SNOHOMISH — A mandatory recount is set for next week to find out who will face off this November for a seat on the Snohomish school board.
Incumbent Sarah Adams and teacher Monica Weber were in an exact tie on primary night with 2,744 votes apiece. After some more ballot drops, Adams pulled ahead by 20 votes in the official count this week. State law requires machine recounts when the difference between opponents is less than 2,000 votes and also less than 0.50% of the total number of votes cast for both candidates.
The recount will settle who is up against Sherri Larkin in the general election for Position 4. Certified results showed Larkin, a teacher for 13 years and first-time candidate, was the top candidate with 35.8% of the vote.
With 12,424 votes cast, about 30% of voters cast a ballot. Adams garnered 32% of the vote with Weber close behind at 31.8%.
“I look forward to hopefully continuing to serve on the board and advocate for students, families, and teachers,” Adams said in an email responding to initial results.
Adams and Weber didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment Friday.
Adams was appointed to the board last year, making this her first campaign for the position. She has run on improving student mental health and board transparency. She works for Compass Health and has two children enrolled in the district.
Of her 42-year teaching career, Weber has spent 29 in Snohomish schools. She has been the Snohomish Education Association president for five years.
After initial primary results came in, Weber texted her support for Adams:
“I will do everything I can to make sure she wins in November over the candidate who only taught in private schools and didn’t send her children to public school,” Weber wrote.
Ballots will likely be recounted Thursday at 1 p.m., said county Elections Manager Matthew Pangburn. On Tuesday, the Snohomish County Canvassing Board will set an official recount schedule.
Pangburn said the recount, which is open to public observation, will take about 90 minutes. If all goes to plan, the canvassing board will reconvene Friday to certify the results.
Sydney Jackson: 425-339-3430; sydney.jackson@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @_sydneyajackson.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
