“Against” statements needed for Blaine school district bond measure

The Whatcom County Auditor’s Office is seeking candidates for the “against” committee for Blaine school district’s general obligation bond which heads to ballots in the November 5 general election.

The bond would be funded through a $0.76 per $1,000 in assessed home value property tax, nearly identical to a proposed bond that narrowly missed the 60 percent supermajority hurdle in the February 2024 special election.

Funds would go toward extensive middle school renovations, upgrades and additions to Pipeline Athletic Complex, improvements to the primary and elementary schools, and designs for a future Birch Bay school, according to the district.

Ballots are expected to be mailed out by October 18 and will be due in ballot boxes by 8 p.m. on election night, Tuesday, November 5.

State law requires a three-member “for” and “against” committee be created for every ballot measure.

To be appointed, members must be a resident and registered voter within the voting jurisdiction (roughly all of Blaine, Birch Bay, Semiahmoo and Point Roberts), “pledge to work cooperatively with other members of the committee,” and have access to email. At least one committee member must be willing to put their name in the voter’s pamphlet, according to the auditor’s office.

The deadline to request a committee appointment is noon August 12. The deadline to submit a statement is the same date at 4:30 p.m. Those interested in applying can email a request including their name, phone number and voter registration address to elections@co.whatcom.wa.us. Applicants must include they’re applying to write a statement for Blaine school district.