Special election voting ends today

Islanders are set to decide the fate of two property tax levies as mail-in voting for the Feb. 8 special election concludes tonight at 8 p.m.

San Juan County Public Hospital District Proposition 1, a six-year emergency medical services property tax levy renewal, would increase the existing levy rate to $0.45 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation for the next six years. The Update has published letters to the editor in support of this levy and in opposition to this levy.

San Juan Island School District Proposition 1, a replacement educational programs and operational levy renewal, would increase the existing levy rate to $0.6770 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation in 2023. The rate would rise to $0.7251 in 2024, $0.7766 in 2025, and $0.8317 in 2026. The Update has also published letters to the editor with statements regarding this levy.

As of 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 7, 39 percent of the 7,031 eligible voters on San Juan Island have returned their ballot — the third-highest return rate among the 38 Washington counties holding special elections.

Remaining ballots must be submitted by 8 p.m. tonight.

In-person drop-off is available at the County Elections Office at 55 Second St., or across the street from the Elections Office at the ballot drop-box in front of the County Courthouse.

Returning ballots by mail requires no postage, but they must be postmarked with a Feb. 8 date. The last scheduled mail collection at the post office in Friday Harbor is 3 p.m.

The Elections Office will release preliminary results some time after 8 p.m. tonight. They will periodically update the results as additional ballots are counted. Election certification occurs 10 days after the special election.

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