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Home My WebLink About2025 - Whatcom County Charter Amendment Prop No. 1 Authorizing Councilmembers to Hire Dedicated Aides - General and Special Election November 5, 2025Summary Report Page: 1 of 2 Whatcom County, Washington, GENERAL 2025, Nov 04, 2025 2025-11-24 All Precincts, All Districts, All Counter Groups, All ScanStations, WC Prop 1 Auth Councilmembers to 16:40:46 Hire Aides, WC Prop 10 Initial Rules Charter Review Comm Meetings, WC Prop 11 Adjust Sig Requirements for Charter Amend, WC Prop 12 Land Supply and Construction Cost Analysis, WC Prop 2 Establish Office Ombuds, WC Prop 3 Establishing Performance Audits, WC Prop 4 Power and Duties Elected Officials, WC Prop 5 Modifying Redistricting Process, WC Prop 6 Adjusting Signatures Required for Referendum, WC Prop 7 Prohibiting County Gov from Interfering, WC Prop 8 Modifying Budget Process, WC Prop 9 Add Accountability to Financial Reporting, All Boxes Total Ballots Cast: 76618 Registered Voters: 169242, Overall Turnout: 45.27% Choice Votes Vote % All Precincts WC Prop 1 Auth Councilmembers to Hire Aides (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (0 over voted ballots, 0 overvotes, 5285 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 26560 37.23% Reiected 44773 62.77% Total 71333 100.00% Overvotes 0 Undervotes 5285 WC Prop 2 Establish Office Ombuds (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (3 over voted ballots, 3 overvotes, 3421 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 35918 49.07% Rejected 37276 50.93% Total 73194 100.00% Overvotes 3 Undervotes 3421 WC Prop 3 Establishing Performance Audits (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (1 over voted ballots, 1 overvotes, 3959 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 62001 85.33% Rejected 10657 14.67% Total 72658 100.00% Overvotes 1 Undervotes 3959 WC Prop 4 Power and Duties Elected Officials (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (1 over voted ballots, 1 overvotes, 3848 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 67059 92.15% Reiected 5710 7.85% Total 72769 100.00% Overvotes 1 Undervotes 3848 WC Prop 5 Modifying Redistricting Process (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (4 over voted ballots, 4 overvotes, 5073 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 56628 79.15% Reiected 14913 20.85% Total 71541 100.00% Overvotes 4 Undervotes 5073 WC Prop 6 Adjusting Signatures Required for Referendum (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (1 over voted ballots, 1 overvotes, 3954 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 33995 46.78% Reiected 38668 53.22% Total 72663 100.00% Overvotes 1 Undervotes 3954 WC Prop 7 Prohibiting County Gov from Interfering (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (4 over voted ballots. 4 overvotes, 4582 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 43647 60.59% Rejected 28385 39.41 % Summary Report Page: 2 of 2 Whatcom County, Washington, GENERAL 2025, Nov 04, 2025 2025-11-24 All Precincts, All Districts, All Counter Groups, All ScanStations, WC Prop 1 Auth Councilmembers to 16:40:46 Hire Aides, WC Prop 10 Initial Rules Charter Review Comm Meetings, WC Prop 11 Adjust Sig Requirements for Charter Amend, WC Prop 12 Land Supply and Construction Cost Analysis, WC Prop 2 Establish Office Ombuds, WC Prop 3 Establishing Performance Audits, WC Prop 4 Power and Duties Elected Officials, WC Prop 5 Modifying Redistricting Process, WC Prop 6 Adjusting Signatures Required for Referendum, WC Prop 7 Prohibiting County Gov from Interfering, WC Prop 8 Modifying Budget Process, WC Prop 9 Add Accountability to Financial Reporting, All Boxes Total Ballots Cast: 76618 Reqistered Voters: 169242, Overall Turnout: 45.27% Choice Votes Vote % Total 72032 100.00% Overvotes 4 Undervotes 4582 WC Prop 8 Modifying Budget Process (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (2 over voted ballots, 2 overvotes, 4117 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 67706 93.39% Reiected 4793 6.61 % Total 72499 100.00% Overvotes 2 Undervotes 4117 WC Prop 9 Add Accountability to Financial Reporting (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (1 over voted ballots, 1 overvotes, 3830 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 67942 93.34% Reiected 4845 6.66% Total 72787 100.00% Overvotes 1 Undervotes 3830 WC Prop 10 Initial Rules Charter Review Comm Meetings (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (3 over voted ballots, 3 overvotes, 6455 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 58991 84.08% Reiected 11169 15.92% Total 70160 100.00% Overvotes 3 Undervotes 6455 WC Prop 11 Adjust Sig Requirements for Charter Amend (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (4 over voted ballots, 4 overvotes, 6701 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 28650 40.98% Reiected 41263 59.02% Total 69913 100.00% Overvotes 4 Undervotes 6701 WC Prop 12 Land Supply and Construction Cost Analysis (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (2 over voted ballots, 2 overvotes, 6275 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 61134 86.91 % Reiected 9207 13.09% Total 70341 100.00% Overvotes 2 Undervotes 6275 STATE OF WASHINGTON ) ) ss COUNTY OF WHATCOM ) A canvass of the votes cast by qualified voters in Whatcom County for the district's submitted ballot measure for the November 4, 2025 Special Election is complete. The results of the election were duly canvassed by the Whatcom County Canvassing Board on November 25, 2025, and the results of said canvass are above. Dated this 2nd day of December, 2025, Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington. Stacy Henthorn County Auditor 2025 Whatcom County Charter Review Commission Approved Amendments Proposition No I - Authorizing Councilmembers to Hire Dedicated Aides Ballot Title The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to authorize County Councilmembers to hire aides. This measure would amend Section 2.22 of the Whatcom County Charter to allow each councilmember to hire a dedicated legislative aide. It also allows multiple councilmembers to hire one joint aide if they choose. Should this proposal be: Approved Rejected Explanatory Statement Currently, the Whatcom County Charter contains no provision concerning legislative aides. If adopted, this amendment would authorize councilmembers to hire a dedicated legislative aide with county funds to report directly to that councilmember. Councilmembers are authorized to use a joint aide between multiple councilmembers if they so desire. This amendment would not require any Councilmember to have an aide. Amending Language Article 2 - The Legislative Branch Section 2.22 Organization. The County Council shall annually elect one of its members as chair and a vice -chair who shall act in the absence of the chair. It shall be responsible for its own organization, the rules of conduct of its business and for the employment and supervision of such persons as it deems necessary to assist it in the performance of its duties. Each councilmember shall be authorized to hire a dedicated legislative aide who reports directly to that councilmember. Councilmembers can elect to hire a joint aide if theychoose. A majority of the Council shall constitute a quorum at all meetings. Council action shall require at least a majority of the entire Council except where two-thirds vote is required, in which case two-thirds of the entire Council shall be necessary Page 2 District Name: District Address: Contact Person i Whatcom County Auditor's Office Ballot Measure Coversheet Whatcom County 311 Grand Ave., Bellingham WA 98225 Jenna Gernand, Legislative Coordinator Name & Title 360-778-5017, jgernand@co.whatcom.wa.us Phone & email Attorney Kellen Kooistra Name 360-778-5751, kkooistr@co.whatcom.wa.us Phone & email Contact Person 2 Kirsten Smith, Deputy Clerk Name & Title 360-778-5015, ksmith@co.whatcom.wa.us Phone & email Has your attorney prepared this ballot measure? OYes ® No Resolution Yes No with original signatures or a certified copy Explanatory Statement prepared by your attorney, not to exceed 100 words Yes No Committee Appointment Forms Yes No separate forms for each committee Completed Ballot Measure Coversheet Yes O No Auditor's Office Use onceived In Person AUG 0 5 2025 whatcom County Elections �ro oS►��n �\b. Proposition/Initiative Number Deputy Auditor's Signature Missing document(s): I understand that the submittal deadline date for the missing documents is and the Auditor's Office will not begin processing this ballot measure until all documents have been submitted. Presenter's Signature _I Reviewed 12/12/2023 CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Cathy Halka, AICP, CIVIC COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 July 29, 2025 MEMORANDUM 4GO M C°G 3rL�I .4 f ,r �i� 93F►r NGt0 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL To: County Auditor Stacy Henthorn From: Kaylee Galloway, Council Chair RE: Submittal of 2025 Charter Review Commission Amendments COUNCILMEMBERS Barry Buchanan Tyler Byrd Todd Donovan Ben Elenbaas Kaylee Galloway Jon Scanlon Mark Stremler The County Council, at its July 22, 2025 meeting, voted 7-0 to receive the amendments put forward by the Charter Review Commission and submit them to the Auditor's office for the Nov. 4, 2025 General Election. Senior Deputy Prosecutor Kellen Kooistra wrote ballot titles and explanatory statements for the amendments, with input from the Charter Review Commission. Cc: Cathy Halka, Clerk of the Council Attachment: 2025 Proposed Charter Amendments COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 'C"014 CO ce �P 1A ' < WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL CLERK'S CERTIFICATE CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Cathy Halka, AICP, CIVIC For AB2025-507: Receipt of the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission's proposed amendments to Whatcom County voters and submittal to the Auditor I, the undersigned, duly chosen, qualified, and acting Clerk of the County Council of Whatcom County, Washington, and keeper of the records of the County Council (hereinafter referred to as "Council"), DO HEREBY CERTIFY: 1. The attached record of the Whatcom County Council, AB2025-507, is a true and correct copy of the original file, consisting of 21 pages, as maintained and duly recorded in my office pursuant to RCW 36.22.010(6), 36.32.140; 2. Said file is maintained in all respects in accordance with law, and that the content of the file has not, to the best of my knowledge, been altered; 3. 1 am authorized as Clerk of the Whatcom County Council to execute this certificate. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the Whatcom County Council, this 28 day of July, 2025. WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY WASHINGTON Co 7 � Cathy, alk'i C' o Cleric of the Council TATE OF. : r _ .f ► �SHII~iG�°�� /f u a •■ �i • a „ 1ti• COUNTY COURTHOUSE S 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-1038(360) 778-5010 WHATCOM COUNTY CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION TO: Whatcom County Council FROM: 2025 Whatcom County Charter Review Commission DATE: July 10, 2025 RE: Charter Review Commission Recommended Amendments to Voters Liz Darrow, Chair Jennifer Wright, Vice -Chair The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission recommends twelve (12) Charter amendments to the voters for the November 4, 2025 General Election. Please forward these amendments to the Whatcom County Auditor per Charter Section 8.20. The full text of the amendments and expanatory statements follow. Liz Darrow, Chair Approved via text 7.14.25/ks Jennifer Wright, Vice -Chair District 1: Liz Darrow, Joel Pitts -Jordan, Andrew Reding; District 2: Eamonn Collins, Colton Kaltenfeldt, Maya Morales; District 3: Doug Chadwick, Jessica Rienstra, Jennifer Wright; District 4: Joe Elenbaas, Brad Kelly Hannah Ordos; District 5: Lindsey Graham Elenbaas, ]on Mutchler, Rod Stump 2025 Whatcom County Charter Review Commission Approved Amendments Pro osition No. I - Authorizing Councilmembers to Hire Dedicated Aides Ballot Title The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to authorize County Councilmembers to hire aides. This measure would amend Section 2.22 of the Whatcom County Charter to allow each councilmember to hire a dedicated legislative aide. It also allows multiple councilmembers to hire one joint aide if they choose. Should this proposal be: Approved Rejected Explanatory Statement Currently, the Whatcom County Charter contains no provision concerning legislative aides. If adopted, this amendment would authorize councilmembers to hire a dedicated legislative aide with county funds to report directly to that councilmember. Councilmembers are authorized to use a joint aide between multiple councilmembers if they so desire. This amendment would not require any Councilmember to have an aide. Amending Language Article 2 - The Legislative Branch Section 2.22 Organization. The County Council shall annually elect one of its members as chair and a vice -chair who shall act in the absence of the chair. It shall be responsible for its own organization, the rules of conduct of its business and for the employment and supervision of such persons as it deerns necessary to assist it in the performance of its duties. Each councilmember shall be authorized to hire a dedicated le islative aide who re orts direcik to that councilmember. Councilmembers can elect to hire a flint aide if the choosy. A majority of the Council shall constitute a quorum at all meetings. Council action shall require at least a majority of the entire Council except where two-thirds vote is required, in which case two-thirds of the entire Council shall be necessary Page 2