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Home My WebLink About2015 - Charter Review Prop 1 Method of Electing Council Members Nov 3, 2015 General/Vo �\ ! �o I ! 71- V'31 b� ��_e-,nw Fro AU270090A PROCEDURE Filing a Proposed Ballot Measure for Inclusion in Election (AUDITOR'S OFFICE — Elections) This procedure applies to Auditor's Staff, the Prosecuting Attorney, the Assessor's Office, and representatives of the cities and districts submitting A proposed ballot measure. Actions by Cities and Representative of Districts: 1. Submits proposed ballot measure (considered ballot title) together with an explanatory statement prepared by legal counsel to Auditor's Office. Must be submitted at least 46 days prior to the election date for a special election, no later than the Friday immediately before the first day of regular candidate filing for the primary election, or no later than the day of the primary for a general election. Actions by Election Clerk: 2. If received by mail or courier (e.g., Fourth Corner Network), date stamps Ballot Measure Cover Sheet and the first page of the resolution. Gives to Office Coordinator to complete steps 3-7. 3. If received over the counter, date stamps Ballot Measure Cover Sheet and the first page of � 4 the resolution. 4. Checks that: • the Ballot Measure Cover Sheet (FIRM #AU270090F) is attached and complete, the resolution contains original signatures by a majority of commissioners or other legislative body or is a certified copy by the clerk, • the date of the election is stated in the resolution, and • the explanatory statement is included if for a primary or general election. 4A. If packet not complete, returns packet to submitter to obtain missing information. Process stops here. 5. Prepares Ballot Measure Receipt (See FIRM #AU470090A). Makes a copy for file and gives original to filer. (Note: Fill in ballot measure name only — no references to resolution number.) ' If for primary or general election, provides voter pamphlet information packet to submitter. A. Gives all materials to Office Coordinator. Actions by Office Coordinator: � Creates ballot measure file folder and staples this procedure to front of folder to be used as a checklist. r Ensures front staff completed and applied initials for Steps 2-7 above �10'i�tlails receipt if submitted by mail. &-files copy of ballot measure receipt and original documents submitted in the file folder. -12. Checks to see that explanatory statement word count was not exceeded. If it is, advises Auditor. 0� W .� . -. 9 hPolicies & Procedures\Elections\02_Pre-Election\04_Filing - Ballot Measures\PRO Filing proposed ballot meas.docx Page 1 Amended 4/24/15 Filing Proposed Ballot Measures for Inclusion in Election (cont.) r. Gives file to Auditor or designee. Actions by Auditor or designee: 14. If the word count of the explanatory statement is exceeded,, contacts submitter to remedy. 15. Reviews validation requirements based on information submitted or by consulting with submitter, what the passage requirements are, and under which RCW they are submitting the measure, if applicable. 16. Puts a copy of validation information in the file and marks the passage requirement on the folder in red. 17. Discusses with submitter requested order if more than one ballot title is to be submitted. 18. Assigns ballot measure number (sequential numbering for each special purpose or taxing district).* Number formula = <<yyyy - #>>. 19. Reviews ballot title and headings for capitalization and punctuation. 20. Using green ink edits suggested corrections; initials changes;., -makes same -mar -kings on ,set to go to PA and-Assess.o.r_- 21 Returns_file to..Office Coordinator._, Actions by Office Coordinator: If the ballot title is submitted by the County or a district: 22. Prepares transmittal letter to the Prosecuting Attorney to review the ballot title (as defined in RCW 29A.36.071) and prepares the concise description, if necessary, allowing 7 days for processing.. (See FIRM #AU470090B — Prosecuting Atty Memo) 23. Makes photocopy of resolution, validation figures (if applicable), and ballot measure cover sheet. Attaches to Prosecuting Attorney's transmittal letter. NOTE: If ballot title submitted by a city, no review by the Prosecuting Attorney is necessary. 24. Prepares transmittal letter to Assessor to review if there are taxing or funding implications, allowing 7 days for processing to obtain their review. (See FIRM #AU470090C — Assessor Ballot Title Letter - sends to Janice Judge) 25. Makes photocopy of resolution, validation figures (if applicable), and ballot measure cover 9 sheet. Attaches to Assessor's transmittal letter. i 26. Obtains signature on transmittal letters and puts copies in folder. �� i27. Hand delivers packet to PA and Assessor. .�28. Returns folder to file rack. r Actions by Prosecuting Attorney, 4129. Reviews text of ballot title and headings of ballot measure. PO- Discusses with submitter or counsel for submitter and recommends any changes, if any. 31. Sends transmittal letter to Auditor's Office with ballot title and headings to be used. (REF #AU570090A — Response from Prosecuting Attorney) ,Actions by Assessor's Office: 4�132. Reviews submission. 11Policies & ProcedureslElections\02_Pre-Election\04..Filing - Ballot Measures\PRO Filing proposed ballot meas.docx Page 2 Amended 4/24/15 Filing Proposed Ballot Measures for Inclusion in Election (cont.) . 33. Provides feedback to Auditor's office or sends return memo. (See REF #AU570090B — Sample Memo from Assessor) Actions by Office Coordinator: 34. Date Stamps letter from PA and places in the folder. Date stamps return memo from Assessor and places in the folder. 35. Gives to Auditor. Actions by Auditor: 36. Reviews ballot title and headings and Assessor feedback. t 37. Gives to Office Coordinator to prepare letter to the submitter. Actions by Office Coordinator: 38. Prepares letter (FRM #AU470090D — Letter to District re Approved Ballot Title) to the p submitter and responsible official of the district outlining the ballot title and heading to be d used. �rj fe 39. Obtains Auditor signature. 40. Scans signed letter and sends via email to District Contact Person 1 and District Contact Person 2 from the Ballot Measure Cover Sheet. Sends copies of letter to other interested parties who have requested to be included by regular mail, fax or email upon request. 41. Completes Certificate of Distribution (FRM #AU470090E — Certificate of Distribution), staples to inside file folder, and prints out email transmittal. 42. Places in file. 43. Gives file to Election Coordinator. Actions by Election Coordinator: 44. Enters ballot measure, explanatory statement, Committee For & Committee Against statements, and rebuttals in ballot measure template and in WEI. 45. Sets up ballot measure in EIMS. 46. Gives ballot title to ballot preparer for inclusion on ballot (unless court appeal is made of ballot title) 46A. If court appeal, ballot preparer waits for court resolution (may design a placeholder in the meantime). 47. Submits court ordered title to ballot preparer prior to preparation deadline. *Namina Convention for Ballot Measure: Line 1: Jurisdiction Line 2: Proposition # (yyyy-#) Line 3: Subject of Measure/Proposition Other additional lines as needed. hPolicies & Procedures\Elections\02_Pre-Election\04_Filing - Ballot Measures\PRO Filing proposed ballot meas.docx Page 3 Amended 4/24/15 �Gp M CO Official Canvass of the General Election for Whatcom County Home Rule Charter Whatcom County, Washington Held Tuesday, November 3, 2015 State of Washington ) County of Whatcom ) The undersigned, being the officers designated by law as constituting the Whatcom County Canvassing Board, have completed the canvass of votes as it pertains to the General Election held November 3, 2015, within the boundaries of Whatcom County, State of Washington. Proposition 1, proposed by the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission, concerned the method of electing County Council members. The proposition would amend the Charter to provide for election of County Council members by voters only from within the council district from which the candidate was nominated, except for the at -large position which would continue to be selected by voters from the entire county. Based on the criteria for passage which was supplied by the district, the measure Passed. WITNESS our hand and seal this 24th day of November 2015. Whatcom County Canvassing Board arc Diana Bradrick�Chief Deputy Auditor Roy►�'e;6Ua kjrighae-Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney ah, Councii M&nber, County Legisla_Tive uthority A Cj CQU M TY STnt! 0r Summary Report Whatcom November 3, 2015 WHATCOM_20151103_E Advisory Vote No. 13 Under Votes: 5,490 Over Votes: 11 REPEALED 35,830 64.40% MAINTAINED 19,805 35.60% Total 55,635 WC Proposition No. 2015-1 Under Votes: 2,811 Over Votes: 24 APPROVED 28,320 48.58% REJECTED 29,981 51.42% Total 58,301 Charter Amendment Proposition No. 1 Under Votes: 2,667 Over Votes: 40 APPROVED 31,003 53.06% REJECTED 27,426 46.94% Total 58,429 Charter Amendment Proposition No. 2 Under Votes: 3,664 Over Votes: 36 APPROVED 29,636 51.60% REJECTED 27,800 48.40% Total 57,436 Charter Amendment Proposition No. 3 Under Votes: 3,936 Over Votes: 31 APPROVED 29,486 51.58% REJECTED 27,683 48.42% Total 57,169 Charter Amendment Proposition No. 4 Under Votes: 4,771 Over Votes: 27 APPROVED 47,448 84.22% REJECTED 8,890 15.78% Total 56,338 Charter Amendment Proposition No. 5 Under Votes: 4,534 Over Votes: 17 APPROVED 28,766 50.84% REJECTED 27,819 49.16% Total 56,585 Page 2 of 20 Whatcom County Auditor's Office Whatcom County Courthouse 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 Phone: (360) 778-5100 Fax: (360) 778-5101 Email: auditor@co.whatcom.wa.us Internet: www.whatcomcounty.us/auditor November 25, 2015 .�GoM CO 3�P ti� �QSNf NGlo Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council Whatcom County Council 311 Grand Ave., Suite 105 Bellingham, WA 98225 Dear Dana: Debbie Adelstein County Auditor Diana Bradrick Chief Deputy Auditor Enclosed are copies of the certifications from the November 3, 2015 General Election pertaining to Propositions 1 - 8 proposed by the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission, and Propositions 9 and 10 proposed by the Whatcom County Council. For the Official Election Results and for the Precinct by Precinct Abstract, please refer to our website at www.whatcomcounty.us/auditor. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to give me a call at 778-5130. Sincerely, Diana Bradrick Chief Deputy Auditor Enclosure Licensing Recording Elections Administration Licensing@comhatcornma.us Recording@co.whatcomma.us Elections@comhatcomma.us Auditor@comhatcomma.us We gladly accept 360-778-5100 360-778-5100 360-778-5102 360-778-5105 relay calls. Proposition one: District Only Voting Committee Name: Fair & Equal Whatcom Committee Members: Pat Alesse, Max Bronsema, Rebecca Boonstra Rebuttal; "* 4EV 15 � �1> - This is district -only voting. The proponents claim this was "taken from you." Not true: we, the voters, rejected district -only voting just eight years ago. We want to vote for each councilmember because they make decisions for all of us. This proposal takes away your right to vote for all seven councilmembers! District -only voting is notorious for leading to more partisanship and gridlock. Keep your right to vote on each councilmember: reject district -only voting! Nancy Moore From: VotersPamphlet Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2015 11:00 AM To: Nancy Moore Subject: FW: Rebuttal of Proposition 1 Attachments: Rebuttal Proposition 108252015.docx Nancy, If you have the time, could you read over their revised rebuttal and let me know if we are good to go? Amy From: Rebecca Boonstra [mailto:rebeccaboonstra maii.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2015 9:33 AM To: VotersPamphlet Subject: Re: Rebuttal of Proposition 1 Hi Amy, We have rewritten our rebuttal. It is attached. Please let me know if any more adjustments are necessary. Thanks for your help, Rebecca "The formula for achieving a successful relationship is simple: you should treat all disasters as if they were trivialities but never treat a triviality as if it were a disaster" Quentin Crisp On Mon, Aug 24, 2015 at 11:20 AM, VotersPamphlet<voterspamphlet�a7e,co.whatcom.wa.us> wrote: Rebecca, Your rebuttal was not accepted. You are only allowed one paragraph (spacing was removed from original), and the highlighted portion of your statement was found to be non -responsive (you brought up issues not addressed in the Statement FOR). If your committee would like to revise the highlighted portion of the rebuttal, you may do so by August 26th at 4:30 pm. If not, then the sentences will be removed. Here's what the supporters aren't telling you: this is district -only voting. That means that instead of 7 representatives, you will have just three. The example they suggest we follow is Congress, known for gridlock, grandstanding and pork -barrel politics. Moreover, this proposal is on your ballot because charter review commissioners want to permit a coal terminal in our county. We should not change our local constitution to benefit the global coal industry. Reject district -only voting! Please let me know if you have any questions, Amy From: Rebecca Boonstra[mailto:rebeccaboonstraggmail.com] Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2015 1:47 PM To: VotersPamphlet Subject: Rebuttal of Proposition 1 Hello! Attached please find our committees rebuttal of the Proposition 1 for statement. Please let me know if any changes are necessary. Rebecca "The formula for achieving a successful relationship is simple: you should treat all disasters as if they were trivialities but never treat a triviality as if it were a disaster" Quentin Crisp Ballot Title: Proposition No. 1 METHOD OF ELECTING COUNCIL MEMBERS The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter concerning the method of electing County Council members. This measure would amend Charter Section 2.13 to provide for election of County Council members by voters only from within the council district from which the candidate was nominated, except for the at -large position which would continue to be selected by voters from the entire county. Should this proposal be: APPROVED REJECTED Text Amendment: Section 2.13 Election ode by Council District. The registered voters of Whateem Geunty each Council District shall vote upon each council member position to be filled from their district at the November general election. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes for each position shall be elected. Explanatory Statement: Presently all councilmembers, though selected in the primary election by voters only from within the district in which the candidate resides, are elected by voters from the entire County in the general election, regardless of a voter's district of residence. The proposed amendment, if adopted, would change that so that in the general election voters from each district would vote only for those candidates who reside within a voter's district, except if candidates are running for an at -large position, in which case all voters, regardless of district of residence, would vote for a candidate for the at -large position. Ballot Title: Proposition No. 1 METHOD OF ELECTING COUNCIL MEMBERS The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter concerning the method of electing County Council members. This measure would amend Charter Section 2.13 to provide for election of County Council members by voters only from within the council district from which the candidate was nominated, except for the at -large position which would continue to be selected by voters from the entire county. Should this proposal be: APPROVED REJECTED Text Amendment: Section 2.13 Election ode b Council ❑istrict The registered voters of Whateem GetH4y each Council ❑istrict shall vote upon each council member position t❑ be filled from their district at the November general election. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes for each position shall be elected. Explanatory Statement: Presently all councilmembers, though selected in the primary election by voters only from within the district in which the candidate resides, are elected by voters from the entire County in the general election, regardless of a voter's district of residence. The proposed amendment, if adopted, would change that so that in the general election voters from each district would vote only for those candidates who reside within a voter's district, except if candidates are running for an at -large position, in which case all voters, regardless of (� district of residence, would vote for a candidate for the at -large position. _ i Nancy Moore From: VotersPamphlet Sent: Tuesday, August 04, 2015 5:41 PM To: Nancy Moore Subject: FW: 2015 general election ballot measures Attachments: Explanatory Statements Charter Review from Dan Gibson.docx; Explanatory Statements for Council from Karen Frakes.docx; Explanatory Statement for jail prop 073115 final.docx Just the electronic copies —Jessie and I received orig. copies today and should have a folder for each one From: Jill Nixon Sent: Tuesday, August 04, 2015 3:29 PM To: Elections Cc: Dana Brown -Davis Subject: 2015 general election ballot measures See attached Word documents for: • Ballot titles, text amendments, and explanatory statements for 8 Charter Review Commission proposed ballot measures Ballot titles, text amendments, and explanatory statements for 2 Council proposed ballot measures Ballot title and explanatory statement for jail sales and use tax ballot measure Jill Nixon Administrative Clerk Whatcom County Council Office 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 105 Bellingham, WA 98225 360-676-6690 NOTICE: All emails and attachments sent to and from Whatcom County are public records and may be subject to disclosure pursuant to the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) Ballot Title: Proposition No. 1 METHOD OF ELECTING COUNCIL MEMBERS The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter concerning the method of electing County Council members. This measure would amend Charter Section 2.13 to provide for election of County Council members by voters only from within the council district from which the candidate was nominated, except for the at -large position which would continue to be selected by voters from the entire county. Should this proposal be: APPROVED REJECTED Text Amendment: Section 2.13 Election Eetrntywide by Council District The registered voters of Whateem Geunty each Council District shall vote upon each council member position to be filled from their district at the November general election. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes for each position shall be elected. Explanatory Statement: Presently all councilmembers, though selected in the primary election by voters only from within the district in which the candidate resides, are elected by voters from the entire County in the general election, regardless of a voter's district of residence. The proposed amendment, if adopted, would change that so that in the general election voters from each district would vote only for those candidates who reside within a voter's district, except if candidates are running for an at -large position, in which case all voters, regardless of district of residence, would vote for a candidate for the at -large position. Whatcom County 14C 0M `00 Debbie Adelstein Auditor's Office 3rP �� County Auditor Whatcom County Courthouse 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 a Election Division Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 4sh�H��° Phone: (360) 676-6742 Fax: (360) 738-4556 Email: elections@co.whatcom.wa.us Internet: www.whatcomcounty.us./auditor Ballot Measure Receipt Date Received � 0�[15 Received From: ' Mx6vi eL Name of Presenter and Title Cis- _�2e�y UAIIJ Name of Organization 311 &ffwJ Ave SI, 105 Pd /w 6m WA OI Z5 Address �i(�0 • ��7I e (o �Oq0 ngu). Wwa, U Phone �— mail Ballot Measure Name: �" '�`Yv, � i�.C�, Vic, C Wt'I (not resolution number) The Auditor's Office, Election Division, acknowledges receipt of the above ballot measure for inclusion in the ov. Cxt4i-ei,- P Election. Deputy Primary or General Elections ONLY- Local Voters' Pamphlet: If the ballot measure will be on the Primary or General Election ballot, Presenter acknowledges receipt of the memo packet regarding ballot measure explanatory statements, appointment of For and Against committees and forms, and committee statement deadlines and requirements for inclusion in the Local Voters' Pamphlet. rresenters signature uate I:\Policies & Procedures\Elections\02_Pre-Election\04_Filing - Ballot Measures\FRM RECEIPT for ballot measure.doc Rev. 04/24/15 M Cp` RECEIVE Ballot Measure Cover Sheet 4$k,�ei°r This cover sheet must accompany each ballot measure submitt&d Co Eh4wfiAfcom County Auditor. DEBBIE ADELSTEIN Name of District: WhatCOm County WHATCOM COUNTY AUDITOR District address: 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225 District contact Person 1: Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council (Name and Title) Contact Person 1 Phone: 360-676-6690 Email: dbrown@co.whatcom.wa.us District Contact Person 2: Jill Nixon, Administrative Clerk _ (Name and Title) Contact Person 2 Phone: 360-676-6690 Email: jnixon@co.whatcom.wa.us Attorney for District: Daniel Gibson Attorney Phone: 360-676-6784 Email: dgibson@co.whatcom.wa.us Has your attorney prepared this ballot measure? W Yes Ll No MAO Type of Election: County Charter Amendment (e.g., Levy, Bond, Levy Lid Lift, etc.) State the Pass/Fail Requirement for the Measure as Determined by District's Legal Counsel: A majority of the voters voting on the issue. (e.g., Simple Majority, 60%, Minimum Turnout, etc.) List Applicable Statutory References: Whatcom County Charter Section 8.20 (second paragraph) Attached the Resolution with original signatures - or - a certified copy of the original Al Yes Resolution? Attached the Explanatory Statement for the Local Voters' Pamphlet? (now required for all p Yes elections) Also sent the Resolution and Explanatory Statement electronically to: W Yes election s6aDco.whatcom.wa,us ? Attached the "For" and "Against" Committee Appointment Forms? A Yes Fully completed this cover sheet? all Yes This form is available in a fillable form on the Auditor's Website: www.whatcomcounty.us/auditorl Note: The County Auditor will not accept a resolution without the completed cover sheet. It is the submitter's responsibility to ensure that requested documentation is presented no later than the resolution deadline date. CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C. COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360) 676-6690 July 22, 2015 'C CpZ d71 Ohl N8'� WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL COUNCILMEMBERS Barbara Brenner Rud Browne Barry Buchanan Pete Kremen Ken Mann Satpal Sidhu Carl Weimer RECEIVEL"- MEMORANDUM AUG 0 4 2015 TO: County Auditor Debbie Adelstein _ DEBBIE ADELSTEIN FROM: Carl Weimer, Council Chair �J� WHATCOM COUNTY AUDITOR SUB]: Council Action at the July 21, 2015 meeting. The Council, at its July 21, 2015 meeting, took action as shown on the portion of minutes printed below: OTHER ITEMS 9. RECEIPT AND FORWARDING OF WHATCOM COUNTY CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY VOTERS (AS2015-219) Browne moved to forward the amendments to the Auditor to be included on the November general election ballot. The motion was seconded The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Brenner, Kremen, Sidhu, Browne, Buchanan, and Weimer (6) Nays: None(0) Absent: Mann(l) The Charter Review Commission, in cooperation with Chief Civil Deputy Prosecutor Daniel Gibson, approved ballot titles for the amendments. Please see the attached information for the specific list of Charter Review Commission amendments. Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council Daniel Gibson, Senior Civil Deputy Prosecutor Nancy Moore, Office Coordinator AB2015-219 Correspondence file Att. 2015 Whatcom County Charter Review Commission Amendments CW/jkn I:/shared/council/Carl Weimer/2015/After Council Meeting/Charter Amendments to Auditor "L4TCOM COUNT' COUNCIL UWATCOM COUNT, W, Sr1IjVC'T0 N the C bw=7 Ballot Title: Proposition No. 1 METHOD OF ELECTING COUNCIL MEMBERS The Whatcom County. Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter concerning the method of electing County Council members. This measure would amend Charter Section 2.13 to provide for election of County Council members by voters only from within the council district from which the candidate was nominated, except for the at -large position which would continue to be selected by voters from the entire county. Should this proposal be: APPROVED REJECTED Text Amendment: Section 2.13 Election Geuritywide by Council District The registered voters of Whateem Gounty each Council District shall vote upon each council member position to be filled from their district at the November general election. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes for each position shall be elected. Ballot Title: Proposition No. 2 LIMITING POWER OF COUNCIL TO AMEND CHARTER The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter limiting the power of the Council to propose Charter amendments. This measure would amend Charter Section 8.23 to prohibit the County Council from proposing Charter amendments to previous Charter amendments that have been approved by a 2/3 majority of voters, except if the Council adopts a proposal for such amendment by a 7-0 vote. This proposal should be: APPROVED: REJECTED: Text Amendment: Section 8.23 Amendments by the County Council. The County Council may propose amendments to the Charter by enacting an ordinance to submit a proposed amendment to the voters at the next November general election occurring at least ninety (90) days after enactment. A minimum of five (5) affirmative votes shall be required to enact such an ordinance except that if a orevious charter amendment was a pproved by a 2 3 ma Jo rity of the vote then no ordinan e r in a to the voters further amendment of that matter shall be ado ted except by a 7-0 affirmative vote of the Council. An ordinance proposing an amendment to the Charter shall not be subject to the veto power of the County Executive. H:\Jill\Charter Review Commission\Charter Review Commission 2015\13ailot Titles and amend mentsFINALFormatDGedits.docx The County Council by unanimous vote of the entire Council may effect amendments to the language of the Charter where the passage of time has rendered language moot or obsolete. Such changes shall be made by ordinance, and have a public hearing. Ballot Title: Proposition No. 3 LIMITING POWER OF COUNCIL TO AMEND CHARTER'S ELECTION PROVISIONS The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter limiting the power of the Council to propose Charter amendments. This measure would amend Charter Section 8.23 to prohibit the County Council from proposing any Charter amendment to Charter Sections 2.12 or 2.13, which pertain to the method of nominating and electing County Council members, except if the Council adopts a proposal for such amendment by a 7-0 vote. Should this proposal be: APPROVED: REJECTED: Text Amendment: Section 8.23 Amendments by the County Council. The County Council may propose amendments to the Charter by enacting an ordinance to submit a proposed amendment to the voters at the next November general election occurring at least ninety (90) days after enactment. A minimum of five (5) affirmative votes shall be required to enact such an ordinance. No ordinance proposing amendment of an provision of Sections 2,.12 or 2.13 of this Charter shall be adopted by the Coynci! except by a 7-0 affirmative vote. An ordinance proposing an amendment to the Charter shall not be subject to the veto power of the County Executive. The County Council by unanimous vote of the entire Council may effect amendments to the language of the Charter where the passage of time has rendered language moot or obsolete. Such changes shall be made by ordinance, and have a public hearing. Ballot Title: Proposition No. 4 WORD LIMIT FOR BALLOT QUESTIONS The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to provide greater consistency with state law regarding the wording of initiatives and referenda. This measure would amend Charter Sections 5.40 and 5.60 pertaining to initiatives and referenda and increase the word limit for ballot questions from 20 to 40 words. Should this proposal be: APPROVED REJECTED Text Amendment: Section 5.40 Initiative - Procedures. H:\Jfll\Charter Review Comm ission\Charter Review Commission 2015\Ballot Titles and amendmentsFINALFormatDGedits.docx Any legal voter or organization of legal voters of Whatcom County may file an initiative proposal with the County Auditor, who within five (5) days, excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays, shall confer with the petitioner to review the proposal as to form and style. The Auditor shall give the proposed initiative a number, which shall thereafter be the identifying number for the measure. The Auditor shall then transmit a copy of the proposal to the Prosecuting Attorney, who within ten (10) days after receipt thereof, in consultation with the petitioner shall formulate a" ive questien7-net to exceed spew_ _F t,=.` `.`:ems-te e the ballot title which shall consist of: a a statement of the subject of the measure b a concise description of the measure: and c a estion: "Shall this be enacted into law?" The statement of the subject of the measure must be proposed as a ositive statement be sufficiently broad to reflect the subject and be sufficient# reclse to give notice of the measure's subject matter, and not exceed ten wards. The concise description must contain no more than thirty words be a true and impartial description of the measure's essential contents clearly identify the proposition to be voted on, and not to the extent reasonab!y gossible create prejudice either for gf a ainst the measure. Such concise statement will be the ballot title. The petitioner then has one hundred and twenty (120) days ... Section 5.60 Referendum — Procedures. Any legal voter, or organization of legal voters of Whatcom County may file a referendum proposal, against any enacted ordinance or portion thereof, with the County Auditor. The proposal shall be presented to the Auditor within forty-five (45) days after the ordinance is passed by the County Council. Within five (5) days, excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays, the Auditor shall confer with the petitioner to review the proposal as to form and style. The Auditor shall give the referendum proposal a number, which shall thereafter be the identifying number for the measure. The Auditor shall then transmit a copy of the proposal to the County Prosecuting Attorney, who within ten (10) days after receipt thereof, shall formulate a-eer ise statement- pesed-as a quest on, net to e v;ef�t7f--(2Gs; �i sand d--impaitial statement-�Iced the ballot title which shall consist of: a a statement of the subject of the measure b a concise description of the measure; and c a uestion: "Shall this be enacted into law?" The statement of the subject of the measure must be oroposed as a positive statement be sufficiently broad to reflect the subject and be sufficiqntly precise to give notice of the measure's subject matter, and not exceed ten words. The concise description must contain no more than thirty words be a true and impartial description of the measure's essential contents clear) identify the proposition to be voted on, and not to the extent reasonably possible, create prejudice either for or against the measure. Such concise statement will be the ballot title. The petitioner then has one hundred and twenty (120) days... H:\Jill\Charter Review Commission\Charter Review Commission 2015\Ballot Titles and amendmentsFINALFormatDGedits.docx Ballot Title: Proposition No. 5 LOWERING THRESHOLD FOR INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM SIGNATURES The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter lowering the number of signatures required to place initiatives and referenda on the ballot. This measure would amend Sections 5.40 and 5.60 to lower the threshold of signatures required to place an initiative or referendum on the ballot from 15% of the number of votes cast in the last general election to 8% of the number of votes cast in the last regular gubernatorial election. Should this proposal be: APPROVED: REJECTED: Text Amendment: Section 5.40, "... The petitioner then has one hundred twenty (120) days to collect the signatures of the registered voters in the county equal in number to not less k &n- 5D/, - f-the Yete Fast c-eunty mn the last gefleFal eleetion eF not less than 8% of the vote cast in the county in the last regular gubernatorial election...." Section 5.60 "... The petitioner then has one hundred twenty (120) days to collect the signatures of registered voters in the county equal in number to ~ems-t�arr;�— — I I in the �e`:�ff-ef not less than 8% of the vote cast in the county in the last regular gubernatorial election...." Ballot Title: Proposition No. 6 LOWERING THE NUMBER OF SIGNATURES REQUIRED FOR CITIZEN INITIATIVES TO AMEND CHARTER The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter reducing signatures required to place citizen -proposed Charter amendments on the ballot. This measure would amend Charter Section 8.22 to lower the number of signatures required for placement upon the ballot of proposed Whatcom County Charter changes by citizen initiative from 20% to 15% of the number of votes cast in the County in the last gubernatorial election. Should this proposal be: APPROVED: REJECTED: Text Amendment: Section 8.22 Amendments by the Public H!\lill\Charter Review Commission\Charter Review Commission 2015\13allot Titles and amend mentsFINALFormatDGedits.docx The public may propose amendments to the Charter by registering with the Auditor an initiative petition bearing the signatures of registered voters of the county equal in number to, but not less than, twenty (20) fifteen (15) percent of the number of votes cast in the county in the last gubernatorial election. Signatures shall be registered not more than one hundred twenty (120) days following filing of the petition with the Auditor, who shall submit the amendments to the voters. The one hundred and twenty (120) day period shall begin upon receipt of official notification to petitioner(s) by the Prosecuting Attorney's Office either by certified mail or messenger. If the last day for collecting signatures falls on a weekend or legal holiday, then the one hundred and twenty (120) day period shall extend to the end of the next business day. (Amended by referendum 1986; Ord. 93-045; amended by referendum 1995; Ord. 2005-075 Exh. A) Ballot Title: Proposition No. 7 TERM LIMITS FOR COUNTY EXECUTIVE AND COUNCIL MEMBERS The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to place term limits upon the County Executive and County Council members. This measure would amend Charter Sections 2.14 and 3.21 to apply a term limit of no more than three consecutive full terms to the County Executive and County Council members, to be applied prospectively only, beginning with the 2017 and 2019 elections. Should this proposal be: APPROVED REJECTED Text Amendment: Section 2.14 Terms of Council Members. The term of office of each elected councilmember shall be four (4) years commencing with the second Monday in January following election, and until a successor has been elected and has qualified. Elected councilmembers shall serve no more than three consecutive full terms in office. Terms are considered consecutive unless t_h_e_y are at least four, years apart. The limit in terms shall be applied prospectiveiy only, begin. in with the elections in 2017 and 2019. Section 3.21 Election and Term of Office, The County Executive shall be nominated and elected by the voters of the county, and the term of office shall be four years and until the successor is elected and qualified. The County Executive shall serve no more than three consecutive full terms in office. Terms are consAi E red__consecutive unless they are at least four years apart. The limit in terms shall be applied Prospectively only, beginning with the election in 2019. Ballot Title: Proposition No. 8 ALTERING COMPOSITION OF DISTRICTING COMMISSION H:\Jill\Charter Review Commission\Charter Review Commission 2015\Ballot Titles and amend mentsFINALFormatDGedits.docx The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to alter the requirements for composition of the Districting Commission. This measure would amend Charter Section 4.41 to include representation on the districting committee from each political party with a candidate who receives at least 15% of the vote cast in the County in the last gubernatorial primary or presidential election, with a second representative on the committee assigned to each party of which a candidate for those same elections received at least 33% of the vote. Should this proposal be: APPROVED: REJECTED: Text Amendment: Section 4.41 Districting Committee. During the month of January, 1981, and by January 31 of each tenth year thereafter, a €N,e- ,TembeT Districting Committee shall be appointed. The County Council shall appoint €elm perseRS to the committee, twe-one representative from each major political party, defined as the stated party cf any candidate receiving at least 15% of the vote in Whatcom Count in the most recent gubernatorial primary or presidential election. Parties with a candidate receiving at least 330/0 of the vote in either of those elections will be provided a second representative an the Districting Committee. If the number of total re resentatives is even the fGUF te-appeirtt appainteea will select afiifth an additional member who shall be the Chairs. If the total number is odd the Committee will vote for and a,pooint a Chair internally. The Districting Committee shall within thirty (30) days of its appointment meet and appoint a Districting Master who shall be qualified by education, training and experience to draw a districting plan. If the Districting Committee is unable to agree upon the appointment of a Districting Master within thirty (30) days, the County Council shall appoint a Districting Master by March 31 of that year. H:\Jill\Charter Review Commission\Charter Review Commission 2015\Ballot Titles and amendmentsFINALFormatDGedits.docx Ballot Title: Proposition No. 1 METHOD OF ELECTING COUNCIL MEMBERS The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter concerning the method of electing County Council members. This measure would amend Charter Section 2.13 to provide for election of County Council members by voters only from within the council district from which the candidate was nominated, except for the at -large position which would continue to be selected by voters from the entire county. Should this proposal be: APPROVED REJECTED Text Amendment: Section 2.13 Election Geuntywide by Council District The registered voters of Whateem Geunty each Council District shall vote upon each council member position to be filled from their district at the November general election. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes for each position shall be elected. Explanatory Statement: Presently all councilmembers, though selected in the primary election by voters only from within the district in which the candidate resides, are elected by voters from the entire County in the general election, regardless of a voter's district of residence. The proposed amendment, if adopted, would change that so that in the general election voters from each district would vote only for those candidates who reside within a voter's district, except if candidates are running for an at -large position, in which case all voters, regardless of district of residence, would vote for a candidate for the at -large position. n 2 W 3, ... Committee Statement Form Whatcom County Local Voters' Pamphlet �Tiwete This is the statement of the: X Committee FOR Committee AGAINST for the: Primary Election X _ General Election I �rbp District: Proposition Name: Method of Electing Council Members (e.g., Bellingham School District 501) (e.g., General Obligation Bonds - $27,995,000) This form is available in a fillable form on the Auditor's website: www. whatcomcounty. us/auditor/ This form must be filled out in its entirety and returned with the committee statement. Chair Member Name: Eileen Sobjack Contact Phone: 360-223-2199 E-mail: sobjackcharterreview@gmail.com Committee members' names and the committee name (if applicable) will be published in the Local Voters' Pamphlet in conjunction with the For/Against statements. The Following will be Published: "Statement Prepared by": Eileen Sobjack Committee Name, if applicable Joe Elenbaas Committee Member Name Karl Uppiano Committee Member Name Committee Member Name The information provided on this form is subject to public disclosure laws under RCW 42.56 and RCW 42.17. 3 f o rn_c�A Committee Appointment Form g3�7NGSp� Whatcom County Local Voters' Pamphlet This is the appointment of the: Committee FOR Committee AGAINST for the: Primary Election General Election i fr District: l Proposition Name: L- 1Ctr4e-r Amevid (e.g., Bellingham School District 501) 1 (e.g., General Obligation Bonds - $27,995,000) NOTE: The Chair of the committee will be the contact person if there are any questions from Auditor's staff. The phone numbers and e-mail addresses listed below will not be published. This form is available in a fillable form on the Auditor's website: www.whatcomcounty.us/auditor/ Committee Members 1. C jr Member Name: r c Contact Phone: 3b 0— 4?Z r2 — E-mail: r Signature: 2. Member Name: Zt5� fie, bxa,3 Contact Phone: Signature: 3. Mrl 01-ber Name Contact Phone Sig the I9i-7 mail: GC S+ 0SccYa- 100-ce)m JE lees ' OLC.) - 3'0j3cvc - s aO Ld3 a� Qt E-mail:1��GcI�C�ur[Ye have been appointed and have consented to serve as indicated. Authorized Signature (Individual with authority to sign for the District) Date The information provided on this form is subject to public disclosure laws under RCW 42.56 and 42.17. I:\Nancy\2015\FRM committee Appt Form.doc CO` a Committee Statement Form Whatcom County Local Voters' Pamphlet tdh�? This is the statement of the: Committee FOR X Committee AGAINST for the: Primary Election X General Election District: (e.g., Bellingham School District 501) Proposition Name: PROP 1: DISTRICT ONLY VOTING (e.g., General Obligation Bonds - $27,995,000) This form is available in a fillable form on the Auditor's website: www. whatcomcounty. us/auditor/ This form must be filled out in its entirety and returned with the committee statement. Chair Member Name. Rebecca Boonstra Contact Phone. 360-305-5351 E-mail: rebeccaboonstra@gmail.com Committee members' names and the committee name (if applicable) will be published in the Local Voters' Pamphlet in conjunction with the For/Against statements. The Following will be Published. "Statement Prepared by Fair &Equal Whatcom Committee Name, if applicable Rebecca Boonstra Pat Alesse Max Bronsema Committee Member Name Committee Member Name Committee Member Name The information provided on this form is subject to public disclosure laws under RCW 42.56 and RCW 42.17. �4PM tpL Committee Appointment Form Whatcom County Local Voters' Pamphlet klx+ This is the appointment of the: Committee FOR Committee AGAINST for the: Primary Election General Election �/�� ` District: tOY )C &M (AlY �i � Proposition Name: 0YJ A 1 (e.g., Bellingham School District 501) ! (e.g., General Obligation Bonds - $27,995,000) NOTE: The Chair of the committee will be the contact person if there are any questions from Auditor's staff. The phone numbers and e-mail addresses listed below will not be published. This form is available in a fillable form on the Auditor's website: www.whatcomcounty.us/auditor/ Committee Members 1POW Member Name: eqsc 3 corn -- 2P,3, (p 9-7 \ Contact Phone: 3(cib-3`11- �0%0 E-mail: CS�')tl Signature: 2. Member Name: I cj xao_ Rs+m Contact Phone: 3W) — 30 S- 5351 E-mail: reb[CC0-19Co^ShtK - 9 I �' J C owl c� [( ✓Signature: e 0..d7erJ` 3. Member Name: Contact Phone: 360-- SIC) -Z651 E-mail:"Y- bTa ewwk' L- �i rr�l I. C� ✓ Signature: � Gt-� 9 �J I herebyxotrfiftffie above named LWividuals have been appointed and have consented to serve as indicated. Authorized Signature (Individual with authority to sign for the District) Date The information provided on this form is subject to public disclosure laws under RCW 42.56 and 42.17. lANancy\2015\FRM Committee Appt Form.doc V E � �• co`A Committee Appointment Form Whatcom County Local Voters' Pamphlet This is the appointment of the: Committee FOR for the: Primary Election General Election 7 2015 Committee AGAINST District: Y )G Y'%� ( l ( 2r' -�[ Proposition Name: C NA'Wr 1(1 I (e.g., Bellingham School District 501) 1 (e.g., General Obligation Bonds - $27,995,000) NOTE. The Chair of the committee will be the contact person if there are any questions from Auditor's staff. The phone numbers and e-mail addresses listed below will not be published. This form is available in a fillable form on the Auditor's website: www.whatcomcounty.us/auditor/ Committee Members 1 POWMember Name: ?031 _ N1 else- 2 tQo �3- (p S7 Contact Phone: A- 7c, E-mail: C3V)()-,rch�A\f 2 0 Signature: Member Name:?e:�.Yaa = &=2ho� Contact Pr ., Signature: Member Name: Contact Phone: 3Lo— `. )lb -2�� Signature: cb�rc>a�oals�rt� � q11�+� I. �J C d''1 I hereby certify the above named individuals have been appointed and have consented to serve as indicated. Authorized Signature (Individual with authority to sign for the D Date The information provided on this form is subject to public disclosure laws under RCW 42.56 and 42.17. lANancy\2015\FRM Committee Appt Form.doc •''a ent Form Comte Appoi�� . WhatcoM County tit Voters' Pamphlet This is the appointment of the: Committee FOR for the: Primary Election _)(_ General Election District: (e.g., Boiling -ham School District 501) Proposition Name: Committee AGAINST (e.g., General Obligation Bonds - ,995, A10TE: The Chair of the committee will be the contact person if there are any questions from Auditor's The phone numbers and e-mail addresses listed below will not be published. TM AIM Is available /n a /lUable term on tho Auditor's websito: www.whatcomcounty.us/auditor/ Committee Members POW Member Name: �a - Pet else 3 ('0 -- _%a3- Cp Contact Phone: d0%0 E-mail: .SV1U noture: Contact Phone: (vo" ,30E-mail: >'GiJ' CC 5 Co Signature: Member Name: Q LAX Contact Phone: 3�b "' �Id - E-mail:CY,Y Y• borisewp, Signature: I hereby cortity the above named Individuals have been appointed and have consented to serve as Authorized Signature (individual with authority to sign for the District) Date The information provided on this form is subject to public disclosure lawn under RCW 42.56 and 42.1 I'Nancy1.2015\FRM CommktseA.po Form.dac J Scanned by CamScanner