Former Candidate Challenges Ballot Wording for Coupeville School Levies

On December 10, former school board candidate David Mahaffy filed a legal petition asking the Island County prosecuting attorney to alter one word in the ballot title summary for two replacement levies that will appear on the February 10 ballot. Mahaffy objected to the use of the word necessary in the summary language, saying it is not neutral and may predispose voters to a particular view. The petition initiated a rarely used but lawful election procedure to challenge ballot wording.

The school district responded by saying it does not object to a wording change limited to that single word. Superintendent comments to district officials set out the levies' intended uses. Proposition 1 is described as funding ongoing educational programs and operations including staffing, advanced classes, language services, social emotional supports, career and technical education, arts and athletics. Proposition 2 is described as supporting capital and technology needs such as student devices, software licenses and security systems.

The dispute centers on a technical part of election administration with real world consequences. Ballot language frames choices for voters and can shape perceptions at the margins. The levies are replacement measures, meaning they are intended to continue funding for services rather than to create a new revenue stream. For Island County residents, the outcome of this challenge could affect how the measures appear on the ballot and how voters understand the district s spending priorities when they vote in February.

Under state procedures, voters and candidates have a narrow window to seek revisions to ballot titles and summaries, and the county prosecuting attorney plays a role in reviewing such petitions. The process can move quickly because ballots and voter pamphlets must be finalized well ahead of election day. An informational presentation on the levies is scheduled for the community to explain the measures and the programs they would support. Residents with questions about the levies or upcoming community meetings should consult the school district s election notices for dates and details.