April 28 Special Election: Mason County voters are deciding the fate of the North Mason School District replacement levy — the district’s third attempt after failures in February and November 2025. Ballots were mailed April 7. Return yours by April 28 or drop at any official Mason County drop box.
North Mason School District Levy Is on the April 28 Ballot — For the Third Time
Mason County voters have another chance to decide the future of their local public schools. The North Mason School District replacement levy is on the April 28, 2026 Special Election ballot — and for many residents, the stakes feel higher than ever.
The levy failed in February 2025. It failed again in November 2025. A third consecutive failure would leave the district without any levy funding for the 2026–2027 school year and likely trigger cuts deeper than the $4.5 million the district already absorbed after the first failure.
If you haven’t returned your ballot yet, here’s everything you need to know before April 28.
What the Levy Does
The North Mason School District replacement levy is a four-year renewal measure that would authorize the collection of up to $5,577,446 annually from 2026 through 2029. The estimated property tax rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026.
This is not new money — it’s a replacement for an expiring levy. The funds cover programs and services the state’s basic education formula does not pay for, including middle and high school athletics, arts and music programs, elective course offerings, counseling services, security staff, after-school programs, and community gymnasium roof replacement.
What Two Levy Failures Have Already Cost
The February 2025 levy failure triggered approximately $4.5 million in budget cuts and staff reductions across the North Mason School District. Those cuts affected every program category funded by the levy — reduced athletics, scaled-back arts, fewer support staff in counseling and security roles.
A third failure in April 2026 would mean the district goes without levy funding entirely for the upcoming school year. District leadership has indicated further reductions would be necessary — likely more severe than the previous round.
Who Is Affected
The North Mason School District serves communities in both Mason County and portions of Kitsap County. Registered voters within the district boundaries in both counties received ballots for this measure.
How to Return Your Ballot
Ballots were mailed to all registered voters on April 7, and ballot processing began April 13. Results will be available after 8 PM on Election Day, April 28.
To return your ballot: drop it at any official Mason County drop box (open 24/7 — locations at masoncountywa.gov), or mail it postmarked by April 28. Track your ballot status at VoteWA.gov under “Your Ballot and Voting Materials.”
For ballot questions, contact the Mason County Auditor at 360-427-9670 ext. 468 during business hours or 360-968-4131 after hours.
Key dates: April 20 is the last day to register by mail or online. Same-day in-person registration is available at the Mason County Auditor’s office on Election Day.
Related Mason County Civic Coverage
For recent Mason County government decisions, see our coverage of the SR-3 Belfair Bypass $48.3M funding and Mason County Government Update.
Related: Mason County Forest Festival 2026 — June 5–7 in Shelton
Frequently Asked Questions: Mason County April 28, 2026 Special Election
What is on the Mason County April 28, 2026 ballot?
The primary measure is the North Mason School District replacement levy, which would authorize up to $5,577,446 annually from 2026 through 2029 to fund programs not covered by the state’s basic education formula — including athletics, arts, music, counseling, security staff, and after-school programs.
How many times has the North Mason levy been on the ballot?
The April 28, 2026 vote is the third attempt. The levy failed in February 2025 and again in November 2025. Each failure has resulted in budget cuts and program reductions at North Mason schools.
What programs were cut after the first levy failure?
The February 2025 levy failure led to approximately $4.5 million in district cuts, affecting athletics, arts, music, counseling services, security staffing, and after-school programs across the district.
What is the North Mason levy tax rate?
The estimated rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2026. On a $300,000 assessed home, that is approximately $384 per year.
How do I return my Mason County ballot?
Drop your ballot at any official Mason County drop box (locations at masoncountywa.gov) or mail it postmarked by April 28. Track your ballot status at VoteWA.gov.
When are April 28 election results released?
Initial results will be available after 8 PM on April 28, 2026, once the Mason County Auditor begins processing returned ballots.
What is the last day to register to vote for the April 28 election?
April 20, 2026 is the last day to register by mail or online. Same-day voter registration is available in person at the Mason County Auditor’s office on Election Day.
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