Washington voters were approving Initiative IL26-638, which would bar students it defines as “biologically male” from girls’ school sports, in early returns Tuesday night, 53.9% to 46.1%.
Statewide, the measure had 633,750 yes votes and 541,267 no votes, according to the Washington Secretary of State.
In Kitsap County, 56.5% of voters said yes and 43.5% no, according to unofficial results posted by the Kitsap County Auditor’s Office at 8:13 p.m. Tuesday.
The ballot measure summary reads: “This measure would prohibit students it defines as “biologically male” from competing in certain school athletic activities intended for female students only. It would require verification of biological sex by students’ healthcare providers.”
Countywide, 92,136 ballots had been counted, a turnout of 45.1% of Kitsap County’s 204,242 registered voters.
The Kitsap County Auditor’s Office will keep counting ballots in the coming days, including mailed ballots postmarked by Election Day, and results can change. The county is scheduled to certify the election Nov. 24.
Initiative IL26-638 would require school districts and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association to bar students the measure defines as “biologically male” from competing in K-12 athletic events designated for girls. Students taking part would need a statement from a health care provider verifying their biological sex.
It is an initiative to the Legislature sponsored by Let’s Go Washington, led by Brian Heywood, who says it would restore fairness in girls’ sports. Lawmakers did not act on it during the 2026 session, sending it to voters.
Opponents, campaigning as No Hate in WA State, say the measure would single out transgender youth and invade students’ privacy. A yes vote enacts the restrictions; a no vote leaves current rules, under which transgender students may compete consistent with their gender identity, in place.
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