AI Ballot Check Washington · General election, November 3, 2026

PIERCE TRANSIT - Proposition No. 1 · Pierce County

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Statement For · Alice Phillips, Faaluaina (Lua) Pritchard, Krystal Monteros

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Committee: Alice Phillips, Faaluaina (Lua) Pritchard, Krystal Monteros

Dignity for those who can’t drive For many people, transit is the difference between reaching a job, a medical appointment, or the grocery store, and not reaching it at all. When transit is lacking, riders with disabilities, older adults, and workers suffer. They waste hours waiting and miss opportunities. No one should have to work twice as hard to live their life just because they can’t drive. Investing in more options, less traffic For just 3 cents on a $10 purchase, Proposition 1 funds the first local transit investment since 2002. A “yes” vote will bring more bus routes, running more often, at more times of day, with better connections to light rail and Sounder. It will increase service county-wide by 47%, connect people to jobs and affordable housing, and improve traffic. Free fares for seniors and youth Proposition 1 makes transit free for seniors and protects free youth fares, helping seniors age with grace and stay independent, while helping young people get to school and jobs.

Rebuttal of argument against

Even opponents admit we need more transit service. Transit funding hasn’t increased since 2002, and working families are paying the price. Under state law, the sales tax is Pierce Transit’s only funding option – there is no other source. It isn’t charged on groceries, rent, or medicine. This measure makes fares free for seniors and keeps them free for youth. It puts transit where it’s needed most. Join your neighbors, labor unions, and businesses: vote yes.

Statement Against · John Miles

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Committee: John Miles

The sales tax is too high. If this measure passes, Tacoma purchases will incur a tax of 10.8%; for vehicles: 11.3%. Does anyone think this is the best rate? No. It’s too high. Pierce Transit asked people if they want more service. They want more service. They don’t want higher sales taxes, because everyone knows they’re too high. Higher sales taxes hit the poor hardest. Higher rates lead to greater tax avoidance, and the rich use workarounds (driving out of the district or paying cash under the table). Such avoidance reduces funding for other services, all because the sales tax is too high. The House Transportation Committee Chair represents the heart of our service area. We should all ask him to identify another funding source. Because the sales tax is too high.

Rebuttal of argument for

The “for” statement is 100% correct. I ride transit to work (where I collect sales taxes). I’m frustrated that there’s no service early Sunday to get me to church. My life is greatly impacted by the existence and shortcomings of transit, as are the lives of many others. But higher sales tax is no way to fund it. Demand better!