Airport landlord’s Blaine voter
registration revoked

By Jack Kintner

Local builder and airport landlord Don Nelson’s voter registration in Blaine was revoked by Whatcom County Auditor Shirley Forslof earlier this month following a challenge by Caryn Johnson of Blaine.

An earlier challenge to Nelson’s voting eligibility by Johnson in late October was not successful, but this time she submitted photographs of Nelson’s Bellingham residence at 2586 Lake Whatcom Boulevard as well as of his Blaine building at 925 Ludwick Avenue.

In her letter to Nelson, dated December 6, 2005, Forslof said “...there is clear and convincing evidence that the voter, Donald W. Nelson, does not reside at 925 Ludwick Avenue in Blaine, WA. It appears that he instead lives at 2586 Lake Whatcom Boulevard. Therefore the challenge is sustained and the voter registration for this address shall be canceled.”
The first challenge was heard by a three-person board since it occured within 30 days prior to an election. The second one was heard by Forslof alone. Nelson did not attend the hearing.