Blakely Island, Washington Public Records

The clerk's office is responsible for maintaining and providing access to the official court records, so that residents and interested parties can obtain the necessary documentation for their legal needs.

While the island's permanent population is relatively small, the influx of tourists and part-time residents during the summer months provides a significant boost to the local economy, supporting businesses and services that cater to the island's recreational and leisure offerings. The island's natural beauty, coupled with its tranquil atmosphere, have made it an attractive location For people looking for a respite from the demands of modern life.

Residents register to vote online at www.vote.wa.gov, Washington's statewide voter registration portal managed by the Secretary of State. New residents must register at least 8 days before an election (online or by mail) or in person up to 8 p.m. On Election Day at the Elections Office. Washington offers same-day registration with provisional ballot options. Voters need to provide a Washington State driver's license or ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. As an unincorporated community with no municipal government, residents do not vote in city council or mayoral elections. Instead, voters participate in San Juan County elections for County Council (three council members elected at-large), Sheriff, Assessor, Auditor, Clerk, Treasurer, Prosecuting Attorney, and Coroner. The County Council serves as both the legislative body and board of commissioners. Voters also participate in Washington State legislative elections, the island is in Legislative District 40, electing one State Senator and two State Representatives, along with statewide offices and federal races. Polling place lookup is not applicable since Washington conducts elections entirely by mail, but voters can check their registration status, ballot status, and designated ballot drop box locations at www.vote.wa.gov. Ballot drop boxes are located throughout San Juan County including at the Friday Harbor Elections Office, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and other locations; residents typically use the Friday Harbor or Orcas Island drop boxes. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or deposited in official drop boxes by 8 p.m. On Election Day. Election records that are public in Washington include voter registration lists (names and addresses, excluding phone and email), campaign finance reports searchable at www.pdc.wa.gov (Public Disclosure Commission), candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and ballot measures. In the November 2024 presidential election, San Juan County reported approximately 72% voter turnout with over 12,000 ballots cast out of roughly 16,700 registered voters, reflecting San Juan County's high civic engagement. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature critical races for the area. While Washington does not have U.S. Senate elections in 2026 (next in 2028), voters will decide the Governor's race (Governor Jay Inslee is not seeking re-election), Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and other statewide executive offices. Legislative District 40 voters will elect one State Senator (four-year term) and two State Representatives (two-year terms). San Juan County will hold elections for County Council positions (staggered terms), potentially Sheriff and other county offices depending on term schedules, and San Juan Island School District positions. In Washington, the August primary (typically the first Tuesday in August) narrows candidates to the top two vote-getters regardless of party for the November general election under the state's top-two primary system. Absentee/mail ballots are automatically mailed to all active registered voters; voters who did not receive a ballot can request a replacement from the San Juan County Elections Office by phone, online, or in person. Military and overseas voters can access ballots electronically through the Federal Voting Assistance Program.