Washington election ballot measure long term care stock market.

FILE - A voter poses for a photo as they place their ballot in a drop box on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Washington state for the Nov. 4 election

Washington state voters will decide whether to amend their constitution to allow funds from a long-term care insurance program to be invested in the stock market. It is the only statewide contest in a Nov. 4 election that will mostly feature mayoral and other municipal races across the state. The proposed constitutional amendment will shape the future of the WA Cares Fund, which the state Legislature created in 2019 to help participants defray the costs of certain long-term care services. Washington taxpayers fund the program though a 0.58% payroll tax, which began in July 2023. As of June 30, the fund had a balance of $2.5 billion.

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