Herald staff
Many of you have already voted.
Although the primary election isn’t until Tuesday, the Snohomish County Auditor’s Office mailed out about 150,000 absentee ballots prior to the election.
At the end of last week, about 40,000 absentee ballots had been received, around 27 percent, county elections manager Scott Konopasek said.
Auditor’s office officials said last week’s terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., may have kept some people from voting early. But they expect more absentee ballots to come in during the final two days. They must be postmarked by Tuesday to be counted.
If you don’t vote by mail, Tuesday you can go to the polls, which close at 8 p.m.
With planes back in the air now, mail delivery for absentee ballots is no longer a concern from snowbirds who are out of the area. There’s plenty of time for the ballots to get here. The auditor’s office has 10 days after election day itself to certify the voting.
There are key city races across Snohomish County this primary election.
Everett Mayor Ed Hansen is being challenged by three political newcomers. Three positions on the Everett City Council are also up for grabs.
And five city council members are going at it for mayor of Lynnwood, and Granite Falls has three hopefuls.
Council races also are taking place in Marysville, Monroe, Arlington, Granite Falls, Lake Stevens, Bothell and Edmonds.
School, fire, water and sewer spots also are on the ballot in some areas.
Community Transit has a tax issue on the ballot to try to improve service. Numerous fire districts also have tax issues to maintain or improve service.
The Port of Edmonds has three measures that would reduce the length of terms, but add commissioners.
A parks measure also is on the ballot.
The percentage of absentee ballots returned is highest in the 21st Legislative District and in Snohomish County Council District 1.
In a race that could break the three-year 49-49 tie in the state House of Representatives, Democrats Brian Sullivan and D. J. Wilson are battling to try to take the spot from appointed incumbent Republican Joe Marine of Mukilteo. The 21st District includes Mukilteo, Lynnwood, Edmonds, Woodway and Mountlake Terrace.
In the 38th District, either Jean Berkey or Randall Rike will advance from the Democratic primary race.
The District 1 county council race in the northern part of the county pits Democrat Mike Ashley against challenger Chris Laird. The winner will face Republican John Koster in November’s general election.
In south-central Snohomish County District 4, Republicans Pam Pruitt and state Rep. Dave Schmidt are going head-to-head for their party’s nomination to face Democrat Dave Gossett Nov. 6.
In District 5, either Chad Minnick or Jeff Sax will advance as the Republican candidate after Tuesday.
In Island County, the only item on the ballot is the Admirals Cove Water District in Coupeville.
In the primary, only partisan races and non-partisan races with three or more candidates will appear on the ballot. In non-partisan races, the top two advance. In partisan races, only the candidate receiving the most votes from each party advances.
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