Initiative 638 leads with nearly 57% in early returns, putting Olympia and Tumwater school boards on a path to write new sex-verification rules for girls' athletic programs.

The measure led with nearly 57% of the vote as of election night on Nov. 3, according to the Washington State Standard. The Olympian reported 1,119,192 votes in favor (56.76%) and 852,539 against (43.24%).

Results are not yet final. Counties will certify on Nov. 24, and the Office of the Secretary of State will certify statewide results by Dec. 3, according to The Olympian.

What the initiative requires

I-638 requires student athletes in K-12 sports to compete on teams matching their sex assigned at birth, effectively barring transgender girls from girls' teams.

The measure builds on existing physical-examination requirements for K-12 athletes. It adds a mandate for medical professionals to verify a student's sex assigned at birth during those exams, the Washington State Standard reported.

School boards or other governing entities must create the rules for what that verification looks like. According to the initiative text, as reported by the Washington State Standard, it would rely on "one or more" of three methods. Those are "the student's reproductive anatomy, genetic makeup, or normal endogenously produced testosterone levels."

That means the Olympia School District and Tumwater School District boards would be among those that face a direct compliance task if the measure is certified.

Who is affected

Approximately 10 Washington students have disclosed being transgender to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), according to the Washington State Standard. But the initiative's verification requirements would apply to all girls who wish to participate in K-12 sports.

Critics say the measure would lead to "invasive" medical exams to verify a student's sex, according to The Olympian. Initiative proponents have denied that characterization, The Olympian reported.

Reaction from both sides

Brian Heywood, founder of Let's Go Washington, the political organization that backed the measure, said in a statement: "To every female athlete who wondered whether her voice mattered: tonight, Washington heard you."

Heywood named several girls in the statement, including "Frances," "Ahnaleigh," "Sadie" and others.

On the opposing side, Libby Watson, campaign manager for No Hate in Washington State, said in a statement that the group was "… hopeful that Washington voters will also reject I-638, the attempt to scapegoat a handful of vulnerable trans children." Watson's statement was issued as ballots were still being counted.

No Hate in WA State executive board member Adrianna Suluai said in a statement on election night: "To all the trans kids … we care about you and there are people who will never stop fighting for you."

What comes next

With certification expected by Dec. 3, Olympia and Tumwater school board members would need to determine how to build verification procedures into their athletic programs.