Feb. 2020 Special Election: What's On The Ballot In Pierce County

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — If you still have not returned your ballot for the February special election, you still have a few hours left to get it to a dropbox or drop by the election center.

The deadline to return all ballots is 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11.

In Pierce County, many cities will consider school bond or levy measures, and a few people may see a property tax levy for the Valley Regional Fire Authority.

Pierce County Feb. 2020 Special Election Highlights

Tacoma Public Schools (Tacoma)
Tacoma School District No. 10 is seeking approval for a $535 million bond measure, with funds earmarked to renovate eight schools and implement security improvements across the district. Other projects include earthquake safety retrofitting, ADA improvements and classroom upgrades. To pass, the measure requires 60 percent approval from voters.

Peninsula School District (Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula)
Peninsula School District No. 401 is looking to renew an expiring levy to help maintain educational programs and operations that have not received full funding from the state. The proposed levy rate would add $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed value to property tax bills through 2023. The measure requires a simple majority to pass.

Clover Park School District (Lakewood/JBLM)
Clover Park School District No. 400 seeks to replace an expiring bond for educational programs and operations, paid for by an additional property tax levy through 2024. Each property owner within the district would pay $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value through 2024. The measure requires a simple majority to pass.

Sumner-Bonney Lake School District (Sumner/Bonney Lake)
Voters in Sumner and Bonney Lake have a pair of school-related measures to consider this time around. Both items cover School District No. 320.

Proposition No. 1 would replace an expiring levy and add a levy rate of $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value through 2024. The measure requires a simple majority to pass.

Proposition No. 2 would authorize the district to build a brand new high school, replacing Sumner High, and including a new Performing Arts Center, gym and pool. The district is seeking $205 million in bonds to acquire land in the Tehaleh area and complete construction of the project. That measure requires a minimum of 5,219 votes and a 60 percent majority to pass.

Valley Regional Fire Authority
Some Pierce County voters may see a ballot proposition related to Valley Regional Fire Authority, restoring the property tax levy to its original rate. The new levy would be used for fire protection and emergency services within the towns of Algona, Auburn and Pacific.

Pierce County election officials are projecting voter turnout in the 35 to 38 percent range for the Feb. 11 election. Ballots must be postmarked by that day in order to be accepted. The last day recommended to mail them was Feb. 7, 2020. Voters can visit any ballot drop box or stop by the Pierce County Election Center in Tacoma until 8 p.m.

The first round of results are expected Tuesday night around 8:15 p.m.

Find your nearest Pierce County ballot dropbox on this updated map.

Review a county-wide sample ballot online.