With Mayor Margaret Larson retiring in Arlington, six people vied for two spots on the general election ballot. Leading the pack in initial returns in a close race were Steve Baker and Barbara Tolbert.
The vote totals are bound to change in coming days as the Snohomish County Auditor tallies ballots from the all-mail election.
Voter turnout in Arlington was better than in the rest of Snohomish County, but the percentage was still low. Primary turnout is historically low, especially in years when there’s no presidential election.
Baker, an Arlington city councilman, led Tolbert, the director of the Arlington Fly-In, by less than 1 percentage point. Baker had 29 percent to Tolbert’s 28.5 percent.
Downtown Arlington Business Association President Debora Nelson had 17 percent of the vote in early returns, former Arlington firefighter Craig Christianson got 14 percent, parks commissioner Carsten Mullin received 7 percent and former council candidate Kari Illonummi earned 3 percent.
Baker, who left town for a two-week vacation on election morning, could not be reached for comment.
Tolbert, who serves on the city airport commission, said she is proud to be among those who ran for election.
“I’m optimistic about this race. Steve Baker and I are separated by a very close margin,” Tolbert said. “I look forward to getting out and talking again with the citizens of Arlington. Moving forward with the people of this city will be an honor.”
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