New Data Finds DC Voters Support Repealing Harmful Ballot Initiatives, Including Initiative 82
Poll reflects growing willingness to correct course when policies fail
WASHINGTON (July 9, 2025) — A large majority of D.C. voters believe elected officials should be willing to overturn ballot initiatives when the measures cause harm or fail to deliver on their promises, according to new polling data released today by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW).
A survey of likely 2026 general election voters found 81% think there are valid reasons to repeal voter-approved initiatives. The top justifications cited were clear evidence of economic harm (43%), new information coming to light (41%), and failure to deliver promised benefits (41%).
The poll also highlights growing dissatisfaction with Initiative 82, the 2022 law that eliminated the tipped wage credit for restaurant workers. By a margin of more than 5-to-1, voters said Initiative 82 has hurt (46%) rather than helped (9%) the city’s local, independent restaurant industry. Nearly six in ten voters (59%) believe neighborhood restaurants are more at risk of closing under the law than national chains, and a plurality said they would support repealing the measure.
“D.C. voters had good intentions when they passed Initiative 82, hoping it would help workers,” said Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of RAMW. “But the reality is it hasn’t delivered — and, in fact, it’s hurt our restaurants, our workers, and our neighborhoods. This poll shows people are willing to consider overturning it, undoing the damage, and getting our industry back on track. We all want thriving local restaurants and good-paying jobs — repealing Initiative 82 is how we get there.”
The Cygnal survey was conducted May 7–9, 2025, among 400 likely 2026 general election voters, using live phone and SMS interviews. The margin of error is ±4.89%.
For more information, go to SaveDCRestaurants.org.
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About Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW)
The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is the regional trade association representing restaurants and the foodservice industry in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. Established in 1920, RAMW is an advocate, resource and community for its members. The Association works to promote and sustain the growth and development of the industry while providing its members legislative and regulatory representation, marketing and small business support, programming and events. RAMW strives to serve its members with professionalism and integrity, and provide them the training, education and support they need to grow a successful business.