Be Sure to Cast Your Ballot in Special Election

The Orcas Island Park and Recreation District funding will be on the February 8 ballot being mailed to voters on January 19, 2011.

Funding for the Orcas Parks and Rec District received over 58% approval in the past November election. While that was a clear majority approving under most circumstances, 60% approval was required. By only a very few votes, the majority did not prevail.

Orcas residents are urged to access their ballot and vote in the February 8 election. There are many, many Orcas Island volunteers, coordinators, young and older participants affected by this vote!  Our community deserves a clear up or down decision from all Orcas island voters on this important issue.

Information on Orcas Island Parks and Rec District programming, the proposed budget, an FAQ, and commissioner contact information is available at www.orcasparkandrec.com

Please remember that the Post Office does not forward ballots. Even if you have the pre-paid forwarding service, your ballot will not be forwarded. It will be returned to the County and they will then send you a first class letter telling you how to then access a ballot. There is significant risk that this time consuming process could result in a significant number Orcas islanders being unable to weigh in on this important community-wide vote.

Voters may simply phone 378-3357, or email elections@sanjuanco.com and request that the County send a ballot to your current address.  This will work even if your original ballot has already been mailed to your Orcas address and it is past the January 19 mailing date. They will send you a duplicate by first class mail. You must still postmark by February 8.

If you are not registered to vote you may do so in person at the San Juan Elections Office in Friday Harbor at 915 Spring St. Ph.378-3357 or Fax 378-8856 up until January 31,2011.

Thanks to Krista Bouchey