The City of Bellingham shall be divided into 6 wards as nearly equal in population and geographically compact as possible: Provided; That the existing boundaries of the wards as now constituted shall continue until changed as provided in the next paragraph.

Commencing February 1, 1988, and by February 15 of each 4th year thereafter, whenever the number of registered voters in any one ward exceeds the number of registered voters in any other ward by more than 15%, the Finance Director shall notify the City Council, and the City Council shall, by ordinance, cause the imbalance in ward size to be rectified in accordance with this and the preceding paragraph: Provided; that Council action on any redivision shall be completed by April 30th of that year. The Finance Director shall, on May 1st of each 4th year, certify to the City Council the number of registered voters in each ward as of that date. [Amended November 4, 1986]