SNOHOMISH — The fate of a strong-mayor proposition in Snohomish is still too close to call.
On Wednesday, Proposition 2 was failing by eight votes. By Thursday, it trailed by only two. The latest count Friday showed it passing by four.
Prop. 2 recommended a change in Snohomish’s city government from the current council-manager form to a council-mayor structure.
Close to 215 ballots cast by people who live in Snohomish still are to be counted, said Garth Fell, elections and recording manager at the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office. About 20,000 are left countywide.
People in Snohomish also voted on an advisory measure regarding a ban on possessing, selling or using consumer fireworks. It is currently failing.
The fireworks measure is nonbinding, meaning it is intended to gauge voters’ opinions. The results plan to be used in future City Council deliberations.
Snohomish City Manager Larry Bauman had expected the measure to pass. He cited the 10 other cities throughout the county who have passed the ban.
On election night, the measure was passing with 53.6 percent in favor. Friday’s numbers showed 53.8 percent opposed.
“I can’t explain it, but that’s the results we have,” Bauman said.
Based on the current trend of votes, he said he is doubtful the measure will pass.
A similar advisory measure in Bothell followed suit. Early election results showed 51.5 percent in the Snohomish County part of Bothell, and 53.4 percent in King County in favor of the advisory measure.
Friday, 54.2 percent in Snohomish County and 52 percent in King County opposed the measure.
The results show “that the community is divided on the subject,” said Peter Troedsson, assistant city manager in Bothell.
The final vote tallies are expected to be certified Nov. 29.
Caitlin Tompkins: 425-339-3192; ctompkins@heraldnet.com.
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