The Ballot Brief
Washington County, Minnesota

County Question 1: PRESERVATION OF WATER QUALITY, WILDLIFE HABITAT, AND NATURAL AREAS

We use AI to research and write election information. Errors are possible. Verify important details with official sources.

Minnesota › Washington County › County Question 1: PRESERVATION OF WATER QUALITY, WILDLIFE HABITAT, AND NATURAL AREAS

Did it pass? The official answer comes November 19.

Minnesota makes results final in three steps.
✓
Done · Nov 3
Votes were cast and counted
Election night totals are a first count, not the final one.
2
Happening now · by Nov 11
Washington County double-checks its count
The county reviews mail ballots, provisional ballots and any recount, then sends official totals to the state.
3
Next · Nov 19
Minnesota makes it official
The State Canvassing Board certifies the result. The result appears on this page that day.

What local news is reporting

Not official yetUpdated November 4, 2026

This report is cited to the outlet that published it. We do not call results.

County Question 1: PRESERVATION OF WATER QUALITY, WILDLIFE HABITAT, AND NATURAL AREAS
Passed with 73% yes, the Pioneer Press reported.Pioneer Press, “Washington County voters approve $40M Land and Water Legacy renewal”, November 4, 2026. Unofficial until certified.

Reports are checked daily until Minnesota certifies on November 19; the official result is the state's certified count.

County Question 1: PRESERVATION OF WATER QUALITY, WILDLIFE HABITAT, AND NATURAL AREAS was a bond question for Washington County on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Authorizes Washington County to issue general obligation bonds of up to $40,000,000 to acquire and improve land for water quality, wildlife habitat and natural-area protection under the county's Land and Water Legacy Program. $40,000,000 in general obligation bonds; approximately $24.60/year for 20 years on a median-value residential homestead.

As of November 4, 2026, the Pioneer Press reported that County Question 1: PRESERVATION OF WATER QUALITY, WILDLIFE HABITAT, AND NATURAL AREAS passed with 73% yes; the result is unofficial until Minnesota certifies it on November 19.

A yes vote means: Washington County may issue up to $40,000,000 in bonds for the Land and Water Legacy Program, funded by a property tax increase.
A no vote means: The county may not issue these bonds and the program is not funded this way.

Bond question Washington County

Cost, rate or term as stated: $40,000,000 in general obligation bonds; approximately $24.60/year for 20 years on a median-value residential homestead.
How it reached the ballot: County Board
Official ballot language:
To continue to improve the water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams, including the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers, protect drinking water sources, preserve wetlands and woodlands, protect land along water bodies from development and preserve natural areas, purchase parklands, and protect wildlife habitat, shall Washington County be authorized to issue general obligation bonds in an aggregate amount not to exceed $40,000,000 to acquire and improve land under the Washington County Land and Water Legacy Program with the use of funds limited to these purposes only, full public disclosure of…

All 2 questions on the Washington County ballot

Voting info and more
Verify this question

Source: Minnesota Secretary of State (official document).

See every race and question on the Washington County sample ballot and the Minnesota statewide measures.