4-25-2019
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Whatcom County’s Auditor wants the state to step up and help fund elections involving state-related issues and races.
Debbie Adelstein says Washington has set up a system where it doesn’t pay for a portion of the election costs in even years — when most of the state races and initiatives are on the ballot.
She says the discrepancy cost Whatcom County more than $780,000 from 2013 to 2016, and other counties are feeling the same budget squeeze.
Adelstein hopes the legislature will take action on the issue during this session, and she’s asking local residents to contact their representatives in Olympia.
House Bill 1291, co-sponsored by Rep. Luanne Van Werven, and Senate Bill 5073 will decide the how the auditors are reimbursed for upcoming elections.
To find your representative, call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 or visit the District Finder on the Washington State Legislature’s website.