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Home My WebLink About2025 - Whatcom County Charter Amendment Prop No. 2 Establishing a Whatcom County Office of Ombuds - 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. Reclistered 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% Rejected 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% Reiected 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% Rejected 5710 7.85% Total 72769 100.00% Overvotes 1 Undervotes 3848 WC Prop 5 Modifying Redistricting Process (Vote for 1) 4 5073 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% 76618 ballots (4 over voted ballots, overvotes, 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) 1 3954 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% 76618 ballots (1 over voted ballots, overvotes, 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 Re istered 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% Rejected 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 Proposition No 2 - Establishing a Whatcom County Office of the Ombuds Ballot Title The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to create the office of the Whatcom County Ombuds. This measure would amend Article 2 of the Whatcom County Charter to require the County Council to establish an Office of the Ombuds. The Ombuds would receive and investigate complaints and inquiries about county government. The Council would be required to provide the office necessary funding and power to fulfill its duties. The office would start work no later than January 15t, 2027. In 2030, the Whatcom County Council would have the ability to eliminate this office. Should this proposal be: Approved Rejected Explanatory Statement Currently, there is no office of the Whatcom County Ombuds. If adopted, this amendment would require the County Council to establish such an office for the purpose of receiving, investigating, and making recommendations in relation to complaints and inquiries from the public concerning the operation of county government. The office would be given authority and resources to complete these duties. The office shall begin work no later than 2027. In the year 2030, the Council will have the ability to abolish the office without requiring another charter amendment. Amending Language Article 2 - The Legislative Branch New Section: 2.70 Office of the Ombuds The County Council shall establish by ordinance the independent office of county ombuds for the purpose of receiving investigating, and making recommendations to the Council and appropriate county agencies on complaints concerning the operation of county government and to respond to inquiries from the public concerning the operation of county government. The office shall be appointed by the Council. The office shall be provided adequate funding to fulfill its duties as determined by the Council It shall have subject to relevant laws, appropriate legal authority and unfettered access to information necessary for it to quickly and efficiently investigate and to make and publicize recommendations concerning its findings including the power to subpoena witnesses documents and other evidence and to administer oaths. The office shall use generally accepted standards for similar offices. In addition to other duties prescribed by ordinance the office shall monitor and regularly report to the Council on the nature and disposition of whistleblower, ethics and human rights complaints filed pursuant to other county ordinances or procedures. Council may, as it sees fit allow this office to enter interlocal agreements with any one or more governments governmental agencies or municipal corporations within county Page 3 District Name: District Address: Contact Person 1 Whatcom County Auditor's Office Ballot Measure Coversheet Whatcom County 311 Grand Ave., Bellingham WA 98225 Jenna Gernand, Legislative Coordinator Name & Title 360-778-501-7,-jgernand@co.whatcom.wa.us Phone & email Kellen Kooistra Name mn-778-5751. kkooistraco.whatcom.wa.us Phone & email Are the following required documentse'd Resolution with original signatures or a certified copy Explanatory Statement prepared by your attorney, not to exceed 100 words Committee Appointment Forms separate forms for each committee Completed Ballot Measure Coversheet Auditor's Office Use Received In Person AU6 0 5 2025 WhatCOM -�,ouMy Elections Contact Person 2 Kirsten Smith, Deputy Clerk Name & Title 360-778-5015, ksmith@co.whatcom.wa.us Phone & email �I Has your attorney prepared this ballot measure? Yes ® No Yes ® No Yes O No Yes ® No 00 Yes ® No 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. T(q C) Propo=Auditor'sSignat er� Presenters Signature Deput 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 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL July 29, 2025 MEMORANDUM To: County Auditor Stacy Henthorn From: Kaylee Galloway, Council Chair —)�4 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 4C'p m CC, 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, A62025-507, 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 CIO Cathy(Hajk� �O Clerk of the Council STATE OF ; COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (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, Jon Mutchler, Rod Stump Proposition No. 2 - Establishing a Whatcom County Office of the Ombuds Ballot Title The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to create the office of the Whatcom County Ombuds. This measure would amend Article 2 of the Whatcom County Charter to require the County Council to establish an Office of the Ombuds. The Ombuds would receive and investigate complaints and inquiries about county government. The Council would be required to provide the office necessary funding and power to fulfill its duties. The office would start work no later than January 1st, 2027. In 2030, the Whatcom County Council would have the ability to eliminate this office. Should this proposal be: Approved Rejected Explanatory Statement Currently, there is no office of the Whatcom County Ombuds. If adopted, this amendment would require the County Council to establish such an office for the purpose of receiving, investigating, and making recommendations in relation to complaints and inquiries from the public concerning the operation of county government. The office would be given authority and resources to complete these duties. The office shall begin work no later than 2027. In the year 2030, the Council will have the ability to abolish the office without requiring another charter amendment. Amending Language Article 2 - The Legislative Branch New Section: 2.70 Office of the Ombuds The County Council shall establish by ordinance the independent office of county ombuds for the nurpose of receiving, investigating, and making recommendations to the Council and appropriate county agencies on complaints concerning the operation of county_ government and to respond to inquiries from the public concerning the he operation of county government. The office shall be appointed by the Council. The office shall be provided ade uate funding to fulfill its duties as determined by the Council. It shall have subiect to relevant laws, appropriate legal authority and unfettered access to information n ecessa ry for it to-u u ickly and efficient) y €nvesti ate and to make and ublici2e recommendations concerning -its findings -including the 12ower to subpoena witnesses documents and other evidence and to administer oaths. The office shall use generally accel2ted standards for similar offices. In addition to other duties prescribed by ordinance the office shall monitor and regularly report to the Council on the nature and disposition of whistleblower, ethics and human rights complaints filed pursuant to other county ordinances or procedures. Council may, as it sees fit allow this office to enter interlocal agreements with any one or more governments -governmental agencies, or municipal corporations within count Page 3 boundaries. The office shall commence functionine no later than January 1 2027 and shall have the duties and responsibilities ex ressed in this section as well as those established -by ordinance. During the calendar year of 2030 the Council may eliminate the office of the ombuds by ordinance. Should the Council do so this Charter Section shall be nullified and of no further effect. If the Council does not abolish the office in 2030this Charter Section shall remain in effect until rescinded or altered by charter amendment. Page 4