Yes on 522: The campaign to label genetically engineered foods in Washington state

Yes on 522: The campaign to label genetically engineered foods in Washington state:

Yes on 522 Wins 49% Support Despite All-Time Low Turnout; Eye on 2016 Dear Supporter, We are sad to share the news with you: Washington State voters failed to pass I-522, the initiative that would have labeled genetically engineered foods. Spending more money than ever before spent in a Washington State ballot measure contest, out-of-state pesticide and junk food industries funded a campaign of lies that deceived Washington voters in this election, leaving consumers in the dark about what is in the groceries they are buying and eating. What started as a struggle for transparency and honesty in our food supply became a struggle to preserve our democracy as we watched money drive the outcome of this election. As we continue to push for labeling, we also must work to reverse the perversion of our democratic election procedures with unlimited corporate spending. 2013 general election turnout is the lowest ever recorded, skewing older and more conservative, and away from younger, more progressive voters driving the GE labeling movement. These “off-year” election results depict how viable a Washington State GMO labeling ballot measure would be in a presidential election cycle with much higher, younger, and more progressive voter turnout. While it is unfortunate I-522 did not pass, it has set the stage for victory in 2016. The entire 522 campaign team and grassroots network should be pleased by the 49 percent of voters who stood for labeling. Washingtonians want to join 64 countries with labeling laws, and with 25 other states in our union with labeling initiatives or legislation coming in 2014. Thank you for supporting the Yes on 522 campaign. We would not have come so close without your tireless work, generous donations and unwavering support. Yours, Trudy Bialic David Bronner