Concern Over Taxes Highest In WA Since 1997: Poll

LAKEWOOD, WA - Concern over taxes among Washington residents is at the highest level since 1997, according to a new poll by Elway Research. About 27 percent of voters surveyed by Elway named taxes as a top concern, but only 16 percent were concerned about taxes one year ago.

"It is unclear whether the rise is due to the tax package just passed by congress, or the 'levy swap' tax plan put in place by the Legislature last year, or some combination of both. Whatever the reason, taxes are higher than normal on the public radar as the 2018 session opens," the poll said.

Concern over taxes tended to be higher among registered Republicans. On a regional basis, people living in the north Puget Sound area put more emphasis on taxes.

However, taxes were not the top issue for state residents overall. Thirty-two percent of state residents listed "education" as a top concern for the 2018 legislative session.

The Elway poll surveyed 504 registered voters across the state Dec. 27 - 30. You can read the full results of the poll here.