News Briefs: January 29 Edition

Election officials have issued a correction after some Vashon Island residents received incorrect information with their mail-in ballots for King County’s upcoming February 10 election. The error directed island voters to ballot drop boxes in distant mainland locations rather than their local drop box at the Vashon Library.

According to a King County Elections spokesperson, the mistake occurred during the ballot assembly process, when information sheets intended for other communities were accidentally included in some Vashon ballot packages. While the ballot envelopes and voting materials themselves are accurate, some islanders received instruction sheets directing them to drop boxes in Renton, Maple Valley, Kent, and Covington—locations that would require a ferry trip and substantial drive.

“The drop box at the Vashon Library is available and nearest to all island voters, as it has been in all recent elections,” the spokesperson clarified. Officials emphasized that the Vashon drop box remains fully operational and is the appropriate location for island residents to submit their ballots.

The error highlights the importance of drop box locations in the county’s voting system. Data from King County Elections shows that in the November 2025 election, 67% of county voters returned their ballots via drop boxes, while only 33% used the U.S. mail.

The February special election features just one measure for Vashon voters—a four-year educational programs and operations levy for the Vashon Island School District. The proposal is considered critical for maintaining educational services on the island.

Interim Superintendent Jo Moccia underscored the levy’s importance, explaining that it addresses fundamental funding gaps in the state’s education budget. “The State of Washington does not fully fund public education,” Moccia noted. “The levy bridges the gap in paying for many expenses—including but not limited to principals, classroom teachers and other staff supporting students in the classroom, librarians, counselors, office support, custodians, insurance costs, utilities, safety, family engagement, facilities, grounds and maintenance, and enrichment activities including athletics.”

Without the levy’s passage, school officials warn that “cascading financial shortfalls” would impact virtually all aspects of public education on Vashon. The measure appears to have broad community support, with no formal opposition filed with King County Elections for inclusion in the voter’s pamphlet.

The ballot error comes at a time when election administration faces heightened scrutiny nationwide. Though this particular mistake appears to be a simple clerical error rather than anything more concerning, election officials recognize the importance of correct information reaching voters, especially in areas like Vashon where geography creates additional logistical challenges for residents.

Voters who received the incorrect information are advised to disregard the erroneous drop box locations and use the Vashon Library drop box instead. All other materials included in the ballot package, including the voter’s pamphlet detailing the school levy measure, remain accurate and valid.

In other local news, Vashon resident Sarah Choo was recently named to Point Park University’s Fall 2025 Dean’s List. The university made the announcement on January 22, noting that Choo was among more than 1,400 students recognized for academic achievement. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.