012 February 13, 2012 The bill was scheduled to take effect June 7 – 90 days after the legislative session — but opponents submitted on June 6 the necessary signatures to suspend the bill and require a statewide voter referendum.http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2012/02/08/house-approves-same-sex-marriage/ Washington state House approves same-sex marriage Seattle Post Intelligencer February 8, 2012 February 9, 2012http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/01/10294578-washington-state-senate-approves-same-sex-marriage-bill https://web.archive.org/web/20120202041745/http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/01/10294578-washington-state-senate-approves-same-sex-marriage-bill dead February 2, 2012 Washington State Senate approves same-sex marriage MSNBC February 1, 2012"Washington Gay Marriage Law Blocked As Opponents Submit Signatures For Referendum", Huffington Post, reported by Mike Baker, Associated Press, June 6, 2012 On June 12, the Washington secretary of state announced that they had submitted enough signatures to place the referendum on the ballot for the November general election."Gay marriage referendum 74 makes Washington ballot", OregonLive, reported by the Associated Press, June 12, 2012 Support and opposition Statements for and against the bill were available online as part of the official online voter's guide for the referendum.Online Voter's Guide Washington State Secretary of State 2012 https://wei.sos.wa.gov/agency/osos/en/press_and_research/PreviousElections/2012/General-Election/Pages/Online-Voters-Guide.aspx September 10, 2012 March 29, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130329073820/https://wei.sos.wa.gov/agency/osos/en/press_and_research/PreviousElections/2012/General-Election/Pages/Online-Voters-Guide.aspx dead Per Section 42.17A on "campaign disclosure and contribution", the Washington state Public Disclosure Commission posted campaign information online, including information for referendums and initiatives, showing seven groups registered for approval of the bill and one against.Continuing Political Committees Public Disclosure Commission 2012 http://www.pdc.wa.gov/MvcViewReports/Committee/initiative_committees August 22, 2012 September 7, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130907101724/http://www.pdc.wa.gov/MvcViewReports/Committee/initiative_committees dead Of these, Washington United for Marriage (WUM) and Preserve Marriage Washington were the most active, for and against the bill, respectively. WUM lists "a coalition of more than 500 organizations and businesses" on its website.Coalition Partners Washington United for Marriage 2012 http://washingtonunitedformarriage.org/coalition-partners/ August 22, 2012 Amazon's Jeff Bezos and his then-wife Mackenzie Scott pledged $2.5 million to support the same-sex marriage law.New York Times Amazon's Founder Pledges $2.5 Million in Support of Same-Sex Marriage Michael D. Shear July 27, 2012 July 27, 2012 http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/27/amazons-founder-pledges-2-5-million-in-support-of-same-sex-marriage/ Steve Ballmer of Microsoft and co-founder Bill Gates each donated $100,000 to the campaign in support as well. Starbucks, Nike, Inc., REI, Alcoa, Expedia, Inc., T-Mobile, Nordstrom, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and dozens of other businesses also supported the bill.AP The Seattle Times APNewsBreak: Ballmer, Gates support gay marriage Rachel La Corte http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018582592_apwagaymarriage1stldwritethru.html July 2, 2012 July 3, 2012The Seattle Times REI endorses same-sex marriage in Washington state Lornet Turnbull http://blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2012/08/13/rei-endorses-same-sex-marriage-in-washington-state/ August 13, 2012 August 14, 2012Businesses for Washington United for Marriage http://washingtonunitedformarriage.org/category/business/ August 14, 2012 United States President Barack Obama encouraged support as well.Brunner Jim Obama endorses yes vote on gay marriage in Washington state Politics Northwest Blog Seattle Times October 25, 2012 http://blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2012/10/25/obama-endorses-yes-vote-on-gay-marriage-in-washington-state/ October 25, 2012 Opposition to the bill was coordinated largely by the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, which encouraged support for rejecting the bill among all parishes.Janet I. Tu Jayme Fraser amp Low-profile Seattle archbishop not afraid of controversies The Seattle Times August 4, 2012 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018850908_sartain05m.html August 22, 2012 Parishes planned "in-pew donations as part of what it is calling Preserve Marriage month" and NOM was expected to bring in additional money from outside the state.Turnbull Lornett Gay-marriage campaigns on verge of unleashing their ads The Seattle Times August 20, 2012 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018958497_ref74money21m.html August 22, 2012Westneat Danny Out-of-state money chooses what we vote on The Seattle Times August 21, 2012 http://seattletimes.com/html/dannywestneat/2018963905_danny22.html August 24, 2012 Several newspapers in Washington state supported the bill, with the Seattle Times also launching an interactive social media campaign to encourage readers to support the bill publicly.Editorial board Ref. 74: Join our 'I do' social media campaign to support same-sex marriage Seattle Times September 14, 2012 http://seattletimes.com/html/edcetera/2019149802_ref-74-i-do-sign.html September 16, 2012 Other endorsements included the Tacoma News-Tribune,Editorial Board R-74: Yes vote on marriage equality is right for Washington Editorial The News-Tribune September 17, 2012 http://blog.thenewstribune.com/opinion/2012/09/16/r-74-yes-vote-on-marriage-equality-is-right-for-washington September 18, 2012 Spokane's The Spokesman-Review,Editorial Board Affirm R-74 because state has no role in personal choice Editorial The Spokesman-Review September 16, 2012 http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/sep/16/editorial-editorial-affirm-r-74-because-state-has September 16, 2012 Vancouver's The Columbian,Editorial Board Referendum 74 Endorsed In Our View The Columbian September 16, 2012 http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/sep/16/referendum-74-endorsed September 16, 2012 Yakima Herald-Republic,Yakima Herald-Republic Editorial Board All couples deserve the right to wed, approve R-74 Yakima Herald-Republic October 23, 2012 http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2012/10/22/endorsements-all-couples-deserve-the-right-to-wed-approve-r-74 October 23, 2012 Tri-City Herald,Editorial Board Same-sex marriage: Yes Tri-City Herald October 14, 2012 http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2012/10/14/2133827/same-sex-marriage-yes.html October 14, 2012 Everett's The Herald,Editorial Board Vote for marriage equality Herald Endorsement The Herald (Everett) October 3, 2012 http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20121003/OPINION01/710039972 October 3, 2012 The Olympian,Editorial Board A vote for R-74 is a vote for marriage equality and basic rights The Olympian September 21, 2012 http://www.theolympian.com//2012/09/21/2258651/a-vote-for-r-74-is-a-vote-for.html September 21, 2012 The Wenatchee World,Wenatchee World Editorial Board R-74 affirms our changing norms The Wenatchee World October 6, 2012 http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2012/oct/06/r-74-affirms-our-changing-norms/ October 10, 2012 and the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin. Editorial Board Voters should affirm gay marriage law Editorial Walla Walla Union-Bulletin September 13, 2012 http://union-bulletin.com/news/2012/sep/12/voters-should-affirm-gay-marriage-law September 18, 2012 November 15, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121115181416/http://union-bulletin.com/news/2012/sep/12/voters-should-affirm-gay-marriage-law/ dead Campaign fundraising Referendum 74 generated a large number of individual donations which may have surpassed the 2008 record of 13,500 for the Washington Death with Dignity Act. As of July 3, 2012, Referendum 74 sponsor Preserve Marriage Washington (seeking "rejection" votes) had reportedly raised $132,000, while Washington United for Marriage (seeking "approval" votes) raised $1.9 million.Reuters Washington state anti-gay marriage initiative fails https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-gaymarriage-washingtonstate-idUSBRE8621F420120703 July 3, 2012 July 6, 2012 As of August, campaign-financing proponentsSeptember 2012 showed a 13-to-1 fundraising advantage for same-sex marriage, but a National Organization for Marriage campaign director was confident that $4 million would appear as needed.Turnbull Lornett Gay-marriage campaigns on verge of unleashing their ads The Seattle Times August 20, 2012 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018958497_ref74money21m.html August 22, 2012 A Public Disclosure Commission complaint has been filed, accusing both Preserve Marriage Washington and the National Organization for Marriage of having failed to report donations as required by law.PDC complaint filed against R-74 backers Associated Press report The Seattle Times August 16, 2012 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018933254_apwapdccomplaintgaymarriage.html August 22, 2012 As of October 5, 2012, proponents of Referendum 74 Washington United for Marriage have raised $9.4 million in donations and opponents Preserve Marriage Washington have raised about $1 million.PDC Ballot Measure Map October 5, 2012 http://www.pdc.wa.gov/public/ballotmap/ballotinitmap.aspx October 5, 2012 September 27, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120927095521/http://www.pdc.wa.gov/public/ballotmap/ballotinitmap.aspx dead Opinion polls Various public opinion surveys of Washington residents asked questions regarding same-sex marriage. The questions vary, with some surveys referring directly to Referendum 74 and others asking more general questions. A post-election poll indicated much stronger support for such marriage among women than men across several categories.Mapes Jeff Women powered gay marriage initiative to victory in Washington, poll shows The Oregonian December 13, 2012 http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/12/poll_women_powered_gay_marriag.html December 17, 2012 Date of opinion poll Conducted by Sample size For Against Undecided Margin of errorThis margin of error is based on a 95 percent confidence interval. Question October 10–30, 20112011 Washington Poll A Closer Look at Attitudes Towards Same-Sex Marriage University of Washington Center for Survey Research 938 55% 38% 7% ±3.2% "Next year, the legislature could pass a law allowing gay and lesbian couples to get married. If that happens, there could be a referendum in which voters would beasked to approve or reject the law. If such a referendum were held today: Would you vote YES – that is, to keep a law in place allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry OR would you vote NO, against the law – to make it so that gay and lesbian couples could not marry?" January 12–16, 2012Washington State Political Landscape 01/16/12http://www.king5.com/news/up-front/polls/KING-5-poll-State-divided-over-gay-marriage-137689348.html KING 5 poll: State divided over gay marriage KING5 News January 19, 2012 June 26, 2012 SurveyUSA 617 47% 46% 7% ±4.0% "If the legislature were to approve marriage for same-sex couples, and you were asked to approve or reject the law, how would you vote?" February 7–9, 2012Washington ballot best chance for foes of same-sex marriageRecent Elway Poll: 60% Want Marriage to Remain As It Is Elway Research 405 51% 45% 4% ±5.0% "Should gay and lesbian couples have the same legal right to marry as straight couples?" February 13–15, 20129 Mos to Election Day in WA State: Obama Net Approval Minus 5; Voters Split on Same-Sex Marriage SurveyUSA 572 50% 45% 5% ±4.2% "A new law will allow same-sex couples to marry in Washington state. If you were asked to approve or reject the law, how would you vote?" February 16–19, 2012Washington Governor’s Race a Dead Heat; Voters Support Gay Marriage, Relaxing Marijuana Laws Public Policy Polling 1,264 50% 46% 4% ±2.76% "If there was a referendum on the new law legalizing same-sex marriage, would you vote to uphold the law, or would you vote to repeal it?" May 22–24, 2012http://www.strategies360.com/images/stories/buzz/s360_may2012_wastatetoplines.pdf A Survey of Likely Voters in Washington State Strategies 360 May 30, 2012 June 7, 2012 Strategies 360 500 54% 33% 12% ±4.4% "Do you think it should be legal or illegal for gay and lesbian couples to get married?" May 29–30, 2012In Newly Drawn WA01, Koster & Burner Likely to Advance from Primary to General, Where Republican May Have Slight Early Advantage SurveyUSA 661 40% 37% 23% ±3.9% "The state legislature has passed a bill to allow same-sex couples to marry, while allowing clergy and religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize or accommodate any marriage ceremony. The issue may appear on the ballot in November as Measure 74, asking voters to approve or reject the bill. If Measure 74 is on the ballot, will you vote to approve the bill? Vote to reject the bill? Or are you not yet sure how you will vote?" June 14–17, 2012http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_WA_619.pdf McKenna takes lead in Wa. gubernatorial race Public Policy Polling June 19, 2012 June 20, 2012 Public Policy Polling 1,073 51% 42% 7% ±3.0% "Do you think same-sex marriage should be legal or illegal?" July 16–17, 2012WA State Governor: McKenna (R) 42%, Inslee (D) 41%. WA State Attorney General: Dunn (R) 37%, Ferguson (D) 37% SurveyUSA 630 50% 43% 7% ±4.0% "A new law passed by the legislature would allow same-sex couples to marry in Washington state. Should this law be approved? Or rejected?" September 7–9, 2012Washington State, 8 weeks till votes are counted, Democrat Inslee Tip-Toes 5 Points In Front of Republican McKenna in Tight Governor Fight SurveyUSA 524 56% 38% 6% ±4.3% "A new law passed by the legislature would allow same-sex couples to marry in Washington state. Should this law be approved? Or rejected?" September 9–12, 20123 of 4 Ballot Measures at 50–51% Elway Poll 405 51% 37% 12% ±5% "The legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6239 concerning marriage for same-sex couples, modified domestic-partnership law, and religious freedom, and voters have filed a sufficient referendum petition on this bill. This bill would allow same-sex couples to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony. Should this bill be: Approved...Rejected." September 28–30, 2012http://www.king5.com/news/politics/KING-5-poll-poll-majority-support-gay-marriage-marijuana--172885681.html KING 5 poll: Majorities in Washington favor gay marriage, marijuana initiatives October 6, 2012 February 17, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130217181256/http://www.king5.com/news/politics/KING-5-poll-poll-majority-support-gay-marriage-marijuana--172885681.html dead Survey USA 540 55% 40% 6% ±4.3% "A new law passed by the legislature would allow same-sex couples to marry in Washington state. Should this law be approved? Or rejected?" October 1–16, 2012http://www.washingtonpoll.org/results/kcts9wapoll_oct18.pdf KCTS 9 Washington Poll October 18, 2012 October 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121025111411/http://www.washingtonpoll.org/results/kcts9wapoll_oct18.pdf dead University of Washington Center for Survey Research 644 54.1% 38.4% 5.7% ±3.9% "Statewide ballot referendum seventy-four (74) concerns marriage for same-sex couples. This referendum would allow same-sex couples to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony." October 12–14, 2012http://www.king5.com/news/up-front/polls/KING-5-poll-Initiatives-still-ahead-AG-race-now-a-toss-up-174837961.html KING 5 poll: Initiatives still ahead; AG race now a toss-up October 19, 2012 October 20, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121020004754/http://www.king5.com/news/up-front/polls/KING-5-poll-Initiatives-still-ahead-AG-race-now-a-toss-up-174837961.html dead Survey USA 543 54% 41% 5% ±4.3% "A new law passed by the legislature would allow same-sex couples to marry in Washington state. Should this law be approved? Or rejected?" October 17–20, 2012http://www.strategies360.com/client/12-165%20OctWAToplines.pdf Strategies360 November 5, 2012 October 30, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121030063547/http://www.strategies360.com/client/12-165%20OctWAToplines.pdf dead Strategies360 500 55% 38% 8% ±4.4% "Here is the next one. This initiative is called Referendum 74. The legislature passed a bill concerning marriage for same-sex couples, modified domestic-partnership law, and religious freedom, and voters have filed a referendum on this bill. This bill would allow same-sex couples to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony. Should this bill be approved or rejected?" October 18–21, 2012McKenna Takes Lead Among Likely Voters Elway Poll 451 49% 45% 6% ±4.5% "The legislature passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6239 concerning marriage for same-sex couples, modified domestic-partnership law, and religious freedom, and voters have filed a sufficient referendum petition on this bill. This bill would allow same-sex couples to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony. Should this bill be: Approved...Rejected." October 18–31, 2012http://kcts9.org/sites/default/files/kcts9wapoll_oct31.pdf KCTS 9 Washington Poll November 1, 2012 March 18, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140318055359/http://kcts9.org/sites/default/files/kcts9wapoll_oct31.pdf dead University of Washington Center for Survey Research 632 57.9% 36.9% 5.7% ±3.9% "Statewide ballot referendum seventy-four (74) concerns marriage for same-sex couples. This referendum would allow same-sex couples to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony." October 28–31, 2012http://www.king5.com/news/politics/KING-5-Poll-Governors-race-a-dead-heat-176770651.html KING 5 Poll: Governor's race a dead heat with 5 days to go November 2, 2012 November 3, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121103093318/http://www.king5.com/news/politics/KING-5-Poll-Governors-race-a-dead-heat-176770651.html dead Survey USA 555 52% 43% 5% ±4.2% "A new law passed by the legislature would allow same-sex couples to marry in Washington state. Should this law be approved? Or rejected?" November 1–3, 2012WA-Gov close, Obama, gay marriage, and marijuana lead Public Policy Polling 932 52% 42% 6% ±3.2% "Referendum Measure No. 74 deals with Senate Bill 6239, which would allow same-sex couples to marry, preserve domestic partnerships only for seniors, and preserve the right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize, or accommodate any marriage ceremony. Do you think this bill should be approved or rejected?" Results thumb|Recently married couples leaving Seattle City Hall are greeted by well-wishers on the first day of same-sex marriage in Washington state. Upon certification, Secretary of State Sam Reed partially credited the referendum for encouraging voter turnout of 81%, the highest in the nation. Reed Sam Gregoire & Reed certify 2012 election, including marriage & marijuana laws News Release Washington State Secretary of State December 5, 2012 http://www.sos.wa.gov/office/osos_news.aspx?i=H6P9WeC8mCTWdBX6gjyyMw%3D%3D December 7, 2012 County offices in King and Thurston counties opened at 12:01 a.m. after the measure was certified, with celebrations in support outside of several government offices,Mapes Jeff Same-sex marriages begin in Washington state The Oregonian, p A1 The Oregonian December 6, 2012 http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/12/same-sex_marriages_begin_in_wa.html December 7, 2012 with various same-sex weddings scheduled, free of charge, beginning just after midnight on December 9, just after the mandatory three-day waiting period applying to all Washington weddings.Same-sex weddings The Columbian December 6, 2012 http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/dec/06/same-sex-couples-claim-their-new-right-marriage/ December 7, 2012http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Dec-6-Gay-marriage-s-history-making-day-4017702.php Dec. 6: Gay marriage's history-making day Vanessa Ho Seattlepi.com November 7, 2012 Washington Secretary of State 2012 Washington Referendum 74 1659915 1431285 By county +County resultsCountyhttps://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20121106/referendum-measure-no-74-concerns-marriage-for-same-sex-couples_bycounty.html https://web.archive.org/web/20250616122529/https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20121106/referendum-measure-no-74-concerns-marriage-for-same-sex-couples_bycounty.html June 16, 2025 live Referendum Measure No. 74 Concerns marriage for same-sex couples - County Results Reed Sam Sam Reed November 6, 2012 Secretary of State of Washington August 12, 2025YesNoMarginTotal votes#%#%#%Adams1,32928.14%3,39471.86%-2,065-43.72%4,723Asotin3,64136.98%6,20563.02%-2,564-26.04%9,846Benton29,10936.79%50,00763.21%-20,898-26.41%79,116Chelan13,62442.63%18,33757.37%-4,713-14.75%31,961Clallam17,93347.51%19,81452.49%-1,881-4.98%37,747Clark88,87047.40%98,63752.60%-9,767-5.21%187,507Columbia72632.15%1,53267.85%-806-35.70%2,258Cowlitz18,57641.98%25,67258.02%-7,096-16.04%44,248Douglas5,33635.82%9,55964.18%-4,223-28.35%14,895Ferry1,21035.30%2,21864.70%-1,008-29.40%3,428Franklin7,06931.34%15,49068.66%-8,421-37.33%22,559Garfield36128.61%90171.39%-540-42.79%1,262Grant8,51831.16%18,82068.84%-10,302-37.68%27,338Grays Harbor13,21446.16%15,41253.84%-2,198-7.68%28,626Island21,68752.24%19,82447.76%1,8634.49%41,511Jefferson12,45863.74%7,08736.26%5,37127.48%19,545King638,93967.00%314,63933.00%324,30034.01%953,578Kitsap66,27153.99%56,47046.01%9,8017.99%122,741Kittitas8,21545.70%9,76054.30%-1,545-8.60%17,975Klickitat4,27842.38%5,81657.62%-1,538-15.24%10,094Lewis11,93235.17%21,99264.83%-10,060-29.65%33,924Lincoln1,65428.47%4,15571.53%-2,501-43.05%5,809Mason13,49847.98%14,63252.02%-1,134-4.03%28,130Okanogan6,66240.04%9,97759.96%-3,315-19.92%16,639Pacific4,93447.31%5,49452.69%-560-5.37%10,428Pend Oreille2,24233.72%4,40766.28%-2,165-32.56%6,649Pierce168,65649.59%171,45350.41%-2,797-0.82%340,109San Juan7,39571.16%2,99728.84%4,39842.32%10,392Skagit27,48250.23%27,23349.77%2490.46%54,715Skamania2,43045.18%2,94954.82%-519-9.65%5,379Snohomish172,74452.97%153,35847.03%19,3865.94%326,102Spokane98,65944.34%123,83855.66%-25,179-11.32%222,497Stevens6,97731.36%15,27268.64%-8,295-37.28%22,249Thurston70,28556.07%55,07043.93%15,21512.14%125,355Wahkiakum94642.44%1,28357.56%-337-15.12%2,229Walla Walla9,89439.66%15,05660.34%-5,162-20.69%24,950Whatcom55,78855.08%45,50044.92%10,28810.16%101,288Whitman8,55450.66%8,33049.34%2241.33%16,884Yakima27,81936.36%48,69563.64%-20,876-27.28%76,514Totals1,659,91553.70%1,431,28546.30%228,6307.40%3,091,200 By congressional district "Yes" won six of ten congressional districts.2012 General Data https://www.sos.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/2012-general-data2.zip sos.wa.gov live https://web.archive.org/web/20240910015641/https://www.sos.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/2012-general-data2.zip 2024-09-10 District Yes No RepresentativeWashington 1 1st 54% 46%Suzan DelBeneWashington 2 2nd 56% 44%Rick LarsenWashington 3 3rd 45% 55%Jaime Herrera BeutlerWashington 4 4th 35% 65%Doc HastingsWashington 5 5th 43% 57%Cathy McMorris RodgersWashington 6 6th53%47%Norm DicksDerek KilmerWashington 7 7th 79% 21%Jim McDermottWashington 8 8th 49% 51%Dave ReichertWashington 9 9th 60% 40%Adam SmithWashington 10 10th 51% 49%Denny Heck See also Andersen v. King County Domestic partnership in Washington state LGBT rights in Washington (state) Minnesota Amendment 1 Same-sex marriage in Washington state Washington Referendum 71 (2009) Other same-sex marriage referendums Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey, 2017 2016 Bermudian same-sex union and marriage referendum 2013 Croatian constitutional referendum Irish same-sex marriage referendum, 2015 2015 Slovak same-sex marriage referendum 2015 Slovenian same-sex marriage referendum United States: 2008 California Proposition 8 Maine: 2009 Maine same-sex marriage referendum 2012 Maine same-sex marriage referendum 2012 Maryland same-sex marriage referendum 2012 Washington same-sex marriage referendum References External links Preserve Marriage Washington to reject "redefining marriage" Washington United for Marriage to approve "marriage equality" November 06, 2012 General Election Results: Referendum Measure No. 74 Concerns marriage for same-sex couples Category:LGBTQ history in Washington (state) Category:LGBTQ law in the United States Category:2012 Washington (state) ballot measures Category:2012 in LGBTQ history Category:Same-sex marriage ballot measures in the United States