Four special election ballots are due back today

Published 10:09 pm Monday, April 26, 2010

Voters still have time to cast their ballots on a few multimillion-dollar measures in today’s special election.

Ballots need to be postmarked or dropped off at a collection center by 8 tonight.

The election will let voters in Everett weigh in on funding for emergency medical services, while voters in Marysville, Monroe and Index tackle school spending issues.

Snohomish County sent out 99,600 ballots, and so far has heard back from nearly 26,000 voters — on pace with predictions. Ultimately, election officials expect about 35,000 people will vote in the election.

“We’re very much on course,” said Garth Fell, Snohomish County elections manager.

The most ballots — 43,900 — were sent to voters in Everett. The city wants to increase the amount it charges on its emergency medical services levy.

If approved, the levy would jump to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value from 31 cents. The owner of a $300,000 home would pay $150 a year, or $57 more than they now pay.

Other ballot measures address a $32 million bond for school construction in the Marysville School District, a maintenance program for the Index School District worth $210,615 a year, and three separate propositions in Monroe, including a $47.4 million bond for upgrades to Park Place Middle School.

While ballots must be cast by today, the election won’t be certified until May 12.

Eric Stevick contributed to this report.

Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455; arathbun@heraldnet.com.

Vote today

Voters can cast their ballots in today’s election by mail or by visiting several drop-off points. Ballots can be dropped off at: