“You are my most reliable and in-depth local news.” – Valerie A.
Sign up for the Voter Interests Project’s free weekly newsletter.
LATEST CURATED NEWS
![ISLAND COUNTY: A Message from Commissioner Bacon [Dec. 5, 2025]](https://i0.wp.com/voterinterests.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Melanie-Bacon-e1641262105932.webp?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
NEXT ELECTION
February 2026: Special Election
Days
Hours
Minutes
Ballots will arrive on or about Jan. 23, 2026. Election Day is Feb. 10, 2026.
AROUND THE REGION
STANWOOD-CAMANO SCHOOL DISTRICT: Did you know we have several opportunities for citizens to help shape the future of our schools?
Continue Reading CAMANO: Budget Advisory Committee 5:30 p.m., Dec. 9th
STANWOOD-CAMANO SCHOOL DISTRICT: The Stanwood-Camano School Board voted on a new board president, vice president, and legislative representative during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025.
Continue Reading CAMANO: School Board elects new officers, honors Shining Star
STANWOOD-CAMANO SCHOOL DISTRICT: Our district has a Safety & Infrastructure Levy on the February 10 ballot.
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Oak Harbor adopted a court‑driven stay‑out‑of‑designated‑area ordinance letting judges bar certain drug offenders from a south‑side business zone to reduce concentrated drug activity and related crime.
Continue Reading OAK HARBOR: City maps out ‘stay out of designated area’
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Oak Harbor rejected annexing Valley High Mobile Home Park, keeping responsibility for its failing sewage system with the owners and county despite concerns for long‑time residents living with serious infrastructure problems.
Continue Reading OAK HARBOR: City Council nixes mobile park annexation request
CITY OF OAK HARBOR: The City Council’s Dec. 2, 2025 meeting centered on approving a mid‑biennial budget amendment, adopting a stay‑out‑of‑designated‑area (SODA) ordinance targeting drug‑related activity, and considering the Mangat annexation request.
Continue Reading OAK HARBOR: Dec. 2, 2025 City Council meeting [VIDEO]
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Coupeville will review plans to elevate and modify the historic Salty Vons Waterfront Inn, adding deck space and accessibility upgrades to protect the over‑water building from sea‑level‑related flooding.
Continue Reading COUPEVILLE: Owner proposes to elevate history Front Street building
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: WhidbeyHealth’s board replaced president James Golder with Marion Jouas after a disputed closed session over “personnel and legal” issues, while publicly affirming confidence in Jouas and the hospital’s direction.
Continue Reading WHIDBEY: Hospital board votes to change president
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Coupeville School District’s post-pandemic attendance and test scores dropped significantly. Leaders aim to raise both by 10% using early intervention and engaging, supportive strategies for families and students.
Continue Reading COUPEVILLE: Schools plan to boost attendance
SOUTH WHIDBEY PARKS AND RECREATION DISTRICT: First pouring of cement for the new Aquatic Center yesterday.
SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD: Langley’s council preliminarily approved downzoning Edgecliff Drive parcels to larger single-family lots to protect a vulnerable bluff, despite staff’s affordability concerns; the contentious decision awaits a final Dec. 15 vote.
Continue Reading LANGLEY: Downzoning motion approved in contentious vote
SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD: Langley enacted a six-month moratorium on most new development to implement a 15% inclusionary housing program, exempting 100% affordable projects while postponing broader “missing middle” housing changes.
Continue Reading LANGLEY: Staff-proposed moratorium approved by city council
WHIDBEY ISLAND PUBLIC HOSPITAL DISTRICT: WhidbeyHealth has partnered with Island County Department of Emergency Management to support their Emergency Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Survey.
Continue Reading WHIDBEY: WhidbeyHealth has partnered with Island County
Island County Commissioner Melanie Bacon (D-Langley) sent her weekly recap to constituents on Fri., Dec. 5, 2025.
Continue Reading ISLAND COUNTY: A Message from Commissioner Bacon [Dec. 5, 2025]
STANWOOD CAMANO NEWS: Island County adopted a balanced but lean 2026 budget after major staff and spending adjustments, while one commissioner warned it still fails to prepare for steep costs expected in 2027.
Continue Reading ISLAND COUNTY: County adopts $164.7M budget for 2026
Rep. Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) sent an invitation to a campaign fundraiser in Bellingham to supporters on Mon., Dec. 1, 2025.
Continue Reading ELECTIONS 2026 / DAVE PAUL: Another opportunity
DAVE PAUL: It was great to see so many friends and neighbors at the event.
Continue Reading ELECTIONS 2026 / DAVE PAUL: Thanks for a wonderful kickoff!
DAVE PAUL: Students from Haller Middle School wrote to me to about their concerns for the environment, transportation, and climate change.
Continue Reading LEGISLATURE 2025-26 / DAVE PAUL: Met with students
ON THE AGENDA
