Seattle's 1891 Ballot: Annexation and $861,704 in Bonds
Before Seattle grew to its modern size, the city held a massive special election to decide the future of its neighboring townships and fund its expanding infrastructure.
Notice is hereby given that on the 26th day of January, 1891, a special election will be held in the city of Seattle and in the territory proposed for annexation, to determine if said territory shall become a part of the city. The territory to be annexed includes parts of Salmon Bay, Fremont, Latona, and the town of Ballard. Simultaneously, the city will submit the question of issuing bonds in the sum of $861,704.60 to the voters. These funds are intended to cover outstanding warrants on the road and fire funds, and to settle city indebtedness created by the widening of Commercial, Second, South Second, South Third, and Front streets, as well as the establishment of a public square. Polls will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Voters favoring annexation or the bond issuance must mark their ballots accordingly.
“The legislative body has appointed and designated as the officers to conduct said election the following persons.”
In 1891, Seattle was grappling with the same growing pains we recognize today: rapid territorial expansion and the heavy financial burden of building municipal infrastructure. The 'widening of streets' and creation of public squares were as central to city-building then as our current debates over transit corridors and park investments.
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