This column is part of a series detailing San Juan County’s recent news. Follow along each month to learn about important County projects, Council initiatives, department updates, and more.
Election Security FAQs: Vote Early, Vote Safely
With the 2024 General Election just around the corner, and the heightened focus on the electoral process, your elections team is taking a moment to answer the questions you might be asking!
KEY DATES
October 16: Ballots mailed to registered voters
October 28: Deadline to receive new registrations and voter updates online and by mail
November 5: General Election Date
November 26: Election Certification
Q: How do I register to vote in Washington?
A: It's easy and secure to register online, by mail with a paper form, or at the County Elections Office. Check your registration at VoteWA.gov.
Q: When will my ballot arrive?
A: Ballots are mailed about 20 days prior to the Election. If you don’t have yours two weeks before the election (by Tuesday, October 22), give us a call at (360) 378-3357.
Q: My (spouse, roommate, partner, parent) signed my ballot. What should I do?
A: This is a common mistake. Draw a line through the incorrect signature and sign your name directly above it.
Q: What if I miss the deadline to register online or by mail?
A: Washington offers same day registration services through election day. Eight days prior to the election, you must register (or update) in person at the Elections Office.
County Opens 2024 Vacation Rental Compliance Certification Process
San Juan County's Department of Community Development has opened the 2024 vacation rental certification of compliance process. This compliance process will be open until December 31, 2024. Vacation rental permit holders must submit their certificate of compliance application through the online portal, through the mail, or in-person. To submit online or access the printable form, go to https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1836/Vacation-Rental-Compliance-Enforcement.
Setting Public Works Priorities: Council Approves 6-Year Transportation Plan
San Juan County Council adopted the Public Works Department’s 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Annual Construction Program (ACP) for 2025. The TIP guides the Public Works Department as it manages new and ongoing projects over a six-year period while the ACP outlines projects scheduled for the first year of the TIP.
The TIP features 11 projects from every major island that seek to improve marine facilities, road conditions, or prevent future decay. The TIP also includes the County’s annual gravel road conversion program.
Permit Reviews, Long-Term Projects, and Ongoing Recruitments: DCD Leadership Provides Fall Update
Staff from the Department of Community Development (DCD) provided an update in four main areas: recruitment of open positions, status of third-party reviews, review of permit timelines, and the status of large projects. DCD leadership plans to return to Council with future updates in the coming months. Until then, staff noted cautious optimism about improving permit review times.
“It feels like there’s the tiniest bit of light at the end of the tunnel after an incredibly dark chapter,” said Council Member Christine Minney. “So, I’m really glad to hear that things are going in the right direction.”
San Juan County Purchases New Building on Orcas Following Sale of its Share of Orcas Senior Center
San Juan County is taking steps to reorganize County staff on Orcas Island. With the Senior Center Nonprofit’s purchase of the Senior Center building, and the purchase of a new building on Fern Street, the County will be establishing new spaces for County staff to continue serving the public on Orcas Island. Staff from the Auditor’s Office, Conservation Land Bank, and Noxious Weeds have used office space on Orcas Island and will be transitioned to the new building in 2025. The County Councilmember for District 2 will also have an office in the Fern Street building. Additional information about the location of County services on Orcas Island will be shared as it is available.
New Partnership Will Increase Access to Reproductive Health Services
San Juan County Health & Community Services and Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood are partnering to make reproductive health services easier to access in San Juan County. Starting in January 2025, Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood will be operating out of Health & Community Services’ Friday Harbor clinic office one day per week. The clinic space will be used to conduct appointments and offer reproductive health services. County residents can make an appointment directly with MBPP. By sharing clinic space, Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood can provide important healthcare and Health & Community Services (HCS) can expand reproductive and sexual health testing and services in a sustainable manner for county residents.
Learn more about the County’s recent news by visiting: sanjuancountywa.gov/1930/San-Juan-County-Newsroom
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