Frequently Asked Questions

What are GMOs?
Genetically engineered foods are created by taking DNA from one species and forcing it into other unrelated species — mixing plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes in combinations that cannot occur in nature. Foods with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not the same as those created through traditional breeding techniques and are experimental.

What is an Initiative?
In the United States, 24 states have an initiative process. If the people want a law and they cannot get their legislators to enact it, the people may gather a certain number of signatures stipulated by the state, within a limited amount of time, to put a proposed law on the ballot for people to vote on directly.  Every state has different requirements.  To find out if your state does initiatives, visit here. Then visit your secretary of state website to find out your state’s process.

What is the initiative process in Washington?
241,153 valid signatures of registered Washington voters are required to be turned in to the state legislature by January 4, 2013. The legislature has the option to adopt I-522 during the next scheduled session, if they do not it will go to a vote of the people on the November 2013 ballot. It is recommended that at least 320,000 signatures be gathered to make sure we have enough that qualify. 

Can I read the Initiative?
Yes! Read the full text of I-522.