Whidbey Legislative Report · Election guide
2026 Whidbey Ballot Guide
An educational companion to the official Island County voters' pamphlet for the November 3, 2026 General Election.
Prepared by Christopher John Wiegenstein, M.S. · A publication of CradleStone, LLC
How to use this guide
Your address determines which races and measures appear on your ballot. Start with your personalized ballot, then compare both sides of each measure and read candidates' official statements.
Descriptions of supporters' and opponents' positions are attributed arguments, not endorsements. Not every local measure appears on every ballot.
Statewide initiatives
IP26-645 — Individual income-tax repeal
Washington enacted a 9.9% tax on taxable annual individual income above $1 million, beginning in 2028. The initiative would repeal that tax and establish restrictions on individual income taxation.
What your vote means: YES repeals the new tax before collections begin and adopts the proposed restrictions. NO retains the enacted tax and current legal framework.
Supporters of repeal say it would prevent the new tax and limit future individual income taxation. Opponents say retaining the tax would preserve projected revenue for public services.
What stays the same: Other state taxes continue. Separate non-income-tax relief enacted alongside the 2026 law remains in effect even if repeal passes.
IL26-001 — Parental rights in public schools
This initiative would restore specified provisions of the 2024 parental-rights law, replacing 2025 amendments concerning school records, notifications, privacy and related rights.
What your vote means: YES restores specified 2024 provisions. NO keeps the 2025-amended statute.
Supporters say the earlier rules give parents clearer access to information and notifications. Opponents say restoration removes some student privacy and safety safeguards adopted in 2025.
What stays the same: Parents retain rights under other laws; schools remain subject to state and federal requirements.
IL26-638 — Girls' K–12 school athletics
This initiative would establish sex-based eligibility requirements for certain female-designated school sports and a verification process.
What your vote means: YES enacts the proposed eligibility and verification rules. NO keeps the current participation framework.
Supporters say sex-based rules would protect competitive fairness and opportunities in girls' sports. Opponents say restrictions could exclude some students and raise privacy, safety and implementation concerns.
What stays the same: Schools continue offering athletics under applicable law; read the measure for exact eligibility requirements.
Local ballot questions
Unincorporated Island County — Fireworks advisory vote
An advisory question concerning pursuit of a consumer-fireworks ban in unincorporated county areas.
What your vote means: YES expresses support for pursuing a ban. NO does not express support.
The advisory vote does not itself enact a ban; incorporated cities are outside the question. Any rule change requires a separate county process.
City of Langley — Proposition 1
Would authorize a higher regular property-tax levy for city services and technology.
What your vote means: APPROVED authorizes the proposed increase. REJECTED does not.
The proposed increase is approximately $0.6485 per $1,000 of assessed value, or approximately $389 annually on a $600,000 assessed property before exemptions.
What stays the same: Eligible seniors and people with disabilities may qualify for exemptions; existing taxes and city services continue regardless of the result.
Port of South Whidbey district — Proposition 1
Would authorize a higher levy for port facilities and related investments.
What your vote means: YES authorizes the proposed increase. NO does not.
The proposed rate difference is approximately $0.06 per $1,000 of assessed value, or about $36 annually on a $600,000 assessed property.
What stays the same: Applies only within the Port district; existing Port operations and taxes continue.
Illustrative added annual property tax
These figures illustrate the proposed increase, not the total property-tax bill. Langley and Port measures apply in different voting areas.
| Assessed value | Langley only | Port district only |
|---|---|---|
| $400,000 | $259 | $24 |
| $600,000 | $389 | $36 |
| $800,000 | $519 | $48 |
| $1,000,000 | $649 | $60 |
Formula: assessed value ÷ 1,000 x proposed levy-rate increase. Exemptions and individual circumstances can change actual amounts.
Candidates and their offices
These descriptions explain what each office does; they are not biographies or endorsements. Consult the official voters' pamphlet for candidate statements.
Before you vote
Compare this guide with your actual ballot. Read original candidate statements and both sides of ballot questions. Sign your return envelope and return your ballot on time.
Election Day: November 3, 2026. Ballots mailed by October 16. Online/mail registration deadline: October 26. In-person registration is available through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Download the guide
Prefer a PDF? Both editions remain available.
Educational information only. This publication does not endorse any candidate or ballot measure. Archived publications are preserved for historical reference and should not be treated as current election instructions.