OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington state Senate has passed a bill that would do away with advisory votes on ballots.

An initiative passed by voters in 2007 established advisory votes, in which citizens are asked to approve or disapprove of tax increases passed in the previous legislative session.

The votes are non-binding and do not change state law.

Public comments in favor of the bill likened advisory votes to propaganda or push polls placed on ballots that do not accomplish anything and distract voters.

Among comments against were that the votes allow taxpayers’ voices to be heard and that voters have rejected most tax increases.

The measure now moves to the House for consideration.