Voter Turnout Requirements for February 11 Special Election Bond Validation

On December 9, 2024, the Puyallup School Board voted unanimously to advance the Bond Advisory Committee’s (BAC) recommendation to move forward with Proposition 1, a bond measure for the February 11, 2025, special election. Proposition 1, developed over several months, outlines projects to address overcrowding, update aging school facilities, and accommodate growing student enrollment in the district. 

The $800 million bond proposal includes a 21-year timeline (2025–2046) to support infrastructure projects such as adding high school capacity to address overcrowding and replacing aging elementary schools. The bond plan includes rolling back a portion of the district’s existing capital levy to maintain the current tax rate of $4.14 per $1,000 of assessed property value. 

The Challenge: Meeting Voter Turnout Requirements 

To validate the bond election, voter turnout must meet two requirements: a minimum threshold of 40% of the November 2024 general election turnout—equaling at least 28,600 ballots for the February 11, 2025, special election and the bond measure must receive a supermajority of 60% + one vote approval to pass. 

The November 2024 general election saw a significant voter turnout in the Puyallup School District voting area, with 71,055 ballots submitted. This high turnout sets a proportional threshold for the February 11, 2025, election. Historically, voter turnout in special elections is lower than in general elections, which may pose a challenge in reaching the required turnout. For example, in February 2024, 24,763 ballots were cast, representing 28.32% of active voters at the time. 

If February 2025 voter turnout aligns with this trend, an estimated 25,788 ballots might be cast, potentially falling short of the 40% threshold by approximately 2,812 ballots.  

Key Projects Proposed in the Bond 

The bond proposal includes funding for seven key projects to address the district’s identified needs: 

• Expand: Additions to Emerald Ridge, Puyallup, and Rogers High Schools to address overcrowding. 
   
• Replace: Replacements for Mt. View, Spinning, and Waller Road Elementary Schools to update aging facilities
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• Build: Construction of a new school in the Sunrise Master Plan area to accommodate projected enrollment growth and reduce overcrowding at nearby schools. 

The bond proposal also includes a contingency of 10% to manage unforeseen costs and anticipates a potential state match of up to $152.9 million as projects approach completion. 

Voter Resources and Registration 

Residents can access facts and information about the bond, and voter resources on the district’s website at puyallupsd.org/bond. 

Make sure your voice is heard by registering to vote. Washington offers several convenient ways to register: 

1. Online: Register any time at VoteWA.gov, Washington’s official voter registration portal. 
    
2. By Mail: Download a voter registration form from the Pierce County Elections website, available in multiple languages, and mail it to Pierce County Elections. Forms must be received by the 8-day deadline. 
    
3. In-Person: Visit the Pierce County Elections Office in Tacoma to register in person. In-person registration is available through Election Day. 

Students and Future Voters 

Washington allows 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote. These registrations are automatically activated when they turn 18, ensuring readiness for their first eligible election. Additionally, 17-year-olds who pre-register can vote in the August Primary Election and Presidential Primaries if they turn 18 before the following November General Election. 

For more information about voter registration and election deadlines, visit the Pierce County Elections website.