April Special Election Voters' Pamphlet Available Online

King County Elections published the April 17 Special Election Voter's Pamphlet online yesterday before they are mailed to Mercer Island's 16,632 voters.

At issue is a measure to authorize up to $196 million in construction bonds for the stated purpose of planning and rebuilding all of Mercer Island's K-8 schools, as well as modernization work on and, repairs for and the purchase of land.

The is one of six local govenments using the special election to put a measure before voters, but the only school district to participate in the voter guide, at a cost of $3,000. The pamphlet includes the measure as it appears on the ballot, an explanatory statement limited to 250 words, and "pro" and "con" statements of up to 200 words and rebuttals of up to 75 words.

The MISD appointed residents Michael Finn, Trevor Hart and Marty Gale to write statements in opposition to the bond and Rand Ginn, Emmett Maloof and Susan Blake in support of the bonds.

Participation in the voter guide is not required in special elections, unlike primary and general elections. The school board to use the pamphlet, but participation on March 1.

Issaquah School District is also asking voters to consider a $219 million bond measure and Renton School District has put a $96 million on the April ballot for a second time.

Passage of the bond requires a 60 percent yes vote and a minimum turnout of 3,971 votes.

Here are some important dates to remember in the run-up to the April Special Election:

• Mar 18, 2012 Overseas and military ballots mailed for the April 17 Special Election
• Mar 19, 2012 Deadline for mail and online voter registrations and transfers for the April 17 Special Election
• Mar 28, 2012 Ballots mailed for the April 17 Special Election
• Mar 29, 2012 Ballot drop box locations open
• Mar 30, 2012 Accessible Voting Units and ballots available through Election Day
• Apr 09, 2012 Deadline for in-person registration for the April 17 Special Election
• Apr 16, 2012 Additional AVC locations open
• Apr 17, 2012 Special Election