Most Voters In This Blue State Support Ban On Biological Males In Girls’ Sports

A new poll from conservative group Let’s Go Washington suggests Initiative 638 could win support in heavily Democratic Washington state, with reported backing from voters across party lines.

The survey found 56% of likely voters support the measure, which would restrict students the initiative defines as biologically male from competing in certain K-12 athletic events designated for girls. Twenty-four percent oppose it, while about 22% are undecided, according to figures released by the organization.

Support was reported among 73% of Republicans, 48% of Democrats and 52% of independents. Voters will decide the measure on November 3.

Let’s Go Washington said it surveyed approximately 7,500 likely voters in August. The organization has not released the full methodology or margin of error, limiting independent assessment of the results. It is also leading the campaign to approve the initiative.

Hallie Herzberg, a spokesperson for the group, said the findings matched what campaign volunteers had heard from voters. Let’s Go Washington argues that many residents support sex-based eligibility rules but hesitate to voice that position publicly for fear of criticism. The polling itself does not independently establish that explanation.

Washington Democrats have acknowledged the race could be competitive. Stephen Reed, a spokesperson for the state Democratic Party, told public radio reporters, “This is not a slam dunk like some folks think it might be.”

Initiative 638 would set new eligibility rules for girls’ athletics at public K-12 schools. Students the measure defines as biologically male could not compete in certain interscholastic events designated exclusively for female students. Students seeking to compete in girls’ sports would also need to provide verification of their biological sex from a health care provider.

The official ballot summary says verification could rely on reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup or naturally produced testosterone levels. The rules would apply to individual and team competitions.

The measure would change Washington’s current policy, which generally allows transgender students to participate in school athletics in line with their gender identity.

Supporters say sex-based eligibility requirements are needed to protect fair competition and preserve athletic opportunities for female students. Opponents argue the initiative would discriminate against transgender children and could subject other students to intrusive verification.

Let’s Go Washington, founded by conservative activist and businessman Brian Heywood, has made the initiative a major focus of its November campaign. The group says existing policies disadvantage female athletes and has pointed to differences in physical development, competition and privacy in school athletic facilities.

The organization reports collecting more than 445,000 signatures, enough to qualify the measure for the ballot. Supporters have also cited accounts from female students who say they faced unfair competition or uncomfortable situations involving transgender athletes.

The campaign frames the proposal as a way to protect opportunities for female athletes built through decades of efforts to expand women’s participation in sports.