Voters decide five Washington Supreme Court seats on November 3

Washington state voters will choose five new members for the state Supreme Court on November 3. The election covers Positions 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7. Three sitting justices are running for re-election, while two seats are open.

The races are nonpartisan, but candidates hold different views on how to interpret the law. Todd Myers, vice president of research at the Washington Policy Center, noted that the court has taken a more active role in recent years. He stated that the court is making decisions that significantly affect daily life. Myers described all ten candidates as qualified and technically proficient. He said the main difference lies in how they use their skills to interpret the Constitution.

The specific matchups are as follows. Position 1 features Justice Colleen Melody against attorney Scott Edwards. Position 3 pits King County Superior Court Judge Jaime Michelle Hawk against Mason County Superior Court Judge David Stevens. Position 4 is a contest between Court of Appeals Judge Ian Birk and King County Superior Court Judge Sean O'Donnell. Position 5 sees Justice Theo Angelis face former Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Dave Larson. Position 7 includes Chief Justice Debra Stephens against attorney Todd Bloom.

Positions 1 and 5 are special elections. They follow appointments made to fill vacancies. The Position 4 race is open because Justice Charles Johnson retired. Myers observed that about 20% of voters skip these contests. He argued that voting in these races gives a ballot more weight because it represents the choices of those who do not vote. He encouraged voters to research the candidates rather than relying on comfort with legislators.

The court's current composition is a point of debate. Six of the nine members joined through gubernatorial appointments. Governor Bob Ferguson appointed Justice Colleen Melody in November 2025 to replace retiring Justice Mary Yu. Melody assumed the role at the start of 2026. Myers suggested that the number of appointments has led to a politically divided bench. He said voters can decide if they prefer that division or a more balanced court.

The court's influence is visible in recent rulings. In September 2026, the court upheld a lower court decision that struck down Initiative 2066. The initiative, approved by 51.7% of voters in November 2024, sought to protect access to natural gas. The Supreme Court found the measure violated the state constitution's single-subject requirement. Myers called the decision part of a pattern of overturning voter-approved measures based on technicalities.

Future rulings will likely address the state's new income tax. The Legislature approved a 9.9% tax on annual income above $1 million in 2026. The tax takes effect on January 1, 2028, with the first returns due in 2029. The law may face constitutional challenges. Justices elected in November could decide if the tax survives if the case reaches the high court. Candidates cannot promise specific outcomes, so voters must judge their legal records and philosophies.

The court also handles cases involving criminal law and public education. A 2021 ruling in State v. Blake found Washington's strict-liability drug possession statute unconstitutional. That decision prompted lawmakers to revise state law. The court also considers issues such as the shortage of public defenders and the funding of public schools. Myers urged voters to consider the broader judicial philosophies of the candidates before casting their ballots.