Poll Shows Strong Support Among Washington Voters for Parental Rights and Fairness in Girls’ Sports

[Editors Note: This poll is relevant to the Highline Region as it reveals that current priorities and policies of the Highline School District, and surrounding districts do not align with wider voter sentiment.]

A newly released, independent poll indicates overwhelming support among Washington voters for parental involvement in education and medical decisions, as well as broad opposition to biological males competing in women’s sports.

An independent, statewide online poll, conducted by RMG Research, Inc. on behalf of Napolitan News Service, surveyed among 800 registered voters in Washington State across party affiliation, gender, age, and geographic location, finds that 96% of respondents believe parents should have access to their children’s school curriculum, 80% believe parental consent should be required for significant medical treatments, and 70% oppose allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports. The poll has a margin of sampling error of ±3.5 percentage points.

The results suggest that the initiatives advanced by Let’s Go Washington (LGW) remain top of mind for voters, even as Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen and House Speaker Laurie Jinkins announced last week that hearings would not be held on the initiatives.

Despite that decision, voters appear to strongly favor reinstating protections related to parental rights and fairness in athletics. Parents, educators, and female athletes have continued to publicly share their experiences and have urged state leaders to engage directly with them.

“Governor Ferguson and Chris Reykdal, I have invited you again and again and again to meet with me to hear my story and to hear the stories of female athletes around Washington State,” said Ahnaleigh Wilson, Washington State athlete who had to compete against a biological male (25:10). “To look at us face to face and listen to how this affects us, but I still haven’t heard from you.”

Poll Results on Parental Rights and School Transparency (IL26-001)

The survey included multiple questions related to strengthening communication between parents and schools.

Do you have school-aged children at home?

• 19% Yes
• 81% No

Should children under 18 be allowed to make medical decisions on their own about things like vaccines, prescription medications, and surgery? Or, should parental approval be required for significant medical treatments and procedures?

• 12% Children should be able to make their own choices
• 80% Parents should be required to give consent
• 8% Not sure

At what age is it appropriate for children to make medical decisions on their own about things like vaccines, prescription medications, and surgery?

• 1% 12 or younger
• 7% 14
• 18% 16
• 55% 18

How important is it for parents to have access to their children’s school curriculum?

• 96% Important
• 3% Not important
• 1% Not sure

If parents object to particular school lessons on religious or ethical grounds, should they be able to opt their children out?

• 66% Yes
• 19% No
• 15% Not sure

If a child informs his or her teacher of a desire to change gender, should the school be required to notify that child’s parents?

• 66% Yes
• 21% No
• 12% Not sure

Poll Results on Fairness in Girls’ Sports (IL26-638)

Voters were also asked about policies related to girls’ sports and biological sex.

Should biological males who identify as women be allowed to compete in women’s sports events?

• 16% Yes
• 70% No
• 12% Not sure

Washington currently requires all student athletes to have a physical exam that includes a declaration of the student’s biological sex. This exam is used to determine whether a student can participate in girls' sports. Do you favor or oppose this requirement?

• 74% Favor
• 15% Oppose
• 10% Not sure

Clear Opinions, Few Undecided Voters

Across nearly every question, the poll shows large majorities with firmly held views, leaving what the survey describes as a very small swath of persuadable voters on these issues. The data suggests that Washington voters have largely made up their minds on parental rights, medical consent, and fairness in women’s sports.

Despite this, Governor Bob Ferguson, Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, Senator Pedersen, and Speaker Jinkins have not responded to calls from constituents who participated in or support the initiatives.

The results underscore a growing disconnect between voter sentiment and legislative action, as Washingtonians continue to express strong support for policies centered on parental involvement and protections for female athletes.