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Home My WebLink About2025 - Whatcom County Charter Amendment Prop No. 10 Determining Initial Rules for the Charter Review Commission Meetings - General and Special 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. Re istered 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) 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% 76618 ballots (3 over voted ballots, 3 overvotes, 3421 undervotes), 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) 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% 76618 ballots (1 over voted ballots, 1 overvotes, 3959 undervotes), Approved 62001 85.33% Reiected 10657 14.67% Total 72658 100.00% Overvotes 1 Undervotes 3959 WC Prop 4 Power and Duties Elected Officials (Vote for 1) 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% 76618 ballots (1 over voted ballots,_1 overvotes, 3848 undervotes), 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) 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% 76618 ballots (4 over voted ballots,_4 overvotes, 5073 undervotes), Approved 56628 79.15% Rejected 14913 20.85% Total 71541 100.00% Overvotes 4 Undervotes 5073 WC Prop 6 Adjusting Signatures Required for Referendum (Vote for 1) 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% 76618 ballots (1 over voted ballots, 1 overvotes, 3954 undervotes), 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: 76613, Reclistered 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 "lu 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% Rejected 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 5899 i 34.08`" Rejected t 16 ; 15.9 "/. 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 6114 86.9!': Rejected 920,. 13 C9'4- 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 2"d day of December, 2025, Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington. Stacy Henthornv County Auditor Proposition No 10 - Determining Initial Rules for the Charter Review Commission Meetings Ballot Title The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to set the rules of procedure for the first Charter Review Commission Meeting. This measure would amend Charter Section 8.11 to require the commissioner who received the greatest number of votes in the Charter Review Commission election to set the procedural rules that will govern the first meeting of the commission until a permanent set of rules is adopted by the commission. Should this proposal be: Approved Rejected Explanatory Statement Currently, the Whatcom County Charter directs the Charter Review Commissioner who received the most votes in the election to convene the Commission but does not indicate what procedural rules should govern the first meeting. If adopted, this Charter Amendment would authorize the convener of the Commission to also determine the procedural rules that will govern the first meeting of the Commission until a permanent set of rules is adopted. Amending Language Article 8 - Charter Review and Amendments Section 8.11 Election and Period of Office At least every ten (10) years after the adoption of this Charter, the County Council shall cause an election of a Charter Review Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission. The Commission shall consist of fifteen (15) persons, an equal number from each Council district. There shall be no filing fee nor shall there be a primary. The qualified voters of the respective districts shall vote only for candidates from their district at the general election. Candidates' names shall appear on all ballots as drawn by lot. The member of the Commission who receives the greatest number of votes shall convene the Commission. This commissioner shall determine the rules that will govern the first meeting of the commission until a permanent set of rules is adopted by the commission Page 19 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 360-778-5017, jgernand@co.whatcom.wa.us Phone & email Kellen Kooistra Name 360-778-5751, kkooistr@co.whatcom.wa.us Phone & email 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 Pi � 0011 AuG 0 5 2025 Whatcorn CourAy Elections Proposition/Initiative N �"'N Deputy Auditor's Signal Contact Person 2 Kirsten Smith, Deputy Clerk Name & Title 360-778-5015, ksmith@co.whatcom.wa.us i Phone & email Has your attorney prepared this ballot measure? �3 Yes No Yes No t Yes 0 No Yes (D No q) Yes C 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. Presenter's Signature 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 S WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL To: County Auditor Stacy Henthorn From: Kaylee Galloway, Council Chair -)�6 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 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL CLERK'S CERTIFICATE CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC 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 IP IIIIIIIII, ti�t4 C 0 0 Cat§ycKalk� COE Cleric of the Council -_ STATE C = r mil. COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Suite#105Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 G 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 Pro ❑sition No. 10 - Determining Initial Rules for the Charter Review Commission Meetings Ballot Title The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to set the rules of procedure for the first Charter Review Commission Meeting. This measure would amend Charter Section 8.11 to require the commissioner who received the greatest number of votes in the Charter Review Commission election to set the procedural rules that will govern the first meeting of the commission until a permanent set of rules is adopted by the commission. Should this proposal be: Approved Rejected Explanatory Statement Currently, the Whatcom County Charter directs the Charter Review Commissioner who received the most votes in the election to convene the Commission but does not indicate what procedural rules should govern the first meeting. If adopted, this Charter Amendment would authorize the convener of the Commission to also determine the procedural rules that will govern the first meeting of the Commission until a permanent set of rules is adopted. Amending Language Article 8 - Charter Review and Amendments Section 8.11 Election and Period of Office At least every ten (10) years after the adoption of this Charter, the County Council shall cause an election of a Charter Review Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission. The Commission shall consist of fifteen (15) persons, an equal number from each Council district. There shall be no filing fee nor shall there be a primary. The qualified voters of the respective districts shall vote only for candidates from their district at the general election. Candidates' names shall appear on all ballots as drawn by lot. The member of the Commission who receives the greatest number of votes shall convene the Commission. This commissioner shall determine the rules that will ❑vern the first meetin of the commission until a Permanent set of rules is ado ted b the commission Page 19