HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 - Charter Review Prop 4 Word Limit for Ballot Questions Nov 3 2015 General Election-PassedAU270090A
PMP
PROCEDURE q4ok
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
ii the resolution.
4. Checks that:
• the Ballot Measure Cover Sheet (FRM #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 FRM #AU470090A). Makes a copy for file and
gives original to filer. (Note: Fill in ballot measure name only — no references to resolution
number.)
6. If for primary or general election, provides voter pamphlet information packet to submitter.
7. 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.
W--Ensures front staff completed and applied initials for Steps 2-7 above.
ails receipt if submitted by mail.
1. Files copy of ballot measure receipt and original documents submitted in the file folder.
12. Checks to see that explanatory ptatement word count was not exceeded. If it is, advises
Auditor.
f
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.)
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.
�.eviews 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.
Puts a copy of validation information in the file and marks the passage requirement on the
folder in red.
�iscusses with submitter requested order if more than one ballot title is to be submitted.
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. Usinggreen ink edits suggested corrections; initials chap d
g _ges; makes sai�ie markings on -- --._
set to go to PA and Assessor.
21-.-Returns-filato 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 rev' the ballot title (as defined in
RCW 29A.36.071) and prepares the concise descriptio , ' necessary, allowing 7 days for
processing.. (See FRM #AU470090B — Prosecutin tty Memo)
23. Makes photocopy of resolution, validation fi s (if applicable), and ballot measure cover
sheet. Attaches to Prosecuting Attarne ' ransmittal letter.
NOTE: If ballot title submitted b city, no review by the Prosecuting Attorney is
necessary.
24. Prepares transmittal lette o Assessor to review if there are taxing or funding implications,
allowing 7 days for pr ssing to obtain their review. (See FRM #AU470090C — Assessor
Ballot Title Letter - ends to Janice Judge)
25. Makes photo py of resolution, validation figures (if applicable), and ballot measure cover
sheet. A ches to Assessor's transmittal letter
26. Obt i s signature on transmittal letters and puts copies in folder.
ZSReturns
nd delivers packet to PA and Assessor.
folder to file rack.
Actions by Prosecuting Attor
29. Reviews text of ballo and headings of ballot measure-
) , JA
30. Discusses submitter or counsel for submitter and recommends any changes, if any
31. Sen ransmittal letter to Auditor's Office with ballot title and headings to be used. (REF
570090A — Response from Prosecuting Attorney)
Actions by Assessor' ffice:
32. Reviews sub ' sion. hPolicies & Pr Bdures\Elections\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.)
j . Provides feedback to Auditor's office or sends return memo. (See REF #AU570090B —
Af Sample Memo from Assessor)
Actions by Office Coo�ator:
34. Date Stamp ter from PA and places in the folder. Date stamps return memo from
Assess nd places in the folder.
35. s to Auditor.
Actions by Auditor:
36. Reviews at title and headings and Assessor feedback.
37. G' s to Office Coordinator to prepare letter to the submitter.
Actions by Office Coordinator:
38. Prepares letter (FIRM #AU470090D — er to District re Approved Ballot Title) to the
submitter and responsible official �e district outlining the ballot title and heading to be
used.
39. Obtains Auditor signa e.
40. Scans signed le r and sends via email to District Contact Person 1 and District Contact
1 Person 2 fro he Ballot Measure Cover Sheet. Sends copies of letter to other interested
J parties w have requested to be included by regular mail, fax or email upon request.
41. Co fetes Certificate of Distribution (FIRM #AU470090E — Certificate of Distribution),
plea to inside file folder, and prints out email transmittal.
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.
I:\Policies & Procedures\Elections\02_Pre-Election\04_Filing - Ballot Measures\PRO Filing proposed ballot meas.docx Page 3
Amended 4/24/15
Gam Ca
P `A Official Canvass of the General Election for
Whatcom County Home Rule Charter
1k; �, Whatcom County, Washington
qs� 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 4, proposed by the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission, concerned wording of
initiatives and referenda. To provide greater consistency with state law the proposition would amend
Charter Sections 5.40 and 5.60 to increase the word limit for ballot questions from 20 to 40 words.
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
Diana Bradrick,
Royce
n, Co
Deputy Auditor
It
Prosecuting Attorney
I Member, County Legislative Authority
Whatcom
WHATCOM_20151103_E
Advisory Vote No. 13
Under Votes: 5,490
Over Votes: 11
REPEALED
MAINTAINED
WC Proposition No. 2015-1
Under Votes: 2,811
Over Votes: 24
APPROVED
REJECTED
Charter Amendment Proposition No. 1
Under Votes: 2,667
Over Votes: 40
APPROVED
REJECTED
Charter Amendment Proposition No. 2
Under Votes: 3,664
Over Votes: 36
APPROVED
REJECTED
Charter Amendment Proposition No. 3
Under Votes: 3,936
Over Votes: 31
APPROVED
REJECTED
Charter Amendment Proposition No. 4
Under Votes: 4,771
Over Votes: 27
APPROVED
REJECTED
Charter Amendment Proposition No. 5
Under Votes: 4,534
Over Votes: 17
APPROVED
REJECTED
35,830 64.40%
19,805 35.60%
Total 55,635
28,320 48.58%
29,981 51.42%
Total 58,301
31,003 53.06%
27,426 46.94%
Total 58,429
29,636 51,60%
27.800 48.40%
Total 57,436
29,486 51.58%
27,683 48.42%
Total 57,169
47.448 84.22%
8,890 15.78%
Total 56,338
28.766 50.84%
27,819 49.16%
Total 56,585
Summary Report
November 3, 2015
Page 2 of 20
Whatcom County
Auditor's Office
Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103
Bellingham, WA 98225AO38
Phone: (360) 778-5100
Fax: (360) 778-5101
Email: auditor@co.whatcom.wa.us
Internet: www,whatcomcounty.us/auditor
November 25, 2015
Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council
Whatcom County Council
311 Grand Ave., Suite 105
Bellingham, WA 98225
Dear Dana:
�GOM c0
�9ShING�O@
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@co.whatcomma.us Recording@comhatcom.wa.us Elections@comhatcomma.us Auditor@co.whatcomma.us We gladly accept
360-778-5100 360-778-5100 360-778-5102 360-778-5105 relay calls.
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.
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 F-encise staternen;, posed as a ^^r trve questme^ et t
exceed twenty (29)-wefds-,w+i+eh shall expFess and give a tFue and in9paFtial statement e
the PLIFpese of the mea5ldFe 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 question: "Shall
this be enacted into law?" The statement of the subject of the measure must be proposed
as a positive statement be sufficiently broad to reflect the subject and be sufficiently
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, clearly 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 ...
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-Eetise
give a tFue and vial star nt of the FneasuFe being referFed 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 question: "Shall this be enacted into law?" The statement of the
subject of the measure must be proposed as a positive statement, be sufficiently broad to
reflect the subject and be sufficient!y 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, clearly
identify the proposition to be voted on, andnot, 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...
Explanatory Statement:
Presently ballot titles for County initiatives and referenda are supposed to be no longer than
twenty words. The proposed amendment, if adopted, would change that requirement so
that ballot titles for those purposes could be up to forty words long, and would also provide
greater consistency between state law and county law regarding other aspects of the
County's ballot titles for initiatives and referenda.
Whatcom County Auditor Seeks Persons to Write Statement Opposing Proposed
Charter Amendments for Local Voters' Pamphlet
The County Auditor seeks applicants to write the voter pamphlet con statements and
rebuttals for Propositions 4, 6, and 8 on the November General Election. For each ballot
measure the Auditor will appoint a committee to write a statement arguing against the
measure.
The Charter Review Commission recommended all three Charter Propositions.
Proposition 4 amends Charter Sections 5.40 and 5.60 pertaining to initiatives and
referenda to provide greater consistency with state law regarding the wording of
initiatives and referenda. This measure would increase the word limit for ballot
questions from 20 to 40 words.
Proposition 6 amends Charter Section 8.22 to reduce the number of signatures required
to place citizen -proposed charter amendments on the ballot, from 20% to 15% of the
number of votes cast in the county in the last gubernatorial election.
Proposition 8 alters 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.
When appointed, committees must submit their initial statements to the County Auditor
by Monday, August 17. The rebuttal statements are due to the Auditor by Thursday,
August 20.
To volunteer for a committee please call or e-mail the County Auditor's Office by
Thursday, August 13, at (360) 778-5102 or electionsCcD-co.whatcom.wa.us. Please
provide your name, which Proposition you are volunteering for, and your contact
information, including phone number and e-mail address. If appointed, name and
contact information will be shared with other committee members.
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C.
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 676-6690
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
August 4, 2015
TO: Debbie Adelstein, Auditor
FROM: Carl Weimer, Council Chair
COUNCILMEMBERS
Barbara Brenner
Rud Browne
Barry Buchanan
Pete Kremen
Ken Mann
Satpal Sidhu
Carl Weimer
SUB]: Voter Pamphlet Statements Against Ballot Measure Propositions 4, 6, and 8
The County Council received no volunteers to serve on the committees to write statements
against three ballot measures proposed by the Charter Review Commission. Our efforts to
recruit volunteers is documented below.
Did you seek participants who were opposed to it on the commission?
■ Proposition 4: No commissioners were opposed to the ballot measure.
• Propositions 6 and 8: All commissioners who voted against these
propositions were asked to participate on the committee. They were
asked twice during Commission meetings and also via email. None
volunteered.
Did you know of people who didn't support a position and ask them to
participate in writing the opposition?
• No citizens spoke to the Commission in opposition of propositions 4, 6,
or 8.
Did you post it on your website?
• Yes. The press release (attached) was displayed on the County
Council home webpage from July 14 through August 4, 2015.
Did you advertise for it?
• Yes. Two press releases were sent to the media and all subscribers to
the County Council Office notification list. The first press release was
sent July 14, 2015. The second was sent July 23, 2015
Did you put it on social media?
• No. The Whatcom County Council Office does not use social media.
Give us copies of what you did to substantiate it.
• Press release dated July 14, 2015
• Press release dated July 23, 2015
C: Dana Brown -Davis, Clerk of the Council
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C.
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 676-6690
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Whatcom County Council Office, 676-6690
COUNCILMEMBERS
Barbara Brenner
Rud Browne
Barry Buchanan
Pete Kremen
Ken Mann
Satpal Sidhu
Carl Weimer
COUNTY COUNCIL SEEKS APPLICANTS TO WRITE VOTER PAMPHLET STATEMENTS
Council will appoint 2 or 3 citizens to Pro Statement and Con Statement Committees
BELLINGHAM, Washington, July 14, 2015 — The County Council must appoint either 2 or 3
people to committees that will write the voter pamphlet pro or con statements and rebuttals for
Charter amendment ballot measures on the November general election. For each ballot measure,
the Council appoints a committee to write a statement arguing in favor of the measure and another
committee to write a statement against. Council will appoint the committees at its regular evening
meeting at 7 p.m. on July 21. Nine County ballot measures that would amend the Whatcom County
Charter are scheduled for the 2015 general election. The Council will consider a 10th measure at its
meeting on July 21.
The Charter Review Commission proposed the first 8 ballot measures: Proposition 1 is
about electing council members by district. Proposition 2 is limiting the power of the council to
amend the charter. Proposition 3 is limiting the power of council to amend the charter's election
provisions. Proposition 4 is increasing the word limit for ballot questions. Proposition 5 is lowering
the threshold for initiative and referendum signatures. Proposition 6 is lowering the number of
signatures required for citizens initiatives to amend the charter. Proposition 7 is term limits for the
county executive and county council members. Proposition 8 is altering the composition of the
districting commission. The County Council proposes a 9th proposition to create five council
districts. If the Council approves, proposition 10 would require a supermajority of the charter review
commission to propose charter amendments.
When appointed, the pro and con committees must submit their initial statements to the
County Auditor by Monday, August 17. The rebuttal statements are due to the Auditor by Thursday,
August 20. To volunteer for a committee, please call or email the County Council Office by 4:30
p.m. on Monday, July 20 at 360-676-6690 or council@co.whatcom.wa.us. Provide your name,
which committee you are volunteering for, and your contact information, including phone number
and email address. If appointed, name and contact information will be shared with other committee
members.
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C.
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 676-6690
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Whatcom County Council Office, 676-6690
COUNCILMEMBERS
Barbara Brenner
Rud Browne
Barry Buchanan
Pete Kremen
Ken Mann
Satpal Sidhu
Carl Weimer
COUNTY COUNCIL SEEKS APPLICANTS TO WRITE VOTER PAMPHLET STATEMENTS
Council will appoint citizens write statements against Propositions 4, 5, 6, and 8
BELLINGHAM, Washington, July 23, 2015 — The County Council seeks applicants to write
the voter pamphlet con statements and rebuttals for Propositions 4, 5, 6, and 8 on the November
general election. For each ballot measure, the Council appoints a 2- or 3-person committee to write
a statement arguing against the measure. Council will appoint the committees at a special
Committee of the Whole meeting on August 4, time to be determined.
The Charter Review Commission recommended all four propositions. Proposition 4 amends
Charter Sections 5.40 and 5.60 pertaining to initiatives and referenda to provide greater consistency
with state law regarding the wording of initiatives and referenda. This measure would increase the
word limit for ballot questions from 20 to 40 words. Proposition 5 lowers the number of signatures
required to place initiatives and referenda 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.
Proposition 6 amends Charter Section 8.22 to reduce the number of signatures required to place
citizen -proposed Charter amendments on the ballot, from 20% to 15% of the number of votes cast
in the County in the last gubernatorial election. Proposition 8 alters 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.
When appointed, committees must submit their initial statements to the County Auditor by
Monday, August 17. The rebuttal statements are due to the Auditor by Thursday, August 20. To
volunteer for a committee, please call or email the County Council Office by 4:30 p.m. on Monday,
August 3 at 360-676-6690 or counciK[ co.what_cam.wa.us. Provide your name, which committee
you are volunteering for, and your contact information, including phone number and email address.
If appointed, name and contact information will be shared with other committee members.
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. 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
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 eeneise staten t, pesed as a -positive questien,
exEeedtwenty �2 d give a tFue and impaFtial statement of
f-the measure 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 question: "Shall
this be enacted into law?" The statement of the subject of the measure must be proposed
as a positive statement be sufficiently broad to reflect the subject, and be sufficiently
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 clearly 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 ...
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 ter?: e
L;, 'd'o
question,stateFflent, posed as a t to e fii Shall expFess and
g4ve a tFue and impa t4al statemeet of the meal Fe being refer -Fed 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 Question: "Shall this be enacted into law?" The statement of the
subject of the measure must be proposed as a positive statement be sufficiently broad to
reflect the subject and be sufficiently 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 clearly
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...
Explanatory Statement:
Presently ballot titles for County initiatives and referenda are supposed to be no longer than
twenty words. The proposed amendment, if adopted, would change that requirement so
that ballot titles for those purposes could be up to forty words long, and would also provide
greater consistency between state law and county law regarding other aspects of the
County's ballot titles for initiatives and referenda.
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.
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 concise staternent, posed as a pesitive cluestion, net to
. eeed twenty (20) WeFE15, which shali expFess and give a tFue and impartial statement 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 question: "Shall
this be enacted into law?" The statement of the subject of the measure must be proposed
as a positive statement, be sufficiently broad to reflect the subject, and be sufficient
precise to give notice of the measure's subject matter, and not exceed ten words. The
concise description must contain no more than thirty wards, 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 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 ...
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 n-eeneise
whieh shall express and
i rwords,
rya 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)question: "Shall this be enacted into law?" The statement of the
subject of _the measure_ must_be_proposed as a positive statement, be sufficiently broad to
reflect the subjects and be sufficiently 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, clearly
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...
Explanatory Statement:
Presently ballot titles for County initiatives and referenda are supposed to be no longer than
twenty words. The proposed amendment, if adopted, would change that requirement so
that ballot titles for those purposes could be up to forty words long, and would also provide
greater consistency between state law and county law regarding other aspects of the
County's ballot titles for initiatives and referenda.
,� v t
Whatcom County <��'" CO Debbie Adelstein
Auditor's Office P': =` -','� County Auditor
Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103 r Election Division
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 4sk,"ems°
Phone: (360) 676-6742
Fax: (360) 7384556
Email: elections@co.whatcom.wa.us
Internet: www.whatcomcounty.us./auditor
Ballot Measure Receipt
Date Received: 0 Iq // 5
Received From: Jdi / V Ki ML
Name of Presenter and Title
Q2 A UA,4%)
Name of Organization
311 affy4hy4g Ae !Os Ed lwkAm WA WZ5
Address
,. [-_o . (63 (p - ie bq o i i'i 1.�0►�i CJc;r�. 9�yd�u, ��. Uv� U S
Phone Ij Lmail
Ballot Measure Name: �P� ��0� � � �v ��1 �', S'11OA
(not resolution number)
The Auditor's Office, Election Division, acknowledges receipt of the above ballot
measure for inclusion in the Alts Nov. G.aiz-Ird 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.
Presenter's Signature Date
I:\Policies & Procedures\Elections\02_Pre-Election\04_Filing - Ballot Measures\FRM RECEIPT for ballot measure.doc Rev. 04/24/15
scam 1fl4
Ballot Measure Cover Sheet w
RECEI
This cover sheet must accompany each ballot measure submitted t tf]etcom
County Auditor. Aug � 4
Name of District: Whatcom County I)rSOJ>= ADELSTEIN AUDITOR
District Address: 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 105, Bellin A 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: JIII Nixon, Administrative Clerk
(Name and Title)
Contact Person 2 Phone: 360-676-6690 Email: jnixon@co.whatcom.wa.us
Attorney Information
Attorney for District: Daniel Gibson
Attorney Phone: 360-676-6784 Email: dgibson@co.whatcom.wa.us
Has yoLir attorney prepared this ballot measure? 'id Yes ❑ No
s
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)
9
Attached the Resolution with original signatures - or - a certified copy of the original
A
Yes
Resolution?
Attached the Explanatory Statement for the Local Voters' Pamphlet? (now required for all
W
Yes
elections)
Also sent the Resolution and Explanatory Statement electronically to:
*
Yes
eIectionsLcc cc_w iatcam.wa.us ?
Attached the "For' and "Against" Committee Appointment Forms?
id
Yes
Fully completed this cover sheet?
A
Yes
This form is available in a fillable form on the Auditor's Website: www. whatcomcounty. uslauditorl
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
COUNCiLMEMBERS
Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C.
pP�
Barbara Brenner
Browne
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105
4'
A U G 0 4 2 015
y B
Barry Buchanan
PeteKremen
Bellingham, WA 98225AO38
�
Ken Mann
(360) 676-6690
�q - fpt
DEBBIE ADELSTEIN
Satpal Sidhu
Carl Weimer
ATCONI COUNTY AUDITOR
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNC
July 22, 2015
MEMORANDUM
TO: County Auditor Debbie Adelstein
FROM: Carl Weimer, Council Chair
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
(AB2015-219)
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.
c: 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
"UT'CoM couyN COUNM ...
WMTCOM COUNTY, W.4SHTVG 01V
officicd Certified Copy
1 ar±<aBr+awn- rl C,cwu
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 ty Council District
The registered voters of Whateern 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.
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 revi u harter amendment
was approved by 12 2L3.majonty of the voters h n no ordinance ro osin to the voters
further amendment of that matter shall be adv ted except by a 7-0 affirmative vote f 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\Ballot 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 any
provision of Sections 2.12_o_r 2.13 of this Charter shall__be_adopted by the Council 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:\Jill\Charter Review Commission\Charter Review Commission 2015\13allot Titles and amend mentsFINALFormatDGedits. 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 formulates ,
s, E.g shall cnrea»tstatengeat of
t~�p pose of the -ems the ballot title which shalt consist of: a a statement of the
subject of the measure; (b) a concise description of the measure- and c aquestion: "Shall
this be enacted into law?" The statement of the subject of the measure must be proposed
as a positive statement be sufficiently broad to reflect the subject and be sufficient)
precise to g1ve 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 clearly identify the prpposition to be voted
on and not to the extent reasonably ossible create preLudice either for or 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 eencise
statement; pesed as a-quie-st4en, not to exeeed4w we d
give a 'FUe and 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 roposed as a positive statement, be sufficiently broad to
reflect the sub-ect and be sufficiently precise to give notice of the measure's subject
matter and not exceed ten words. The concise descri otion 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 reasonabfv 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 amend mentsFINALFormatDGedits.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- ar 5 of the vote east4—the
cry the :a_`_ ; FkeFaA elfttiOA 0 not less than B% 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 r}et-+ess Tarr ' `he • ele c �
caunty-inrthe last gene 'eetief+-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:\Jill\Charter Review Commission\Charter Review Commission 2015\13allot Titles and amendmentsFINALFormatDGedits.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 0) 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 councilmemlbiersjihaIl serve no more than three consecutive full
tgrm i in -office. Tern2s. are considered consec ive unless they are at least four years apart.
The limit in terms shall be applied prospectively only, beginning 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 nQ more than three consecutive f II terms in office. Terms are
co ns i dered. consecutive un [Less.they a re at least four years a part. The Iimit in terms shall be
a Ipla iedprospectively-only, be innin with the election In Z- 9.
Ballot Title:
Proposition No. 8
ALTERING COMPOSITION OF DISTRICTING COMMISSION
H:\JIII\Charter Review Commission\Charter Review Commission 2015\13allot Titles and amendments FINALFormatDGedits.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 fire
member Districting Committee shall be appointed. The County Council shall appoint fatff
persons to the committee, twe-one representative from each major political party, defined
as the stated party of any candidate receiving at -least 15% of the vote in Whatcom Coup
in the most recent qL&Qrnatorial primary or presidential election. Parties with a candidate
receiving at least 33% of the vote in either of those elections will be provided a second
Lepresentative on the Districting Committee. If the number of total representatives is even
the fetir te appeirrt appointees will select a fifth an additional member who shall be the
Chair. If the total number is odd, the Committee will vote for and appoint 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 amendmentsFINALFormatOGedits.docx
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.
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 eeneise statement, posed as a pesitiye questieFl,
emeeed twenty (20) weFds, whieh shall eKpFess and give a true and impat=tial statement e
the PHFpese of the measure the ballot title which shall consist of: () a statement of the
subject of the measure b a concise descri ption of the measure and c a g uestion: "Shall
this be enacted into law?" The statement of the subject of the measure must be proposed
as a positive statement be sufficiently broad to reflect the subject and be sufficient)
precise to give notice of the measure's subject matter, and not exceed ten words. The
concise description must contain no more than thifty words be a true and impartial
description of the measure's essential contents clearly identify the propo5ition to be voted
an and not to the extent reasonably ossible 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 ...
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 eene+se
5tatement
WhOC-h Shall express and
rposed as a questien, i
give a true and impartial statement ef tFneasui--ethe ballot title which
shall consist of: a a statement of the subject of the measure• b a concise descri ption of
the measure: and c a uestion: "Shall this be .enacted into law?" The statement of the
subject of the measure must be proposed as a positive statement, be sufficiently broad to
reflect the subject, and be sufficiently 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, clearly
identify the progosition 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 —
Explanatory Statement:
Presently ballot titles for County initiatives and referenda are supposed to be no longer than
twenty words. The proposed amendment, if adopted, would change that requirement so
that ballot titles for those purposes could be up to forty words long, and would also provide
greater consistency between state law and county law regarding other aspects of the
County's ballot titles for initiatives and referenda.
Committee Statement Form
Whatcom County Local Voters' Pamphlet
This is the statement of the: X
for the: Primary Election
District: Charter Review
(e.g., Bellingham School District 501)
Committee FOR Committee AGAINST
X General Election
Proposition Name: Proposition 4 - Word Limit on Ballot Questions
(e.g., General Obligation Bonds - $27,995,000)
This form is available in a fil/able 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: Todd Donovan
Contact Phone:
E-mail: donovan66@msn.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":
Todd Donovan
Karl Uppiano
Joe Elenbaas
Committee Name, if applicable
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.
Committee Appointment Form
�? Whatcom County Local Voters' Pamphlet
$srIN I
This is the appointment of the: Committee FOR Committee AGAINST
for the: Primary Election �- General Election
District:tZVrA_1wV1T Proposition Name: eyyt lr_� AM _eyiq
(e.g., Bellingham School District 501) J (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. (kholr Member Name: 6 r t 4u,
Contact Phone: 3 >; G — 02_'��6 E-mail: 1 a Ci'1 1. I^owl
Signature:
2. Member Name: �6� ocnb2 L _
Contact Phone: q 1 19 177 E-mail0e4hGs�Y�i�l�'
Signature: L:--=
3, Member Name: n ovCA4
Contact Phone: ? (D — E-mail:&)Y)"Y\(d
com
Signature:
the aWve namod-Wividuals have been appointed and have consented to serve as indicated.
T �n I
Authorized Signature (Individual with out ority 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\20151FRM Committee Appt Form.doc
Committee Appointment Form
Whatcom County Local Voters' Pamphlet
hlHriS
This is the appointment of the: Committee FOR Committee AGAINST
for the: Primary Election General Election
District: L3 VN4±-,b"N,01AProposition Name: C" Armeod �
(e.g., Bellingham School District 501) J (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. i,r Member Name:
Contact Phone: E-mail:
Signature:
2. Member Name:
Contact Phone: F-mail:
Signature:
3. Member Name:
Contact Phone: E-mail:
Signature:
I herehy-cetify the abovs-nqMd individuals have been appointed and have consented to serve as indicated.
IRY l
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:\NancyM15\FRM committee Appt Form.doc